The Form I-20 for an F-1 student visa or a DS-2019 for a J-1 exchange visitor visa will be sent on a rolling basis February-May for fall term enrollment, and in November-December for spring term enrollment. I-20 Forms and DS-2019 forms will be sent electronically.

How do I receive my I-20?

Students must have paid their enrollment deposit, and complete the necessary checklist items which may include: updated financial statements, confirming personal information such as name and address, and uploading a passport copy. Our team will review your information and notify you on your Applicant Status Page when it is available.

What are the required fees associated with a student visa?

An international student must pay the following fees in order to apply for a student visa:

• The SEVIS (I-901) fee
• • $350 for F-1 visa applicants
  • $220 for J-1 visa applicants
• Visa application fee
• • The visa fee is determined according to your country of nationality.

What is the SEVIS fee (I-901)?

Your Form I-20 (F-1) or your Form DS-2019 (J-1) is issued through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), an electronic system operated by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program(SEVP). The I-901 SEVIS Fee is a fee charged by the United States Government to fund SEVIS and SEVP. The I-901 SEVIS Fee is different from the visa application fee, but also must be paid before you apply for your visa.

How do I pay the SEVIS fee?

You may pay the fee online at fmjfee.com.

For more information on how to pay the SEVIS fee, visit the Study in the States website, or watch this helpful video provided by Study in the States. 

You will need your passport, I-20 or DS-2019 form, and credit or debit card information to complete the payment. You will need to print or save a copy of your receipt after making your SEVIS payment.  

Visa Interviews

After paying your enrollment deposit, receiving the I-20, and paying the SEVIS fee (I-901), you can apply for a visa. Review the student visas page on travel.state.gov, as well as the instructions at the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply for a visa.

The Association of International Educators, NAFSA, has created a web resource providing helpful tips on preparing for your visa interview. We strongly recommend you prepare for your visa interview. Your admissions counselor can also be a helpful resource in learning more about this process.

Note for Canadian Citizens: Canadian citizens coming to the U.S. to study do not need to apply for a visa at a U.S. consulate. All other entry and status requirements remain the same. For further information, please visit the U.S. Department of State’s information for Canadian Students and for Canadians Entering the United States.

What do I need for my interview?

All necessary admission documents for the visa interview process can be downloaded from your status page. This includes your Form I-20, admission letter, and financial aid offer letter.

Please confirm that the information on your passport exactly matches the information on your I-20 form. If anything is incorrect, please let us know immediately. US immigration regulations dictate that your name in our official records matches your passport and I-20. However, we know that your culture may style your name differently or you may have another name you go by. You may request that the college use your preferred name where permitted, by completing our preferred name form on My Beloit (you’ll access to MyBeloit once you have received your Beloit log in credentials).

For the Program of Study section, we have chosen only one major based on the academic area you reported on the visa information form or at the time of application. Areas of study can be changed or added after your arrival at Beloit, or as you get further into your studies. Program names are aligned with the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) established by the US Department of Higher Education, and might not align exactly as the majors listed by Beloit College.

What if I experience challenges obtaining a visa?

Students who have paid their enrollment deposit to Beloit College and are unable to secure a student visa in time for their program start date at Beloit College may request deferment of enrollment for up to 2 semesters provided that they provide one of the following documents, within 2 weeks of learning the outcome of the visa interview:

• Copy of 221(g) Visa Denial Receipt due to Administrative Processing
• Copy of 214(b) Visa Refusal Receipt AND a scheduled appointment with their Beloit College International Admissions Counselor or Designated School Official to discuss their interview

Students who have paid their enrollment deposit to Beloit College and are unable to secure a student visa appointment in time for their enrollment term should contact their admissions counselor for guidance on seeking an emergency appointment. Students who exhaust all options for emergency appointments may be granted deferred enrollment at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. Late arrivals must be approved by Beloit College. 

Students who have already deferred enrollment for two semesters after visa denial and were unable to secure a visa during that period or are deemed ineligible for an F1 Student Visa due to United States Department of Homeland Security Policy may petition for a refund* of their enrollment deposit provided that they provide proof of one of the following within 2 weeks of the visa denial or policy change:

• Copy of 221(g) Visa Denial Receipt due to Administrative Processing from second application attempt
• Copy of 214(b) Visa Refusal Receipt from second application attempt
  Evidence of US DHS Policy restricting their eligibility for an F1 Student Visa at no-fault to the student.

Students who cancel their enrollment at Beloit College for reasons unrelated to visa denial or DHS Policy or have not exhausted their deferral opportunities are NOT eligible for an enrollment deposit refund*.

*Refunds will be issued at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, and issued to the original form of payment. Refunds are not issued for any SEVIS fees paid on the student’s behalf, and late requests may not be honored.

I’m uncertain I’ll receive a visa. Should I register for Orientation?

Yes. It’s important that you are preparing for your enrollment while going through the visa process. This means participating in orientation and advising, completing health forms, and signing up for housing.

Other Helpful Resources

• For further help and general information about applying to U.S. colleges and universities, you can connect with your local EducationUSA advisors.
• Study in the States
• Student Exchange and Visitor Program