Obtain Your Student Visa

In order to study in the United States, students must obtain an F-1 (student) visa.

To apply for an F-1 visa, you will need to have an I-20, or Certificate of Eligibility. This will need to be issued by the college or university you plan to attend. (See next FAQ for more information on obtaining an I-20.)

Once you have your I-20, you may make an appointment to obtain your F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. To learn more about the process of applying for a student visa, check the website of your embassy or consulate.

Because each government has its own requirements for students to study outside of their country, each student should understand the regulations/requirements necessary to apply to study in a different country.

Find more information about studying in the United States at the Education U.S.A. website: educationusa.state.gov

You will need an I-20 in order to apply for an F-1 (student) visa. This will need to be issued by the college or university you plan to attend.

Before issuing an I-20, a university is required by law to verify that prospective international students have:

• The academic ability to be successful at their campus.
• Proficiency of the English language.
• Financial support for their intended program of study including books and living expenses.

Carthage issues an I-20 for a prospective F-1 student after the student has been admitted (see International Admission Process) and has provided evidence of full financial support for the expenses of tuition, room, board and books for study at Carthage for the proposed period of time.

While it is possible to obtain an I-20 form from several different colleges, you may only use one of them to apply for your student visa. You are then required to begin studies at the college/university whose I-20 form was used for your F-1 visa application.

Once you have your I-20, you may make an appointment to obtain your F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. To learn more about the process of applying for a student visa, check the website of your embassy or consulate.

Because each government has its own requirements for students to study outside of their country, each student should understand the regulations/requirements necessary to apply to study in a different country.

Find more information about studying in the United States at the Education U.S.A. website: educationusa.state.gov

Prospective students with valid legal status may be eligible to apply for a change of visa status to the F-1 student visa. To apply for a change of status, you will need an I-20 form. See FAQ above for more information.

Prospective students currently attending another college/university who already have a valid F-1 visa may be eligible to transfer their student status from their current school to Carthage without departing from the United States and without applying directly to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.

If you have any questions, please contact Mallory Madson, Carthage International Student Coordinator, at mallory@carthage.edu