Accepted International Students

Applying for a Visa

Once you have your I-20 in hand, find the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy. Find out about their application requirements and procedures. Different countries may have different procedures. Generally, you will have to:

Fill out an Application

The form is available at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy or online at http://evisaforms.state.gov.

Pay the SEVIS Fee

The SEVIS fee is a fee paid to the U.S. Government. Every student or exchange visitor issued an initial Form I-20 after September 1, 2004 is responsible for paying this fee. There are some exceptions. You can pay the fee online at https://www.fmjfee.com/index.jhtml. Be sure to print out and keep your receipt.

Pay a Visa Processing Fee

You will be required to pay an application fee at the embassy or at a bank. Sometimes, this takes time and must be done a day in advance. Be sure to bring the receipt to your interview to show payment of the visa application fee and visa issuance fee if applicable.

Schedule an Interview

Bring the Following to your interview:

• Valid Passport
• Form I-20
• Letter of Admission from Emerson College
• Financial Documents (bank document and letter of sponsorship)
• Two Passport Photos
• Completed Visa Application Form
• Visa Application Fee / Receipt
• Evidence of your intent to return to your home country upon completion of your studies.
• Test Score Reports (TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, etc)
• SEVIS fee receipt

Visa Interview Tips

Ties to Your Home Country

You must be able to show U.S. immigration that you have reasons to return to your home country beyond your graduation from Emerson College. Emphasize the fact that you are coming to the U.S. to study and intend to return home immediately afterwards.

Know Your Program

The consular officer will probably ask you about the program you are about to enroll in, as well as Emerson as a college. Be prepared to answer questions about why you chose the program you did, and what you want to do with your degree in the future.

Employment

Again, be sure to emphasize that you are coming to the U.S. to study only. Even though you might work whilst in the U.S., your purpose is education. The interviewer needs to believe that you plan to return to work in your country after you graduate.

Prepare for Questions About Your Country

If you are from a country that has a large immigrant presence in the U.S. or is suffering economic problems, you may be asked questions about job opportunities at home after your study in the U.S. It is a good idea to prepare an explanation of what you intend to do upon returning to your country after your studies in the U.S.

Dependents

If you have a spouse or children, you must be prepared to answer questions about how they will support themselves in your absence. Your family must be financially stable while you are away.

Be Brief

Most interviews do not take more than a few minutes, and that is what you will be judged on. Avoid lengthy written explanations and answer questions as concisely as possible.

In Case Your Visa is Denied

Do not argue with the officer. Instead, try to have them give you the reason for the rejection and ask for a list of documents you might bring in to overcome the refusal. Please notify the Admission Office at Emerson College immediately if your visa is denied.

Plan Your Trip to the United States

With your Visa approved, it's now time to plan your travel and entry to the United States. Do not enter the U.S. before you have your student visa. If you entered as a tourist, you will have to leave and re-enter on the student visa, or apply for a change of status which is a lengthy and expensive process. You will not be allowed to enter the country more than 30 days before the start of your program.

Entering the United States

With visa in hand, you’ve boarded your flight to Boston. On the plane, you will be offered an immigration card, called an I-94. Fill out the white one. At the port of entry, you will be asked to present:

• Passport that has your visa
• I-20
• I-94

You will probably be asked some questions about what you plan to study by the immigration officers.