Guide to the F-1 / J-1 Visa Process
This guide covers your journey from receiving the Penn State immigration document to arriving in the U.S. and understanding your responsibilities. You can download this information (MS Word document) to use as a reference.
On this page
Step 1: Review your I-20 or DS-2019
Verify all your biographical information is correct. Email international@psu.edu for any required corrections.
Important Note: The major listed on your I-20 or DS-2019 is associated with a CIP Code (Classification of Instructional Program Code). This code is predetermined by your department and attached to your major course of study. We cannot change your I-20 unless the change is made to your registration with the university.
Step 1: Review your I-20 or DS-2019
Verify all your biographical information is correct. Email international@psu.edu for any required corrections.
Important Note: The major listed on your I-20 or DS-2019 is associated with a CIP Code (Classification of Instructional Program Code). This code is predetermined by your department and attached to your major course of study. We cannot change your I-20 unless the change is made to your registration with the university.
Step 2: Print your I-20 or DS-2019
Staple all pages of your document together. You must have a printed version of the form I-20 or DS-2019 for your visa interview and for travel. The original form I-20 or DS-2019 will not be mailed.
Step 2: Print your I-20 or DS-2019
Staple all pages of your document together. You must have a printed version of the form I-20 or DS-2019 for your visa interview and for travel. The original form I-20 or DS-2019 will not be mailed.
Step 3: Sign and date your I-20 or DS-2019 in ink
The signature line is located at the bottom of the first page at the “X” above your typed name. A digital student signature is NOT accepted. Sign and date the form in ink.
Step 3: Sign and date your I-20 or DS-2019 in ink
The signature line is located at the bottom of the first page at the “X” above your typed name. A digital student signature is NOT accepted. Sign and date the form in ink.
Step 4: Learn about getting an F-1 or J-1 visa
F-1 students please refer to the Study in the States Government Site.
J-1 students please refer to Bridge USA.
Step 4: Learn about getting an F-1 or J-1 visa
F-1 students please refer to the Study in the States Government Site.
J-1 students please refer to Bridge USA.
Step 5: Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee
You are required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee for each new Initial I-20 or DS-2019 SEVIS ID. Students who receive a “transfer pending" I-20 or DS-2019 from Penn State do not need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee as long as they begin classes within 5 months of their last enrollment. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has more information available about this fee.
Watch the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) I-901 SEVIS Fee tutorial and then pay the I-901 SEVIS fee online. The I-901 fee should be paid at least 3 days before any visa interview. It is recommended that you keep a copy of the receipt.
Be careful and avoid SCAMS! FMJFee.com is the ONLY site certified to collect I-901 SEVIS Fee Payments.
You must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee if:
- You are seeking an initial F-1 or J-1 visa from a U.S. consulate.
- You are a Canadian citizen seeking admission at a port-of-entry to begin initial attendance. (Canadian citizens are visa exempt, but the SEVIS fee must be paid before going to the border.)
- You are currently in the U.S. as a J-1 applying for a change of category-such as a change from J-1 scholar to J-1 student.
- You are in the U.S. in J-1 status and are applying for reinstatement after a substantive violation or you have been out of status for more than 120 days but less than 270 days.
- You are in the U.S. in F-1 status and are applying for reinstatement after failing to maintain status.
- You were in F-1 status but left the U.S. more than five months ago.
Step 5: Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee
You are required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee for each new Initial I-20 or DS-2019 SEVIS ID. Students who receive a “transfer pending" I-20 or DS-2019 from Penn State do not need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee as long as they begin classes within 5 months of their last enrollment. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has more information available about this fee.
Watch the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) I-901 SEVIS Fee tutorial and then pay the I-901 SEVIS fee online. The I-901 fee should be paid at least 3 days before any visa interview. It is recommended that you keep a copy of the receipt.
Be careful and avoid SCAMS! FMJFee.com is the ONLY site certified to collect I-901 SEVIS Fee Payments.
You must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee if:
- You are seeking an initial F-1 or J-1 visa from a U.S. consulate.
- You are a Canadian citizen seeking admission at a port-of-entry to begin initial attendance. (Canadian citizens are visa exempt, but the SEVIS fee must be paid before going to the border.)
- You are currently in the U.S. as a J-1 applying for a change of category-such as a change from J-1 scholar to J-1 student.
- You are in the U.S. in J-1 status and are applying for reinstatement after a substantive violation or you have been out of status for more than 120 days but less than 270 days.
- You are in the U.S. in F-1 status and are applying for reinstatement after failing to maintain status.
- You were in F-1 status but left the U.S. more than five months ago.
Step 6: Apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa with the U.S. Embassy in your country
A visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry and request entry. You must have the printed and signed I-20 or DS-2019 in addition to an F-1 or J-1 visa to request entry into the U.S.
Canadian and Bermudian citizens are visa exempt, but they must obtain an I-20 or DS-2019, pay the SEVIS fee and show the receipt of payment at the port-of-entry.
The U.S. Department of State has helpful resources. Follow-up with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with any questions regarding your visa application.
- Apply for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home county. Be prepared to pay the Visa Application Fee (also called MRV fee): Payment for the visa application fee varies among the U.S. consulates.
- Complete the visa application (DS-160) and print the DS-160 confirmation page with the application ID number after you submit online.
- Schedule the biometrics appointment and visa appointment. Follow the U.S. Consulate post instructions for making an appointment. You will need the DS-160 application ID number, the MRV receipt, passport number, and the SEVIS ID number to make an appointment.
