Obtaining a Passport and a Visa
- If
you do not have a passport, you must obtain one from the appropriate office
of your government. Your
passport must be valid for at least six months into the future at all times.
It is your responsibility to be aware of the expiration date of your
passport and renew it at the appropriate time.
- We
recommend that you schedule an appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy or
Consulate as soon as possible in your home country.
Processing times for visa issuance vary and may require additional
time due to security checks on applications. For updated information please
check the following web link from the U.S. Department of State:
http://usembassy.state.gov/
- Read
carefully all information on the Form SEVIS I-20, especially page two.
This will explain your legal responsibilities as an F-1 student in
the United States. Sign the
Student Certification (#11) on page 1 of Form I-20, and provide the
information requested if under the age of 18.
With your passport, proof of financial support, Form SEVIS
I-20, receipt of payment SEVIS fee, acceptance letter from Wesleyan, and visa
support letter from the Designated School Official, go to the nearest U.S.
Embassy or Consulate to obtain the F1 visa.
If you are denied a visa, contact the Office of Immigration
at Wesleyan IMMEDIATELY. We
may be able to contact the U.S. Consulate on your behalf.
You should be given a reason for the denial and that
information would be helpful for Wesleyan’s Office of Immigration to know as
they assist you.
After Arrival at Wesleyan
You are legally required to register your immigration
documents (passport, visa, I-20, and I-94) with the Office of Immigration.
You will be notified when this will occur during Orientation for
first-time students.
The I-94 card (Entry Permit/Arrival Departure Record) will be given to you on
the airplane before your arrival in the U.S.
Each time you enter the U.S., you will be issued a new I-94. Your I-94
card will indicate your visa status of “F1”
or “J1”. “D/S” will be written on
the card to indicate it is valid for the “duration of status” of your studies.
