Visa and Immigration Information

1. Check your I-20 or DS-2019 to confirm that all information is correct

All of the biographical information in your documents must match, and your passport must be up-to-date. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.

• Check your I-20 to make sure your personal information (legal name, birthdate), major, and all other information is correct and there are no mistakes.
  • Make sure your passport name and birthdate match the I-20.
  • If there are mistakes, contact UMSL Global immediately.

• If you have applied for F-2 dependents, make sure to sign their I-20’s as well. The student’s signature is required, not the dependent. Ensure the dependent’s documents are correct as well.

2. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee

This one-time fee is non-refundable and costs $350 for a F-1 visa ($220 for a J-1 visa). You can pay this fee online at www.fmjfee.com. Print the confirmation page once you have finished the application.

3. Make an Appointment for Your Visa Interview

You can schedule an appointment at a local U.S. consulate up to 120 prior to the start date of your program. To find the closest consulate or embassy, go to: US embassy. 

Visa appointments are usually scheduled 30-45 days in advance. If you cannot find a visa appointment in this timeframe, you are welcome to e-mail the consulate to ask for expedited processing.

4. Complete the Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application

The DS-160 can be accessed at here. Pay special attention to the photo requirements listed on the website. Print the confirmation page once you have finished the application. As part of the process, you will pay a $185 nonimmigrant visa application processing fee.  Follow the directions as provided.

5. Documents to Bring to your Visa Interview

• I-20 (F-1 Visa) or DS-2019 (J-1 Visa)
• Letter of admission provided by UMSL
• Financial support documents (Current proof of support that would meet expenses for program duration as indicated on Form I-20 (i.e. bank statements, award letters or loan approval letters)
• Passport valid for a minimum of six months into the future at the time of entry
• Form DS-160 “Nonimmigrant Visa Application” available at your local US Embassy or Consulate's website. www.usembassy.gov
• Two photos (see requirements here)
• Receipt for payment of SEVIS Fee

6. Pick-up your passsport and visa

Your visa will take a few days to process. When it is ready, your passport and I-20 (or DS-2019) will be returned to you. Keep these items together and present them when you enter the United States.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a federal database that schools use to issue I-20 and DS-2019 forms. In addition to the visa application fee, you must pay an I-901 SEVIS fee prior to applying for a visa.

You can pay the I-901 fee online at www.fmjfee.com. In some cases, students are required to pay through Western Union. The I-901 fee will provide more information on how to pay the fee.

If you have questions or concerns regarding the SEVIS fee, you can reach the I-901 Help Desk at +1-703-603-3400 or fmjfee.SEVIS@ice.dhs.gov.

If you are receiving a deferral I-20 and it has a new SEVIS number but you paid the I-901 fee on the old SEVIS number, you might need to pay the I-901 fee again.

• Check to see if you are eligible for the I-901 SEVIS fee transfer
• The instructions to transfer your SEVIS Fee to a different SEVIS ID can be found here: https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faq
• Scroll down and see section: How Can I-901 SEVIS Fee Paid on One SEVIS ID be Moved to Another SEVIS ID?

Use the tips and suggestions below to prepare for the interview:

• The interview will only be a few minutes.
• Practice, practice, practice!
• Demonstrate Strong Ties to Your Home Country.
• Be prepared to discuss how you will finance your studies.
• Speak For Yourself and Plan To Answer Questions in English.
• Know Your Program of Study and Major.
• Know UMSL and St. Louis.
• Know Your Career Plans and Intentions After Your Program Completes.
• Be Brief and Concise in your Answers.
• Maintain a Positive and Respectful Attitude.

Visa Processing Times

Applicants for F-1 visas cannot apply more than 120 days before the start of their programs. Exchange visitors can apply for the J-1 at any time, but the visa cannot be issued more than 90 days before the program begins.

F-1 and J-1 visas are processed quickly in most cases; however, you should plan to apply 45-60 days prior to your departure for the US. Depending on your program of study, your application may require security checks that take longer to complete.

1. Check your I-20 or DS-2019 to confirm that all information is correct

All of the biographical information in your documents must match, and your passport must be up-to-date. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.

• Check your I-20 to make sure your personal information (legal name, birthdate), major, and all other information is correct and there are no mistakes.
  • Make sure your passport name and birthdate match the I-20.
  • If there are mistakes, contact UMSL Global immediately.
• Print your I-20 Sign and date your I-20 in BLUE ink.
  • If you have applied for F-2 dependents, make sure to sign their I-20’s as well. The student’s signature is required, not the dependent. Ensure the dependent’s documents are correct as well.

2. Traveling Internationally Before Starting at UMSL

If you are traveling internationally before starting your studies at UMSL, you will need unexpired F-1 visa stamp in your passport to reenter the US.

• You do NOT need to apply for new visa is your F-1 Visa stamp in your passport if your F-1 visa stamp is still valid
• You do NOT need to travel internationally just to renew your F-1 visa stamp

If you travel internationally and your F-1 Visa stamp is expired:

• You do not have to pay new SEVIS I-901 Fee.
• Make an Appointment for Your Visa Interview at a local U.S. embassy or consulate to renew your F-1 visa.  (See Procedures for New International Students for more information.)

If your visa application is denied, the consulate must provide a written explanation, usually a generic response. Most denials are due to concerns about applicants violating visa conditions or staying in the U.S. indefinitely.

Denials are often not permanent, so you may reapply for an F-1 or J-1 visa with new evidence showing strong ties to your home country. If denied under INA Section 214(b), reapply by completing a new application, paying the fee, and scheduling a new interview without repaying the SEVIS fee. For denials under other sections of the INA, refer to your denial letter for specific restrictions.