International Student Visa Information

Fill out the OES I-20 request form. This form is specific to OES, and can only be accessed with a link sent by the school. The I-20 request form should be submitted as soon as possible after receiving the link. You will need a copy of your passport and bank statement to complete this form.

It is important to provide an email address in the request form in order to receive the I-20.

Print the I-20. U.S. Embassy and Immigration officers will only accept the paper version of the I-20 and it must include the student’s and parent’s signatures. Student and parent signatures are added to the I-20 in the Student Attestation section of the form at the bottom of page 1. Signing the form in blue ink is best practice. Once the form is signed, it should not be altered in any way or it may not be accepted (for example, do not staple or laminate). 

International students applying for an F-1 student visa are required to submit Form I-901 and pay the $350 I-901 SEVIS fee. The I-901 SEVIS fee is different from the fees for visa services issued by the Department of State. Students must print their I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt and present the paper copy at their visa interview as well as to enter the United States (showing an electronic version of the notification is not accepted). In order to submit the form and pay this fee, students will need to provide:

• Name, address, date of birth, and email address
• Country of birth and country of citizenship
• OES School code POO214F00131000
• SEVIS identification number assigned to the student as listed on the I-20 (top left side of 1-20, starts with the letter “N”)

The I-901 SEVIS fee is paid from this website: fmjfee.com. Please note, the fee cannot be paid without the I-20 from OES. Personal information must be entered exactly as it appears on the I-20. 

After Form I-901 is submitted and the I-901 SEVIS fee is paid, complete and submit the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, DS-160. 

• This website is designed to be accessed using Chrome, Edge, or Firefox only.
• Passport information and SEVIS ID number are needed to complete Form DS-160. 
• All answers must be in English, using English characters only, with the exception of providing the student’s full name in their native alphabet. 
• Uploading a photo is also required as part of the application. If the photo upload fails, one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements must be brought to the interview. 
• Print the barcode page of Form DS-160 (the full application is not needed) and bring it to the interview.

Please read these pages before you begin to help you successfully complete Form DS-160: How to Complete the Application and the introductory page of the application.

The visa application fee for most countries is $185 and is non-refundable. Payment of this fee may be required before the interview. For some nationalities, there may be an additional visa issuance fee. The website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that is issuing the visa will have more information about fees. Receipt of payment of this application fee may be required at the interview.

Schedule an appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Locate a U.S. Embassy. Wait times for interview appointments vary. Here is a tool that shows estimated wait times at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.
 
Students may enter the United States no more than 30 days before the initial start date. It is important to be aware of these dates - as noted on the I-20 - when making the appointment for an interview as well as when making travel arrangements. Students who enter the United States on a tourist visa (B-1 or B-2) must leave the country and re-enter on the F-1 before school starts.
 
What to bring to your interview appointment. Be sure to present the original documents.

• Passport valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay in the United States
• Form I-901 SEVIS fee receipt
• Form DS-160 confirmation page (barcode page)
• OES Acceptance Letter
• Printed I-20 with student and parent signatures
• Transcripts and certificates from the current school
• Standardized test scores (ex: SSAT and TOEFL)
• Financial documents that prove ability to pay for school and travel expenses as well as financial stability in your home country
• Documents that prove parent employment, ability to pay for school & travel expenses, and financial stability in your home country

 
Generally, the interview with a consular officer lasts only 2-3 minutes, so it is essential to be well prepared. The officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive an F-1 visa. For additional information and tips related to the interview, please visit the NAFSA website related to applying for a student visa.