Obtaining a Visa
Applicants Residing Outside of the United States:
To enter the United States, international students residing abroad will need a passport from their government and a visa from the U.S. Consulate.
In order to obtain a visa for the purposes of studying in the United States, the applicant must present a Certificate of Eligibility form to the U.S. Consulate. The University will issue this form to admitted students who have submitted proof of having sufficient funds to cover the cost of a program of study (see Certification of Finances).
* Admitted students with personal, family, or other source of private funding will be issued the Certificate of Eligibility (form I-20) in order to obtain the F-1 Student Visa.
* Admitted students who are sponsored by agencies, foundations, or their home government, or are participating in an established exchange program may be issued the Certificate of Eligibility form (DS2019) in order to obtain the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa.
Applicants Currently Residing in the United States:
Applicants currently holding F-1 Student or J-1 Exchange Visitor status in the United States need to submit a photocopy of their I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, visa stamp, and current I-20 or DS2019 form along with proof of having sufficient funds to cover the cost of a program of study (see Certification of Finances).
Applicants holding another type of nonimmigrant status need to submit a photocopy of their I-94 Arrival/Departure Record and visa stamp, and must indicate if they intend to seek a change to F-1 Student or J-1 Exchange Visitor status. Upon admission and submission of the appropriate financial support documentation, the university will issue the appropriate Certificate of Eligibility form (I-20 or DS2019) to the student.
