Immigration/Travel/Visa
- Am I required to pay I-901 SEVIS fee?
- How do I “check-in” when I arrive to begin my program?
- I'm planning on traveling outside the United States. What do I need to do to re-enter the United States?
- How can I renew my F or J visa?
Am I required to pay I-901 SEVIS fee?
The Department of Homeland Security requires a fee of $100 for all new F-1 and J-1 program applicants to cover the costs of the operation of the SEVIS program. If you are issued a new I-20 or DS-2019 for “initial attendance” or “beginning a new program” you are required to pay I-901 SEVIS fee. Change of level to a new degree program, transfer, extension, or other updates do not require you to pay SEVIS fee. You can read more information on the official website for SEVIS fee information and payment. You can also pay the SEVIS fee online at the same web site. You should print a copy of the receipt and take it to your visa interview and when traveling to the U.S.
How do I “check-in” when I arrive to begin my program?
Upon your arrival to the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status, you are required to report to International Student Center for a mandatory Immigration Check-in. Make sure to contact our office to register for a check-in program immediately upon your arrival, as failure to check-in in a timely fashion may result in your loss of legal status.
I'm planning on traveling outside the United States. What do I need to do to re-enter the United States?
If you are planning to travel outside the U.S., you should check that your I-20/DS-2019 will not be expiring soon, and that the I-20/DS-2019 has a travel signature dated less than a year from your planned date of re-entry to the U.S. If you need to obtain a new travel signature, stop by with your original I-20/DS-2019 and immigration documents to our office. You should also make sure your passport is valid more than six months into the future on your re-entry date, and that your F-1/J-1 visa will still be valid for your re-entry.
How can I renew my F or J visa?
The U.S. visa (stamp or sticker in your passport) is a travel document which allows entry to the United States with a valid I-20 or DS-2019. You only need to have a valid F or J visa when you are re-entering the U.S.; you may remain in the U.S. with a valid I-20 or DS-2019, and maintaining your immigration status. If you plan to travel and re-enter the U.S. from abroad after your visa has expired, you need to apply for a new visa before you re-enter. You can only apply for the visa outside the country at a U.S. Consulate.