We hope these pages will assist you in preparing to come to The University of Mississippi to study English on the F-1 visa.

• F-1 Student Visa Application Process
• The SEVIS Fee
• Tips for Getting an F-1 Student Visa
• Requirements for F-1 Language Students
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Immigration Resources

Visa Application Process [back]

1. The student applies for a visa
• The student contacts the consulate or embassy and sets up a visa interview appointment.


• The student pays the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee, a $100 fee that every person applying for an F-1 visa after September 1, 2004, must pay before going to the visa interview. The SEVIS fee can be paid:
  • electronically, by completing Form I-901, Fee Remittance for Certain F, M, and J Non-Immigrants
  • via the Internet using a credit card (www.FMJfee.com)
  • through the mail, by submitting Form I-901, together with a check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank and payable in U.S. currency

Information about the SEVIS fee can be found at:
http://www.ice.gov/graphics/news/factsheets/SEVISFactSheet.htm

• The student visits consulate or embassy with the following documents:
  • SEVIS I-20
  • valid passport
  • financial documents
  • letter of admission from school
  • receipt showing payment of the $100 SEVIS fee
  
  
• The student completes visa application.


• Every American embassy/consulate works from the same set of regulation and laws but may adapt procedures for their locations.  Every student applying for an F-1 visa will be required to attend a visa interview.  If the visa is approved, the student is given an F-1 visa stamp in the passport. The visa is a stamp in the passport indicating where the visa was issued, the date the visa was issued, the date the visa will expire, the number of entries, the type of visa, and the visa number. A newer type of American visa is a machine-readable paper stamp that is glued to a page in the passport.


• When the student collects the passport with the visa, he or she will also be given sealed envelope containing the I-20.


2. On the flight to the United States, the student is given an I-94 (which includes three sections: the instructions, the arrival record card, and the departure card) to complete.


3. At the port-of-entry, the student presents the immigration officer the following:
• valid passport with valid visa
• sealed envelope with SEVIS I-20
• completed I-94 (all three sections)
• any other requested information such as financial documents or admission letter


4. The immigration officer:
• returns the valid passport with valid visa and an INS entry stamp
• returns the departure record card with and entry stamp (usually stapled in the passport)
• stamps the SEVIS I-20 and returns I-20 to the student
• returns any other requested information.


5. At The University of Mississippi:
• the student presents the I-20, I-94, passport, and visa stamp
• the student provides the manager with a local address
• the Office of International Programs registers the student in SEVIS

The SEVIS Fee [back]

On September 1, 2004, a new United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule began. This rule says that people who want F-1 and J-1 visas have to pay a one-time fee of $100.  This fee helps pay for SEVIS, the Student and Exchange Information System, that U.S. schools use to make I-20 forms.  If you are applying for a new visa, you may have to pay any applicable visa application fees.

Who pays the SEVIS fee?

• New students with I-20’s marked for “initial attendance” that were issued on or after September 1, 2004, who are applying for an new F-1 visa from outside the U.S.
• New students with I-20’s marked for “initial attendance” that were issued on or after September 1, 2004, who are applying for a change to F-1 status from another status (B-2 for example).
• Current F-1 students in the U.S. filing for reinstatement after being out of status more than 5 months and who are issued an I-20 issued for reinstatement that is dated on or after September 1, 2004.
• Canadians (who do not need an F-1 visa to enter the U.S.) should take a copy of the SEVIS fee receipt to present at the port of entry with the appropriate I-20. It will not be possible to pay the fee at the port of entry.

Can someone else (friend or family member) pay the fee for me?
Yes. But you should have a copy of the fee payment receipt that proves that they paid the fee for you.

Will continuing F-1 students in the U.S. have to pay?
No, unless the student falls out of status for more than 5 months and applies for reinstate-ment afterwards or is outside the U.S. for more than 5 months.

What about my F-2 dependents?
F-2 dependents do not have to pay the fee.

Do I have to pay if I stay in the U.S. but transfer to another school or if I change levels (example: ESL to undergraduate study)?
No.

Do I have to pay the fee if I travel outside the US?
If you travel outside the U.S. for more than a 5 month period, then you will need to pay the fee. If you travel outside for less than a 5 month period, you do not need to pay the fee. If you are a continuing student, you will not need to pay the fee, even if you have to renew your visa stamp.

When do I pay the SEVIS fee?
The fee should be paid at least 3 business days before you apply for your visa, change of status or reinstatement application.

