Preparing for your first semester in the U.S. can feel like juggling a million things at once. To help you stay on track—and calm those pre-departure jitters—here’s a step-by-step F-1 visa checklist, from receiving your I-20 to touching down on campus.
1. Secure Your I-20 Form
- Confirm Admission & Financials
- Accept your I-20-issuing school’s offer of admission.
- Submit bank statements or sponsor letters showing funds for tuition and living expenses.
- Review Your I-20 Details
- Name, date of birth, program start/end dates, and funding information must be 100% accurate.
- If you spot an error, contact your Designated School Official (DSO) immediately.
2. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
- Timing: At least three business days before your visa appointment.
- How to Pay:
- Visit fmjfee.com.
- Enter your SEVIS ID (starts with “N00…”).
- Pay by credit/debit card or Western Union.
- Proof: Print your fee confirmation receipt—you’ll need it at your visa interview.
3. Schedule & Prepare for Your Visa Interview
- Book Your Appointment
- U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country.
- Popular slots fill fast—aim for 4–6 weeks before your program start date.
- Gather Documents
- Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
- Form DS-160: Online nonimmigrant visa application confirmation page.
- Visa Appointment Confirmation: Printout of interview date/time.
- I-20: Signed by both you and your DSO.
- SEVIS I-901 Receipt
- Financial Proof: Bank statements, scholarship letters, sponsor affidavits.
- Academic Records: Transcripts, diplomas, test scores.
- Ties to Home Country: Job letters, property deeds, family statements (to show you intend to return).
- Practice Common Questions
- Why did you choose this program and school?
- How will you finance your studies?
- What are your plans after graduation?
- Day-Of Tips
- Dress smart-casual and arrive 15 minutes early.
- Keep answers concise, confident, and honest.
- Stay calm—interviewers evaluate intent, not English fluency.
4. Book Your Flight & Arrange Housing
- Flight Timing
- U.S. Customs allows entry up to 30 days before your I-20 program start date.
- Aim to arrive 1–2 weeks early for orientation and settling in.
- Housing Options
- On-Campus: Submit housing deposits/deadlines by the university’s cutoff date.
- Off-Campus: Research neighborhoods, check proximity to campus, and read lease terms carefully.
- Temporary Stay: Consider an Airbnb or hostel for your first few nights if housing isn’t finalized.
5. Health Insurance & Immunizations
- University Requirements
- Most U.S. schools mandate specific vaccines (MMR, Tdap, meningitis, etc.).
- Submit your immunization record to the campus health center before arrival.
- Insurance Plan
- Review the school’s student health insurance plan.
- Consider supplemental coverage if you have pre-existing conditions or plan extensive travel.
6. Pack Smart—What to Bring (and What to Leave)
| Must-Haves | Nice-to-Haves | Leave Behind |
|---|---|---|
| Passport & visa documents | Power strip/adapter (U.S. type-B) | Excessive clothing (buy locally) |
| I-20, DS-160, SEVIS receipts | Small toolkit (screwdriver, tape) | Large electronics (bulky & outdated) |
| Acceptance & financial letters | Prescription meds + copy of script | Appliances (microwaves, mini-fridges) |
| Bank cards & some USD cash | Lightweight jackets (US weather varies) | Unapproved foods (check customs) |
- Electronics: Voltage in the U.S. is 110V—bring converters if needed.
- Climate-Appropriate Clothing: Research your campus’s seasonal weather patterns.
7. Plan Your Arrival & First Week
- Airport Pickup
- Coordinate with your university’s international student office or student ambassadors.
- Check-In with Your DSO
- Within 30 days of arrival, report to your school’s international office to activate your SEVIS record.
- Orientation & Registration
- Attend mandatory orientation sessions on health, safety, and academics.
- Meet with your academic advisor to finalize course registration.
- Set Up Essentials
- U.S. Bank Account: Many banks offer student-friendly accounts with low fees.
- Phone Plan: Compare prepaid vs. contract options—most carriers have campus deals.
- Social Security Number (if eligible): Only if you have on-campus employment or CPT/OPT authorization.
8. Stay Compliant & Connected
- Maintain F-1 Status
- Enroll full-time each term (undergrad = 12 credits; grad = typically 9 credits).
- Don’t work off-campus without prior authorization (CPT/OPT).
- Build Your Network
- Join international student groups, clubs, and cultural events.
- Attend career fairs—many employers actively recruit F-1 students for internships.
- Keep Your Documents Updated
- If you change your major, address, or program end date, request a new I-20.
- Notify your DSO immediately of any status-related changes.
Final Thoughts
With this checklist in hand, you’ll move from “visa stressed” to “campus ready” smoothly—and leave space to soak in the excitement of a brand-new adventure. Safe travels, and welcome to your American campus home!