Apply for an F-1 Visa

New students and continuing students who are traveling outside of the U.S with an expired F-1 student visa or without one will need to obtain a visa to travel to the U.S. Learn more about visas at travel.state.gov. 

PLAN AHEAD:  Obtaining a visa requires that you attend an in-person interview at a U.S. consular office and may take several weeks to process.  The earliest you can obtain a visa is 120 days before the start date on your I-20. Give yourself plenty of time and plan accordingly.

VISA INFO WEBINAR:

Our office offers quarterly webinars to help you better understand the visa process and prepare to be successful in obtaining your visa. 

Watch our latest webinar:

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR VISA INTERVIEW:

The list of required and recommended documents may be different for each consular office. Review the requirements for the U.S. embassy or consulate that you will visit before your interview and come prepared.

BASIC DOCUMENTS:

  • Passport – must be valid for at least 6 months from the program start date on your I-20. Verify that there are no errors in your name, birthdate, etc.
  • Receive your Form I-20 from your chosen school and sign page 1.
  • Pay your I-901 fee at www.fmjfee.com. Print out the confirmation of payment (receipt).


FOR NEW (INITIAL STUDENTS):

  • in addition to the above documents, we also recommend:
  • Proof of admission to Cerritos College
  • I-20 Form signed by Cerritos international student adviser
  • I-901 SEVIS fee receipt
  • Documents proving intent to return to the home country after completion of study
  • Financial support evidence
  • All U.S. Department of State forms and documents listed on the U.S. Embassy/Consulate website (non-refundable visa application fee and photographs)

FOR CONTINUING STUDENTS:

  • in addition to all of the above documents, we also recommend:
  • Valid Cerritos College I-20 with valid travel signature, signed by Cerritos international student adviser
  • Transcripts from all U.S. institutions
  • All previously issued I-20s

FOR STUDENTS ON APPROVED OPT: 

  • in addition to all of the above documents, we also recommend:
  • Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card
  • Job offer letter from employer/proof of employment

 

TIPS TO PREPARE FOR YOUR INTERVIEW:

  • 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.


CITIZENS OF CANADA & BERMUDA:

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. 

ARRIVAL - PLAN YOUR TRAVEL DATES:

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:

Sample 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.

I-94 Arrival/Departure Document

When you are on the airplane or at the port of entry, you will be given an I-94 Arrival/Departure document to complete along with customs declarations. Please be sure to use the I-94 on white paper (the green I-94 is for visa waiver tourists only). When completing the form, write your name and other information exactly the same as it appears on your I-20 and passport. Inconsistency in your name and information can cause serious problems and delays after your arrival.

Port of Entry Inspection

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

Be sure to carry them 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. An immigration officer will stamp the passport with the notation "F-1 D/S" and your arrival date in the United States. In addition the officer will enter your arrival/departure record electronically. If the officer does not do this, politely ask the officer to check it before you leave the inspection station. It is the proof of your legal entry into the U.S. 

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.