How To Process the American Student Visa

Photo and Essay by Yousef Alqurashi

Understanding the immigration process is essential for international students. The immigration process has many steps; You must follow it to be a legal resident or student in the U.S. If you follow these steps you will pass the immigrant officer without any trouble.


When you are accepted by the ELI, they will send you an important package containing legal documents necessary to enter the U.S. Now, you may be asking yourself: what are these legal documents? Before giving you the instructions about the immigration process, let us define some important words. The first important document is the American F1 visa, a legal document issued from any US embassy that gives you the permission to enter the U.S. The second one is the I-20, a paper printed from the ELI that gives you the authority to apply for your VISA. The third one is the acceptance letter, a paper showing that you have been accepted into the ELI as a student. Once you have your I-20 and acceptance letter, you can now apply for your VISA .


The first step to getting your visa is filling out the DS-160 document through this web site : https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/. After you fill out this form, you will move on to the next step which is to complete the form of I-90 or SEVIS and pay the fee through this website: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.jsp. After that, you will move on to the third step which is making an appointment in the nearest US embassy or Consulate through this web site : http://travel.state.gov/visa/forms/forms_1342.html. Remember, you have to pay the fee for making an appointment; otherwise the appointment page will not open. After making an appointment, you have to go to the US embassy where you made the appointment ON TIME; they will not let you enter the embassy before your appointment. At the date of your appointment, take your passport, I-20, scholarship letter and the financial guarantee with you and follow what they tell you.


After your VISA is issued, try to find a flight to the US because if you book your flight sooner the price of the ticket will be less. Also, usually the flights to the US are full especially in the summer. After that, try to get the ticket as soon as possible and keep it together with your important documents. on the date of your flight, keep all of these important documents in your hand bag and keep it with you throughout the flight. Before you reach your destination, you will be asked by the flight attendant to fill out a form called the I-94, a paper that showing that you entered the US on this date. When you reach the US airport, the immigrant officer will ask you for the I-20, VISA, passport and I-94. After the officer stamps your documents are complete, you will enter to the US safely.


To summarize, It's important for international student to be familiar with immigration process. Try to keep all of your important documents in a safe place. Also, double check your documents regularly before your travel to avoid any complication that you may face if they are incomplete. Furthermore, when you reach the US, try to visit the ELI as soon as possible to complete your registration and to give them your address. Finally, enjoy your study at the ELI.