Check the instructions and prepare all required documentation such as:
- DS-160 confirmation page with the application ID number
- The MRV (visa application) fee receipt
- Printed I-20 or DS-2019
- Photo
- Valid passport
Additional documents may be required, such as:
- Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, and standardized test scores
- Proof of non-immigrant intent
- Financial guarantee documents
Step 6: Apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa with the U.S. Embassy in your country
A visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry and request entry. You must have the printed and signed I-20 or DS-2019 in addition to an F-1 or J-1 visa to request entry into the U.S.
Canadian and Bermudian citizens are visa exempt, but they must obtain an I-20 or DS-2019, pay the SEVIS fee and show the receipt of payment at the port-of-entry.
The U.S. Department of State has helpful resources. Follow-up with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with any questions regarding your visa application.
- Apply for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home county. Be prepared to pay the Visa Application Fee (also called MRV fee): Payment for the visa application fee varies among the U.S. consulates.
- Complete the visa application (DS-160) and print the DS-160 confirmation page with the application ID number after you submit online.
- Schedule the biometrics appointment and visa appointment. Follow the U.S. Consulate post instructions for making an appointment. You will need the DS-160 application ID number, the MRV receipt, passport number, and the SEVIS ID number to make an appointment.
Check the instructions and prepare all required documentation such as:
- DS-160 confirmation page with the application ID number
- The MRV (visa application) fee receipt
- Printed I-20 or DS-2019
- Photo
- Valid passport
Additional documents may be required, such as:
- Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, and standardized test scores
- Proof of non-immigrant intent
- Financial guarantee documents
Step 7: Plan for departure
- Look for pre-departure information in your home country.
- If you are an F-1 student, information can be found on this Education USA site.
- If you are a J-1 student, information can be found on the BridgeUSA site.
- If you have a driver’s license in your home country and will be in the U.S. for less than one year, you should get an international driving permit before leaving home.
- Prepare your finances to make payments for tuition, housing, and initial expenses.
- Keep your passport (with visa), admission letter, I-20 or DS-2019, and financial documents in your carry-on bag or personal item during your travel to the U.S. You will need to access these documents during your trip. DO NOT put these documents in your checked luggage.
- When you leave the CBP Officer at the port-of-entry, be sure you have the following:
- I-20 or DS-2019
- Passport
- Any other documents
Step 7: Plan for departure
- Look for pre-departure information in your home country.
- If you are an F-1 student, information can be found on this Education USA site.
- If you are a J-1 student, information can be found on the BridgeUSA site.
- If you have a driver’s license in your home country and will be in the U.S. for less than one year, you should get an international driving permit before leaving home.
- Prepare your finances to make payments for tuition, housing, and initial expenses.
- Keep your passport (with visa), admission letter, I-20 or DS-2019, and financial documents in your carry-on bag or personal item during your travel to the U.S. You will need to access these documents during your trip. DO NOT put these documents in your checked luggage.
- When you leave the CBP Officer at the port-of-entry, be sure you have the following:
- I-20 or DS-2019
- Passport
- Any other documents
Step 8: Immigration check-in is mandatory and must be completed in iStart
Start now and complete upon arrival. Failure to complete the check-in process with ISSA will result in termination of your legal stay in the U.S.
Read the full Immigration Check-In information. Complete the forms within one week of your arrival in the U.S.
Step 8: Immigration check-in is mandatory and must be completed in iStart
Start now and complete upon arrival. Failure to complete the check-in process with ISSA will result in termination of your legal stay in the U.S.
Read the full Immigration Check-In information. Complete the forms within one week of your arrival in the U.S.
Step 9: Your F-1 or J-1 immigration status active Is your responsibility
It is important for you to review and know regulations you must follow to maintain your F-1 or J-1 status. Refer to: Understanding Your Legal Requirements
Step 9: Your F-1 or J-1 immigration status active Is your responsibility
It is important for you to review and know regulations you must follow to maintain your F-1 or J-1 status. Refer to: Understanding Your Legal Requirements
Other required tasks to complete
- New Student Orientation for Undergraduate Students: Use the “task list” to make a reservation for the preferred NSO Program when available. You will attend an academic advising session and make course selections during NSO.
- International Student Welcome: You are encouraged to join and learn about our university at International Student Welcome events.
- Health Insurance: Coverage that meets Penn State standards is mandatory for all F-1 and J-1 students and all dependents who are in the United States.
- Office of the Bursar: The Bursar handles University billing. Become familiar with your student billing account.
- Immunizations: Some immunizations are required and must be submitted online.
- Housing: Complete an on-campus housingcontract or secure off campus housing.
- Sponsored students: Please connect with the Sponsored Student Office for additional requirements and services offered.
Other required tasks to complete
- New Student Orientation for Undergraduate Students: Use the “task list” to make a reservation for the preferred NSO Program when available. You will attend an academic advising session and make course selections during NSO.
- International Student Welcome: You are encouraged to join and learn about our university at International Student Welcome events.
- Health Insurance: Coverage that meets Penn State standards is mandatory for all F-1 and J-1 students and all dependents who are in the United States.
- Office of the Bursar: The Bursar handles University billing. Become familiar with your student billing account.
- Immunizations: Some immunizations are required and must be submitted online.
- Housing: Complete an on-campus housingcontract or secure off campus housing.
- Sponsored students: Please connect with the Sponsored Student Office for additional requirements and services offered.
