Visa Application Process

F-1 Visa Process

International students who are serious about studying in the United States of America will need to obtain a student visa for the U.S.A. Created by Internationalstudent.com the general outline flow for obtaining the F-1 visa is as follows:

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Be Accepted at an SEVP Approved School

The first step in this process is to apply to and be accepted by Southwestern Christian University by filling out the Application Form found on this link and submitting the required documents.  

Pay your SEVIS Fee

Once accepted to our institution, you will need to make the application/processing fee payment of $200 to the Business Office at 1(405)789-7661 with your credit card information.

Southwestern Christian University will then issue the Form I-20, which is to be presented to the consular officer during the F-1 visa interview. The Form I-20 must be with the student at all times when traveling in and out of the United States.

The Form I-20 also contains the number needed for the SEVIS I-901 Fee payment in order to be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) which can be done by clicking on this link

Complete the Visa Application

Applying for the F-1 student visa may vary depending on the U.S. Embassy or consulate you are dealing with. Make sure to visit the website for the U.S. Embassy in your location for further information.  

Schedule and Prepare for your Interview

The F-1 visa interview is to be done with the consulate at the U.S. Embassy. Wait times for interview appointments vary based on location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa as early as possible. An F-1 student visa for the USA can be issued up to 120 days in advance of your course of study start date. You will only be able to enter the US with an F-1 visa 30 days before your start date.

The following documents are required for your F-1 visa interview:

  • A valid passport The Nonimmigrant Visa Application
  • Form DS-160 The application fee payment receipt
  • A passport photo A Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1)
  • Student Status (Form 1-20)

Additional documents may be requested to prove your eligibility for the F-1 student visa, including academic transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates. Test scores such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, or GMAT may also be requested, as well as proof of your intent to depart the U.S. after your program is complete, and proof of your financial stability.

Attend your F-1 Visa Interview

Your F-1 visa interview will determine whether you are qualified to receive an F-1 student visa for the USA. Assuming that you have prepared the appropriate documents and meet all of the F-1 visa requirements, your visa will be approved at the discretion of the consular officer.

You may be required to pay a visa issuance fee. Digital fingerprint scans will be taken for records. Your passport will be taken so that you can get your visa and you will be informed when you can get it back, either by pick-up or in the mail.

Remember, this is an interview so dress appropriately and be very polite.

Wishing you all the best!