Apply for a Visa

Check the U.S. Consular website in your country to make sure that you follow all the instructions and requirements.

A visa is a stamp inside your passport, which is your official authorization permitting travel to the United States.

Your F-1 or J-1 visa is proof that you have the permission of the United States government to travel to the US to be a student and remain for the time allotted under your I-20 or DS-2019. While your F-1 or J-1 visa is valid, you may leave and re-enter the U.S. according to the number of entries printed on your visa.

You will need to bring several documents to the U.S. consulate:

• A passport, valid for six months into the future

• Your I-20 or DS-2019 document, which was mailed to you by the College

• Evidence of financial support, such as an original Certificate of Finances from your bank, personal bank statements, or a letter of financial award from Oxy, proving that you have sufficient funds to support your studies at Occidental. You mailed this documentation to the College with your application and it was signed and returned to you by a College official. The amount that you are required to demonstrate is listed on your I-20 form under the Financials section.

• Acceptance letter from Oxy

• Proof that you have a permanent residence outside the United States

• Two or more unofficial passport-sized photographs

• A non-immigrant visa application from the U.S. consulate or embassy itself.

• Receipt for payment of the I-901 SEVIS fee. Go to Study in the States and click on "I want to study in the States" for information on the I-901 SEVIS fee and instructions for paying.

Additional materials may be requested by the U.S consulate to prove your eligibility for a student visa. Please call the embassy or consulate before you go to be sure you have all required materials. These may also include:

• Evidence of English proficiency.

• School records to verify academic preparation.

• Additional evidence of strong ties to your home country or of your ability to support yourself financially while in the United States.

• Application fee.

• Personal interview.

Again, please check the U.S. Consular website in your country to make sure you follow all the requirements.

Normally, your student visa will be a “multiple-entry" visa for the duration of your degree or exchange program. Under this type of visa, you may leave and re-enter the U.S. up to the expiration date on the visa, as long as you have a valid I-20 or DS-2019.

If you receive a student visa with a different entry permission, such as a single entry visa or one for a period shorter than your exchange program or degree, please notify the International Programs upon arrival.

You may remain in the US with an expired F or J visa, but it will have to be renewed if you leave the US in order to re-enter.

For more information, please visit the U.S. Department page.

A Valid Passport: A passport is issued by your home country government. This document must be valid at all times. If the passport will expire within 6 months, students should begin the process of renewal through their countries Embassy or Consulate.

I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status (F-1): The I-20 form will be issued to students by Occidental College once the application for admittance has been approved. This document proves that the student has been officially admitted to the College. This document is very important and should be kept securely with your passport at all times. The I-20 is taken to the US consulate or embassy in your home country as one of several required documents to apply for an F-1 visa stamp in your passport.

DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (J-1): The DS-2019 form will be issued to exchange students by Occidental College once the Exchange Student application has been approved. This document proves that the student has been officially admitted to the College as an exchange student. This document is very important and should be kept securely with your passport at all times. The IDS-2019 is taken to the US consulate or embassy in your home country as one of several required documents to apply for an J-1 visa stamp in your passport. US

Visa Stamp: This stamp is issued by a US embassy or consulate in the student’s home country. It is placed in the valid passport and allows the bearer to travel to the US for a particular purpose. While there are many different kinds of visas for many different purposes, most international students attend Occidental College on F-1 student visas. Students approved to "study abroad at Occidental College will attend on a J1 Exchange Visitor visa. Contact the US Embassy or Consulate in your home country to ask what the specific requirements for an F-1 or J1 visas are. F and J visas cannot be obtained in the U.S.

I-94 Admission Number: After inspecting your documents at the port of entry, the immigration officer will record your admission electronically. This admission information is sometimes needed to apply for benefits. You can access yours by going to www.cbp.gov/I94. You will need to provide this information to IPO during the semester check-in, if you obtain an on-campus job and in applying for a Social Security Number.

SEVIS: An internet-based system that requires schools and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to exchange data on the immigration and academic status of international students. Information pertaining to an F-1 student's stay in the United States is available to U.S. embassies and consulates as well as to the USCIS.

Designated School Official/Responsible Officer (DSO/RO): An employee of the College that has been authorized by the immigration authorities to sign immigration documents and advise international students on visa regulations. The Designated School Official (DSO) advises on F student visa matters. The Responsible Officer (RO) advises on J student matters. Both are in the International Programs Office.