Bryant University. The Character of Success

OBTAINING AN F-1 STUDENT VISA

This information is designed for Bryant University international students.

Your SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Information System) Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility," is necessary to obtain an F-1 student visa. This visa permits you to enter the United States for the purpose of studying at Bryant University. Although citizens of many countries are eligible for the Visa Waiver Pilot Program and therefore may travel to the U.S. on tourist visa or without a visa, students must have a student visa to study at Bryant University. If you enter the U.S. on a tourist visa or without a visa, you will be required to leave the U.S. in order to enter on a proper student visa. Therefore, it is important that you follow these instructions

Review the SEVIS Form I-20

  1. Verify that the personal information in item 1 is correct. Please notify the Office of Admission at (401) 232-6100 immediately, if you find an error.
  2. Review item 8 for accuracy and make sure it reflects the source of funds on your original documents. You must have these documents to present to the Consular Officer.
  3. Read carefully all information on page 2. This will explain YOUR legal responsibilities as an F-1 student in the U.S.
  4. Complete item 11 with a ballpoint pen and provide the information requested if under the age of 18.

SEVIS FEE

If you are seeking an F-1 visa from an embassy or consulate abroad for initial attendance at Bryant University, you must pay the SEVIS fee before applying for an F-1 visa. You may pay either by mail or over the internet. For more information, visit: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/index.htm

Obtaining an F-1 Student Visa

We recommend that you contact an U.S. Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible. Processing times for visa issuance vary and may require additional time due to security checks on applications. For the latest information on visa processing, required materials, and current listings of U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad, we recommend the following web link from the U.S. Department of State (DOS): usembassy.state.gov.

Required Documentation

For more detailed information, visit DOS website at travel.state.gov.

  1. Application DS-156, together with a Form DS-158. Both forms must be completed and signed. Some applicants will also be required to complete and sign Form DS-157. Forms are available on line at evisaforms.state.gov.
  2. A passport valid for travel to the U.S. with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S.,
  3. SEVIS Form I-20 issued by Bryant University
  4. SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt; you may print the receipt from the web if you apply over the internet.
  5. Letter of Acceptance from Bryant University
  6. Evidence of sufficient funds
  7. Fee and one photograph; Please refer to DOS website at travel.state.gov.
  8. Evidence of "compelling ties;" Student Visa applicants must assure the consular officer that they have the binding ties to a residence in foreign country that they have no intention of abandoning, and that they will depart the U.S. when they have completed their studies. It is important that you are able to articulate your educational goals; emphasizing how your degree will help you when you return home.

Please be advised that F-1 visa is issued within 90 days from the program start date noted on your SEVIS I-20 line 5. If you apply more than 90 days prior to the program start date, the Embassy or Consulate will hold your application until it is able to issue the visa.