Can I pay the SEVIS fee at a university, consulate, or port of entry/airport?
No. At this time the SEVIS fee can only be paid by mail or the Internet.

How do I pay the fee?
The fee can be paid to the DHS by mail or online. You must include the Form I-901 with the fee. The fee can be paid by the student or by someone else (family member or friend) inside or outside the U.S.

To Pay By Mail*:

1. Get a Form I-901 “Fee Remittance for Certain F, J, and M Non-Immigrants.”
• Download the form from http://www.FMJfee.com or
• Ask for the form by phone at 1-800-870-3676 (inside the US)


2. Complete the Form I-901. Be sure to write your name exactly as it appears on your I-20 form.


3. Prepare a check, international money order, or foreign draft (drawn on US banks only) in the amount of $100 USD, made payable to “The Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”


4. Mail the completed I-901 and payment to the address listed on Form I-901.


5. A Form I-797 receipt confirmation notice should be mailed within 3 days of processing the fee. Be sure to make copies of this receipt notice and keep them with your other important immigration documents.

To Pay Online**:

1. Find the Form I-901 at http://www.FMJfee.com.


2. Complete the form online and supply the necessary Visa, MasterCard or American Express information. Be sure to write your name exactly as it appears on your I-20 form.


3. Print a copy of the online receipt.


4. Be sure to make copies of your receipt and keep them with your other important immigration documents

* If you mail the fee, then you must wait at least 3 business days after DHS receives your payment before trying to apply for your visa. DHS will mail you a paper receipt (called an I-797) to be used as evidence that you have paid the fee, but there should also be an electronic record of your fee payment in the U.S. Consulate’s database. If there is an electronic record of fee payment in the database, you will not need to show your paper receipt (Form I-797) to apply for the visa or enter the U.S. However, due to potential technical problems, it is strongly recommended that you wait for a copy of the paper fee payment receipt before making a visa application.

** If you pay the SEVIS fee by Internet, you can print a receipt directly from your computer at the same time. This computer-generated receipt can be used to prove you have paid the fee at an embassy, consular post, or port-of-entry.

The paper receipt (Form I-797) is mailed to the address you wrote on Form I-901. If you want to pay more, you can ask DHS to express mail your receipt. Or you can wait until the receipt is mailed to via regular postal service.

Will the DHS keep a record of my payment on file?
Fee payments should be entered into your permanent immigration (SEVIS) record, but it is strongly recommended that you keep a copy of your fee receipt (form I-797) to use in the future.

I applied to more than one school, and have more than one I-20 form. What happens if I pay the SEVIS fee for one school, and then I change my mind and decide that I want to attend the other school? Can I move my SEVIS fee to the new school?
Yes, but you should bring the I-20 form with the SEVIS ID number with which you paid the fee with you to the U.S. consulate/embassy. For change of status or reinstatement applications, please see next question.

What do I need to do to apply for an F-1 visa, change of status or reinstatement?

• Get a Form I-20 from the school that you want to attend.
• Pay the SEVIS fee by mail or online.
• Make a copy of the I-797 (mail) or computer receipt (online) for your records.
• Submit a copy of the I-797 or computer receipt with your visa, change of status, or reinstatement application OR 
• For change of status or reinstatement applications, if you previously paid the SEVIS fee while attending a different school, you should submit a copy of that school’s I-20 form and a copy of the fee payment receipt with your application.

What if my F-1 visa application is denied?
The SEVIS fee will not be refunded, but if you apply again for an F-1/J-1 visa within 12 months of a visa denial you will not have to pay the fee again.

For more information regarding the new SEVIS fee requirement or other visa-related matters, contact the English as a Second Language Program Office at iep@olemiss.edu.

Tips for Getting a F-1 Student Visa [back]

Many applicants for student visas are denied for reasons which can be avoided.  Here are some tips prospective students should consider when preparing for an interview with a U.S. Consular Officer:

1. Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English and not in your native language. Keep in mind that all Consular Officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision, for the most part, on those impressions they form during the first minute or two of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you make are critical to your success. Keep your answers to the Officer's questions short and to the point.


2. Consular Officers are required by U.S. law to assume that all applicants for
   non-immigrant visas are actually intending immigrants. Therefore, the burden is upon you to convince the Officer that you have ties that bind you to your hometown, homeland, or current residence such as your job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, or investments. You need to be prepared to discuss expected opportunities for future employment and family and other relationships to show that you are firmly tied to your home and intend to return when you complete your program.


