International Student Services

New (Initial) F-1 Student Checklist

Receiving an I-20

You must be admitted to a degree-seeking program at UT Tyler before you are eligible to receive an I-20 from the Office of International Programs.

International students must demonstrate proof of sufficient financial resources to cover educational and living expenses while studying in the U.S. To receive an I-20, the following documents must be submitted to OIP:

• Passport ID page (note: passport must be valid for at least 6 months)
• Certification of Financial Responsibility (access via our Forms Library) 
  • Proof of financial support documents in one or more of the following forms, issued within the past six months:
    • Personal or sponsor funds: checking/savings account balance statement, credit card statement, etc.
    • Scholarships
    • Government funding
• Sponsor Letter

Once you are admitted and have submitted all required documentation, you will be emailed your "Initial Attendance" I-20. 

Paying the SEVIS I-901 Fee

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa. You must apply for an F-1 student visa or J-1 exchange visitor visa to study in the United States.

F-1 visa – degree seeking students

J-1 visa – exchange students or exchange visitors

SEVIS I-901 Fee

• F-1 Fee: $350 
• J-1 Fee: $220

You must pay the SEVIS fee when you apply for your F-1 or J-1 visa using a new SEVIS ID. Form I-901 is the form used to pay this fee. 

Bring your SEVIS fee payment receipt with you to your scheduled visa interview and when you enter the U.S. The fee cannot be paid at the consulate.

If you are a current F-1 student who has already paid the fee and your SEVIS record is in active status, you do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again.

If you have transferred your SEVIS record from your previous school, you do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again.

F-1 Students: Completing Form I-901

1. Access form I-901 online. 
2. List your name exactly as it appears on your I-20. Your SEVIS Identification Number is in the top left corner of your I-20; it begins with an "N" and has 10 digits.
3. You will need the "School Code," which is also listed on your I-20.
   1. The code for the UT Tyler campus is DAL214F00503000.
   2. The code for UT Tyler Houston Engineering Center campus is DAL214F00503003.
   3. The code for the UT Health Science Center at Tyler campus is DAL214F00503004.
4. Check that the information is correct.
5. Print at least 2 copies of the receipt.
6. Keep your receipt with your other important immigration documents.

J-1 Students: Completing Form I-901

1. Access form I-901 online. 
2. List your name exactly as it appears on your DS-2019. Your SEVIS Identification Number is in the upper right corner of your DS-2019; it begins with an "N" and has 10 digits.
3. You will need our Program Number: P-1-14522.
4. Check that the information is correct.
5. Print at least 2 copies of the receipt.
6. Keep your receipt with your other important immigration documents.

 

Schedule your Visa Interview Appointment

Instructions can be found on the website of the embassy or consulate at which you will apply. As part of the process, you will pay a visa application fee and sometimes a visa reciprocity fee, which varies by country, and is rarely applicable.

Note: Bermudan or Canadian citizens do not need to apply for a student (F-1 or J-1) or dependent (F-2 or J-2) visa; they may simply enter with the I-20, proof of citizenship (i.e., passport or driver's license and birth certificate), admission letter, SEVIS Fee payment receipt, and evidence of financial support. They will however, have to pay the SEVIS fee at least 3 days before entering the U.S. The SEVIS fee cannot be paid at the border.

Apply for the Visa

At the visa application appointment, the officer will conduct a brief interview and review your documents.

To obtain the F-1 visa, you will need the following documents:

• an I-20
• a valid passport
• evidence of financial support (Certification of Financial Responsibility, bank statement, assistantship or scholarship letter)
• evidence of ties to your home country 
• visa application form DS-160. If you need to list a U.S. address in your application, you can list the address of the Office of International Programs (3620 Varsity Drive, Tyler, TX 75701)

Tips for a successful visa interview

 

Arriving in the U.S.

For your first entry into the U.S. with your I-20, you can enter no earlier than 30 days before the program start date on your I-20. 

For guidance on recommended airports and housing, please see our Entering the U.S. guide.

Are you bringing dependents with you? Learn more.