Applying for Your F-1 Visa
Applying for Your F-1 Visa
Applying for Your F-1 Visa
Approximately 1-2 business days after activating your Rowan NetID, you will receive a link in your Rowan University email inbox inviting you to log into Terra Dotta, the international student portal. You will submit all documents for your I-20 application through Terra Dotta.
Documents Required:
- Passport
- Financial Documents/Bank Statement (the minimum amount required will be stated in your Terra Dotta Portal)
- Sponsor Affidavit of Support (if applicable - this document and instructions are both provided in Terra Dotta)
F-1 Visa Application Process
Pay Your SEVIS Fee
International students applying for an F-1 status are required to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. Please do so prior to visiting the U.S. Embassy.
Go to fmjfee.com. It is extremely helpful to watch the updated tutorial. This tutorial guides you through each step of the required I-901 SEVIS Fee payment process, highlighting the information you must input and what you must do once you have completed payment. The tutorial also clarifies instructions for making payments through the Western Union payment process.
Important reminders highlighted in the tutorial:
- Regulation requires all prospective F students to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee before the U.S. Department of State issues them a visa to study in the United States.
- The I-901 SEVIS Fee is different from the fees for visa services issued by the Department of State.
- F students must pay their I-901 SEVIS Fee to study in the United States, to remain compliant, and to maintain their student status.
- F students must print their I-901 SEVIS Fee payment receipt to present as proof of payment at their visa interview and to enter the United States at a U.S. port of entry. Showing an email notification alone will not be sufficient.
- The SEVIS ID on the payment confirmation receipt must always match the SEVIS ID on the student’s most current Form I-20 unless the F student is considered a border commuter student. If the SEVIS ID is different, please email sevis@ice.dhs.gov to confirm if a new I‑901 Fee payment is required.
REMEMBER: When you Access Form I-901, you must have an I-20 from Rowan to complete this form. Be sure that you enter your personal information exactly as it appears on the I-20. To complete the form I-901, you must enter the Rowan School code that appears on your Form I-20. This code begins with “NEW214.” You must also enter your SEVIS ID number, which is printed on the top left-hand side of the I-20. It starts with the letter “N”.
Apply for Non-Immigrant Visa (DS-160)
After you have completed the DS-160, you will need to print and keep the DS-160 barcode page.
Make an Appointment at the US Embassy
Apply for your visa as soon as possible! Please schedule an appointment at your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country to obtain your F-1 student visa.
Please read the information about nonimmigrant visa application fees. Applicants must pay these fees as directed before their visa interview, and they must bring the receipt to their interview. Read through all information provided by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that you will be visiting before your interview.
What to bring to your embassy appointment:
- Acceptance Letter
- Supporting Financial Documentation
- I-901 SEVIS Fee Receipt
- Signed I-20
- A valid Passport
- DS-160 Confirmation Page
- Photo
Be sure to present the original documents, not copies.
Additional documentation may be also required. Your academic preparation, such as:
- Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended; and Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school;
- Your intent to depart the United States upon completion of the course of study;
- How you will pay all educational, living, and travel costs.
To better prepare for your visa interview, please read through the “10 Points to Remember When Applying for a US Visa” prepared by NAFSA.