• Bring all required documents – review requirements and recommendations for the U.S. embassy or consulate you will attend.
• Be clear and direct - the F-1 visa interview is very quick (1-3 minutes only).  We recommend you directly answer the questions you are asked and do not drag on too long.
• Prove financial resources/support – be able to explain where your money will be coming from. If you have a sponsor, be able to explain what your sponsor's job/business is, what is their income, and how your sponsor will send/transfer money to you for tuition fees and other expense.
• Have a plan – be able to explain clearly and briefly why you chose Cerritos College, what you will study, what you will do after Cerritos College (transfer, return home), and what plans you have when you return home. How will your studies help you when you return to your home country?
• Show non-immigrant intent – a common reason for denials is that the applicant has not convinced the officer of non-immigrant intent (meaning you do not intend to remain permanently in the U.S.). Be able to explain and show that you DO NOT plan to stay in the U.S. indefinitely. The following are helpful:
  • Deeds for family owned properties or businesses
  • Job offers in your home country for when you return
  • Other strong ties to your home country
• Speak for yourself – only you as the applicant will be permitted to be in the interview. Parents, agents, and others who may be there to support you will have to wait outside. Be prepared to speak for yourself and do not memorize a script.

Once you are admitted and you receive your Form I-20:

• Plan early: Appointment availability and wait times vary widely by location. Complete your application and obtain your 
• Complete Form DS-160: fill out the online Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160), pay the $185 MRV application fee, and save your barcode confirmation page.
• Schedule an interview:Find the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live and follow their instructions to schedule an appointment. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to demostrate that you qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live. 
• Receive a final decision: You will find out at the end of the interview whether or not your application has been approved.
  • If approved, you will have to return a few days later to pick up your passport, which will have the photo-copies of your financial documents attached. You will need these when you enter theUnited States. The name of your school will be written on your visa.
  • If denied, your passport will be stamped and you may receive a second interview. You should ask the visa officer for the specific reason why you were denied. You may apply again only if you have new evidence to support your application.

Typically, and F-1 is issued for up to 3 years, but may vary. However, when you arrive in the U.S. you will be issued an I-94  with the specific dates of your authorized stay. This should match the dates on your I-20.

This rule has recently changed. Refer to our FAQ: Elimination of Duration of Status for more information. 

Canadian and Bermudan Citizens do not need an F-1 visa to study in the U.S. Once you have your valid I-20 form, present the following at the port of entry:

• Proof of Canadian/Bermudan Citizenship (For example: a Canadian/Bermudan passport)
• Original valid I-20 Form
• Proof of SEVIS I-901 fee payment
• Proof of financial support
• Proof of ties to Canada – ex: leases, contracts to your name, family businesses, employment, etc

Upon entry, you will be issued an I-94 Admission/Departure record. This document should verify that you have been admitted into the country on F-1 status. 

NEW INITIAL (NEW STUDENTS):

new international students may enter the U.S. MAXIMUM 30 days prior to the Program Start date on your I-20. The earliest admission date is noted on your I-20:

TRANSFER STUDENTS:

Students who are transferring from another U.S. school to Cerritos College and who have a "Transfer Pending" I-20 are not subject to the 30-day-arrival limit. Transfer students may travel and re-enter the U.S. any time between school programs, so long as your I-20 has a valid travel signature.

However, transfer students must re-enter the U.S. with their Cerritos College I-20 and not the previous school's document.

At the Port of Entry immigration inspection, be prepared to present the following documents:

• Passport 
• Valid F-1 visa
• I-20
• I-901 SEVIS Fee payment receipt
• Proof of admission to Cerritos College
• Financial support documents

Carry these documents with you on the plane. Do not put them in your check-in luggage, as you will not be able to access your luggage until after the immigration inspection. U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) automatically creates an I-94 record upon arrival and departure, documenting your travel and your authorized dates of stay in the U.S.

Recently, new regulations eliminate the previous practice of admitting F-1 students for "duration of status" (a flexible admission policy that did not define the dates of admissio strictly), to a fixed 4-year maximum cap.

Refer to our FAQ: Elimination of Duration of Status for more information. 

Be aware: immigration officers can ask to look through your phone and social media accounts. They may ask for your passwords. You may say 'no,' but they then have the right to deny you admission to the U.S.

• Be cautious about what you share, comment, like on social media.
• Do not engage in or document any illegal activities including
  • marijuana use
  • alcohol use if under 21 years of age
  • unauthorized employment in the U.S.

If you have any problems with your entry, please notify the Office of International Student Services as soon as you arrive on campus.