3. Speak for yourself. Do not bring family members with you to the interview. The officer wants to interview you, not your family. A negative impression is created if you are not prepared to speak on your own behalf.


4. Be sure to know about the program at the prospective school and discuss how it fits your future career plans. If you are going to convince a Consular Officer of your qualifications for a student visa, you must be able to articulate your reasons for studying in a particular program in the United States, including how this study relates to your future professional career after you return home.


5. Keep in mind that your interview will only be 2-3 minutes. Do not overwhelm the Consular Officer with supplemental written documentation which is lengthy. It should be clear at a glance how your documents relate to your visa application and what they signify.


6. Maintain a positive attitude. Do not argue with the Consular Officer. If you are denied a student visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal. Request the reason you were denied in writing.


7. Under no circumstances should you state or imply that you intend to be employed in the U.S. after completing your program. Pursuing your educational objective must be your intention for coming to The University of Mississippi. Employment opportunities for students in F-1 status are strictly limited and must have appropriate authorization.


8. If your spouse is also applying for an accompanying F-2 visa, be aware that F-2 dependents cannot, under any circumstances, be employed in the U.S. If asked, be prepared to address what your spouse intends to do with his or her time while in the U.S. Volunteer work and attending school part-time for avocational or recreational study are permitted activities.


9. If your spouse and children are remaining behind in your country, be prepared to address how they will support themselves in your absence. This can be an especially delicate area if you are the primary source of income for your family. If the Consular Officer has the impression that your family will need you to send money from the United States in order to support itself, your student visa application will almost be certainly denied.


10. Remember that not all countries are the same and applicants from different countries are not equally able to obtain student visas. If your country is experiencing economic difficulties or if students from your country have a history of not returning after degree programs are complete, you are more likely to be denied. You also may be required to demonstrate your employment opportunities at home after program completion.

We hope that you have a successful visa interview and look forward to seeing you on our campus!

Requirements for F-1 Language Students [back]

SEVIS Resource (SR) 2003-e The Impact of F SEVIS Regulations on Language School Operations Version: April 3, 2003

Requirements for Language School Students with F-1 Status
As an international student, you have an obligation to comply with the immigration laws and regulations of the United States. It is illegal to violate U.S. federal immigration laws and regulations for any reason whatsoever. Being a student with F-1 status, you are responsible for learning, understanding, and complying with the U.S. laws and regulations that apply to you. If you fail to do so, you could be deported from the United States and barred from returning for an extended period of time, thereby jeopardizing your academic career. It is extremely important that you read and fully understand the following information.

Requirement to Arrive and Depart the U.S. within Appropriate Timeframes
U.S. federal regulations [8CFR214.2(f)(5)(i)] stipulate that students may enter the United States no earlier than 30 days before the report date on the Form I-20. An F-1 student who has completed his or her academic program will be allowed a 60-day period to prepare for departure from the United States. An F-1 student who has been authorized to withdraw from classes prior to completing his or her academic program is allowed a 15-day period to prepare for departure. Students who withdraw without the prior approval of the international student advisor must depart the U.S. immediately [8CFR214.2(f)(5)(iv)].

Requirement to Report Address Changes
U.S. federal regulations [8CFR214.2(f)(17)] require you to report any address change within 10 days of the address change directly to the international student advisor. This includes address changes of any of your dependents as well. If you are subject to the U.S. Government’s Special Registration Procedures, you must also report address changes within 10 days to the government, per the government’s instructions (see: http://www.immigration.gov).

Requirement to Obtain Prior Authorization from the School to Drop Below a Full Course of Study
U.S. federal regulations [8CFR214.2(f)(6)] require you to pursue a full course of study. You are allowed to deviate from this full course of study only with PRIOR authorization of the international student advisor, and only under very limited circumstances.

Requirement to Report Departure Date and Reason
For a variety of reasons, students may leave school early or unexpectedly. Some of these reasons include early graduation, leave of absence, suspension, or expulsion. U.S. federal regulations [8CFR214.3(g)(3)] require you to inform the international student advisor if you plan to leave the school earlier than the program end date listed on your Form I-20, and your reason for doing so.

Requirement to Request Extension Prior to Program Completion
You must pay close attention to the program completion date indicated on your I-20. Your F-1 status will end on the program completion date unless extended by the international student advisor. In order to qualify for a program extension, you are required by U.S. federal regulations [8CFR214.2(f)(7)(iii)] to make request before your program completion date; program extensions can be requested at any time during your academic program.

