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Applying for a Visa

Visa Tips: 10 Points to Remember when Applying for a Nonimmigrant Visa (F or J)

In order to study full-time at UConn you will need either an F-1 or a J-1 student visa. In order to get your student visa you must make an appointment at the US Embassy or consulate in you home country. Please visit http://usembassy.state.gov to find out more information or to schedule an appointment with the US Embassy or consulate in your home country.

Visa Appointment

When you make an appointment for a student visa you will need your SEVIS ID Number (N000XXXXXXX) and UConn's SEVIS School Code BOS214F10146000** for F-1 students or SEVIS Program Code P-1-00710 for J-1 students and scholars. Your SEVIS ID number is located in the upper right-hand corner of your I-20 or DS-2019 form. UConn's SEVIS School/Program Code is located in section 2 of your I-20 or DS-2019 form.

** Law School and Regional Campus students will have a different school code. Check section two of your I-20 document.

I-901 SEVIS Fee receipt

Please note that as of September 1, 2004 all students applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa will need to fill out Form I-901 and pay a SEVIS processing fee in the amount of US$200 for F-1 visas and US$180 for J-1 visas. You need to pay this fee before you go for your visa interview. You will need to show receipt of payment when you apply for your student visa. You can pay this fee three ways.

  1. The fee can be paid by mail using Form I-901 together with a check or money order drawn on a US bank and payable in U.S. dollars.
  2. The fee can be paid electronically by completing Form I-901 through the Internet and using a credit card. Please visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. https://www.fmjfee.com/
  3. Pay with cash at a Western Union and bring the Western Union receipt to the embassy with you. Please visit this website for Western Union Quick Pay instructions and for more information about Western Union: www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/wu_instr.htm

For more information on the SEVIS fee visit www.ice.gov/sevis/.

Visa Interview

When you go for your visa interview you will need to bring the following documents with you:

  • UConn Acceptance/Invitation Letter
  • SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 form from UConn
  • I-901 SEVIS Fee receipt
  • Valid Passport
  • Financial Certification (bank statement, bank letter, graduate assistantship offer letter)

You may have to answer questions about your previous academic record, about why you want to study in the U.S. and about who will be supporting you financially. You should prepare yourself in advance to answer all of these questions. You may be asked to prove some other information during your visa interview. You may be asked to prove that you will have health insurance while studying at UConn. You may be asked to prove that you will have housing at the university. Finally, you may be asked to show proof of tuition payment before you are granted your visa