Applying for Your Visa

The Admissions Office sent you the “Certificate of Eligibility” Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 and an official notice of your admission. You will need these when you apply for your US visa.

$100 I-901 SEVIS Fee:  This is a mandatory fee implemented by the Department of State for all Student and Exchange Visitors as of September 1, 2004.  Applicants who require a visa to enter the U.S. must pay this SEVIS fee before going to the U.S. embassy or consulate for your visa interviews.  See the “Fact Sheet” for details or go to http://www.FMJfee.com

New Students - Take your I-901 SEVIS fee receipt, I-20 or DS-2019, passport, bank statement and/or departmental appointment letter indicating financial support to the US Embassy/Consulate to obtain a visa.  Do not use another school’s I-20 if you wish to attend the UI, as you must attend the school listed on your visa before you can transfer. Also, do not enter on a tourist visa (B-1 or B-2), as you cannot change from this status to student status unless the consulate has endorsed the visa as “prospective student”.  Be sure to check in with an international student advisor (ISA) as soon as you arrive. 

Transfer Students - If you are attending a school in the US and plan to transfer to the University of Idaho, you must inform the International Student Advisor (ISA) at your current school, and report to the ISA at UI to obtain your I-20 or DS-2019 and process your transfer within 15 days of the first day of classes.

 CANADIAN CITIZENS need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee or obtain a visa prior to entry to the U.S.  Take your I-20 to the port of entry where you will be issued the I-94 arrival/departure record and admitted to the U.S. in the F-1 status.  As soon as you arrive, be sure to check in with our office and bring your I-20 and I-94 departure record.

 Students can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the date they are required to report to the University (see #5 on your I-20 form).