Requirement to Adhere to Transfer Procedures
For immigration purposes, transfer simply means that a student is leaving one school’s “I-20 program” for another school’s “I-20 program.” This can happen, for example, when a student completes his or her academic program at a language school and then goes on to an undergraduate or graduate program at a U.S.-based community college, college, or university. Students who wish to transfer must be in contact with two schools: the current school and the new “transfer” school. Both of these schools must be authorized to enroll international students by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.

To transfer, regulations [8CFR214.2(f)(8)(ii)(C)] require that you:

• apply for admission and be admitted to the new “transfer” school;
• inform your current school as soon as possible after admission and, no later than the last day of your academic program;
• inform the new transfer school of the expected transfer date (usually the last day of your academic program); and,
• complete the process at the transfer school no later than 15 days after the first class day at the school.

Careful attention to the last date of the academic program at the current school and the first day of classes at the transfer school is very important; failure to complete the transfer process in the prescribed timeframe [8CFR214.2(f)(8)(i)] will cause you to violate your immigration status.

Dependent Requirements
F-1 students are eligible to bring dependents (spouses and children under the age of 21) into the U.S. in F-2 status.  F-2 dependents may not enroll in a full course of study, but may enroll part-time in courses that are avocational or recreational in nature [8CFR214.2(f)(15)(ii)]. F-2 dependent children are allowed to attend elementary and secondary school on a full-time basis. F-2 dependents who are currently enrolled full-time must submit a change of status to F-1 on or before March 11, 2003. F-2 dependents are not permitted to work [8CFR214.2(f)(15)(i)].

School Reporting Requirements
U.S. federal regulations [8CFR214.3(g)(3)(ii)] require the international student advisor to report through SEVIS within 21 days of occurrence the following events:

• a student who has failed to maintain status or complete his or her degree program,
• a change of the student’s or dependent’s legal name or U.S. address,
• any student who has graduated early or prior to the program end date listed on SEVIS Form I-20,
• any disciplinary action taken by the school against the student as a result of the student being convicted of a crime; and,
• any other notification request made by SEVIS with regard to the current status of the student.

In addition, federal regulations [8CFR214.3(g)(3)(iii)] stipulate that every term and no later than 30 days after the deadline for registering for classes, all schools must report through SEVIS the following information:

• whether the student has enrolled at the school, dropped below a full course of study without prior authorization of the DSO, or failed to enroll;
• the current address of each enrolled student; and,
• the start date of the student’s next session, term or semester.

Frequently Asked Questions [back]

1.  What visa do I need to get in order to study at the ESL Center?
Every student who comes to the United States to study English must enter the country on an F-1 visa.

2.  How do I get the F-1 visa?
Once The University of Mississippi receives your application, an I-20 will be processed for you.  This document, along with the acceptance letter that will be sent to you, can be used to obtain a visa.  You will need to make an appointment with the consulate or embassy to interview for the visa.

3.  What do I take to the interview?
You will need the following documents:

• a ESLP acceptance letter
• I-20
• financial certification
• receipt showing that you have paid the SEVIS fee

4.  What is the SEVIS fee and how do I pay it?
The SEVIS fee is a $100 fee that every person applying for an F-1 visa after September 1, 2004, must pay before going to the visa interview.  It can be paid:

• electronically, by completing Form I-901, Fee Remittance for Certain F, M, and J Non-immigrants, through the Internet (www.FMJfee.com) using a credit card
• through the mail, by submitting Form I-901, together with a check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank and payable in U.S. currency

Information about the SEVIS fee can be found at http://www.ice.gov/graphics/news/factsheets/SEVISFactSheet.htm.

5.  How long before I want to study do I need to apply for a visa?
The time required varies from country to country.  We suggest that you apply to the ESL Program at least two months before you wish to study.  Immediately after receiving the acceptance packet, you should schedule an interview at the consulate or embassy and pay the SEVIS fee.

6.  Where can I go for the latest information?
More information is available at the following web sites:

U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services [Link: http://uscis.gov/graphics/index.htm]
U.S. Department of State [Link: http://secretary.state.gov/index.html]

Immigration Resources [back]

General Immigration Information
Department of Homeland Security (INS)
Department of State
American Immigration Center
NAFSA: Association of International Educators

Immigration Lawyers
David Ware
Barry Walker
Susser, Haas, and Chung

Embassies and Consulates
All the world’s embassies and consulates including addresses