Follow this pre-arrival checklist for new students to make sure you complete all required steps related to your F-1 or J-1 status.
Freshman, Transfer Students
Three to five (3–5) days after you have received your acceptance letter you can request your I-20.
Obtain a passport
If you are living outside the U.S. you must obtain a passport from your home government.
Apply for your F-1 visa**
As soon as you receive your I-20, schedule a visa appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Important! Apply for Your Visa as Early as Possible
- F-1 visas may be issued up to 120 days before the program start date listed on your I-20
**Citizens from Canada and Bermuda do not need to apply for a visa. You will simply present the I-20, I-901 SEVIS fee receipt, and financial documentation to the immigration officer at the U.S. port of entry. A passport will be required. For more information, visit U.S. Department of State’s travel pages.
Visa Interview Tips and Required Documents
Review the Visas page for information about preparing your supporting documents and getting ready for your visa interview
Visas for SEVIS Transfer Students
If you are changing schools within the U.S. and transferring your SEVIS record to the BSU, there are visa and travel policies unique to your situation.
- You can travel with a valid, unexpired F-1 visa and a “transfer pending” BSU I-20, even if the visa has your previous school’s name on it. As long as your visa is still valid and you have not been outside of the U.S. more than five months between the end of your previous program and your return to the U.S.
- You are allowed to stay in the U.S. with a transfer pending I-20 as long as the end of your previous program and the start of your new program is no more than 5 months. You are also allowed to travel outside the U.S. with a transfer pending I20 and return at any time to the U.S.
All F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. This fee is separate from visa fees.
Earliest Admission Date (30-Day Arrival Window)
Students issued an Initial (new) I-20 or DS-2019 are allowed to enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date printed on their I-20. This is the earliest date you are allowed to enter the U.S. and is called the “30-Day Arrival Window.” The Earliest Admission Date is printed in the Program of Study section on the I-20 form.
Entry to the U.S. more than 30 days before the program start date is against U.S. immigration law. The only exception is for students whose SEVIS record was transferred from a previous school and they have received a Transfer Pending I-20. The Earliest Admission Date will be blank in the Program of Study section on a transfer pending I-20 form.
SEVIS Transfer Students — Earliest Admission Date and Multiple Trip Exception
- The 30-day rule is only for travel with an Initial I-20. If your I-20 Form Issue Reason is “Transfer Pending” and the Earliest Admission Date is blank, you are allowed to return to the U.S. at any time between the end of your previous program and the start of your UW program.
- You can use your UW “transfer pending” I-20 for one entry to the U.S. before your academic program starts at the UW. You will not be eligible for a travel signature for multiple entries until after your academic program begins.
Travel Signatures
| 30-day arrival window | Requirements |
|---|---|
| First entry | Your first entry into the U.S. using your UW I-20/DS-2019 does not require a Travel Signature |
| Multiple entries | Multiple trips during the 30-day arrival window are not recommended |
Who Must Have Health Insurance?
All F-1 students must maintain adequate health insurance and are required to purchase Health Insurance with Medivac coverage.
Review the Post-Arrival Checklist to be prepared for your arrival in Bluefield.