In January 2003, the U.S. government initiated the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System, or SEVIS. SEVIS is an on-line database created by the U.S. government to permit immigration officials to access current information recorded by U.S. colleges and universities on nonimmigrant students holding F, M, and J visas.  The purpose of the system is to provide the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with information regarding international students' local and permanent addresses, authorized employment activities, and current registration status. It also permits colleges and universities to create and update student I-20s. CIIS may assist students with the application for F-1 student visas only.

To apply for an F-1 student visa, you will need a SEVIS Form I-20 from CIIS. The SEVIS I-20 is a certificate of eligibility for non-immigrant, F-1 student status and requires visa applicants to pay the SEVIS Fee. Having a U.S. visa is like having a key to enter the country. The expiration date on your visa is the last day you may enter the United States from abroad. You need a valid visa every time you enter the country.

CIIS will issue a SEVIS I-20 for your visa application on these conditions: (a) you have been fully admitted into a program of study at the Institute and (b) you have shown proof of financial support for the first year of study. In order to provide proof of financial support you will need to complete and submit the Certificate of Funding Form.

The Certificate of Funding Form is used to show proof of support for your first year of study. You must demonstrate sufficient funding to cover all study expenses including tuition, fees, books, travel, and other living expenses. Funding may come from your own personal account, a private sponsor's account, and/or scholarships/loans that have been approved. In addition to filling out the form, you will need to provide adequate verification of the funds. Verification documents include:

1. Original letter from your bank or your sponsor's bank stating the available account balance. The letter must be on official letterhead, dated within two months of your program start date and include the bank's seal.
2. Official award letter stating the amount and duration of the scholarship awarded.
3. Loan approval letter from the granting institution, stating the loan amount.

***You should obtain two original copies of the financial verification documents. One set of originals should be sent to CIIS. The other set of originals should be retained by you, so that you may have them available when applying for a visa and for use at the port of entry.***

Once you have obtained an I-20 from CIIS, you will need to take the following documents to a U.S. Consulate:

(1) Form I-20: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status
(2) Passport: The passport must be valid for travel to the United States and be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States.
(3) Certificate of Funding Form and Financial Verification Documents
(4) An Application Form DS-156 and DS-158: These forms are available without charge at all U.S. Consular Offices.
(5) An Application Form DS-157: This form is only required for males between the ages of 16 and 45.
(6) One Photograph: 2 inches by 2 inches square, showing both ears, and taken within the last 6 months
(7) Application Fee: Varies by country

The visa application process may differ depending upon the specific consular office in your home country. For further details, please locate your U.S. Consulate.

You must also present the first three documents to an immigration inspector at the U.S. Port of Entry. The immigration inspector decides whether or not to admit you into the U.S. with an F-1 nonimmigrant status.

Students who are citizens of Canada may obtain their F-1 visas at the port of entry. Canadian students may present their Form I-20, passport, and additional supporting financial documents to the U.S. Immigration Inspector at the U.S. Port of Entry. Landed immigrants in Canada must apply for a visa before entering the U.S.