Obtaining Your F-1 Student Visa

These steps are for students who plan to enter the United States for the first time to study.

1. Upon receiving your initial Form I-20 from Southern Oregon University, locate the US Consulate/Embassy nearest you and schedule an F-1 visa interview. Appointments can generally be made no more than 120 days before the program start date listed on your I-20 document.

2. Complete the following forms:

• Form DS-160 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form)
• Form DS-158 (Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant)
• If a male between the ages of 16 and 45, Form DS-157 (Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application)

3. Pay the following fees online:

• Nonimmigrant Visa Application Processing Fee
• Visa Issuance Fee (varies by country)
• SEVIS I-901 Fee

4. Bring to your visa interview the following:

• Passport valid for at least six months after program end date
• Initial Form I-20 issued by SOU
• Original letter of acceptance issued by SOU
• Completed visa applications (DS-156, DS-158 and DS-157 if applicable)
• One passport-sized photo. (Standards available from the US Department of State)
• Receipt for Nonimmigrant Visa Application Processing Fee
• Receipt for the SEVIS I-901 Fee
• Receipt for the Visa Issuance Fee (if applicable)
• Original financial certification documents

Be on time for your interview! Dress respectably, remain calm and answer all the visa officer’s questions openly and honestly. It is most important that you show that you have enough money to study in the US, and that you fully intend to return to your home country upon completing your studies in the US.

For more information, please visit the US Department of State.

For additional assistance, contact the Office of International Programs.