Newly Admitted F-1 UT Tyler Students: Requirements, Resources, Info (2024)

New (Initial) F-1 Student Checklist

Receiving an I-20

You must be admitted to a degree-seeking program at UT Tyler before an I-20 can be created for you.

International students must demonstrate they have enough financial resources to be able to cover their 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 - passport must be valid for at least 6 months
• Certification of Financial Responsibility:
  • Proof of financial support documents in one or more of the following forms, issued within last 6 months:
    • Personal or sponsor funds: Checking/savings account balance statement, credit card statement, etc
    • Scholarships
• Sponsor Letter

Once you have submitted all of the required documents, you will be emailed your "Initial Attendance" I-20. Upon request, a hard copy can be provided.

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 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

• $350 for F-1s
• $220 for J-1s

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

Bring your SEVIS 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 student who has already paid the fee and your SEVIS record has been continuously active (i.e. no leaves of absence, no withdrawals, etc), 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.

Form I-901
F-1 Students: Completing Form I-901

1. Accessform 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 on your I-20. The code for the UT Tyler campus isDAL214F00503000. The code for UT Tyler Houston Campus is DAL214F00503003.
4. Check that the information is correct.
5. Printat least 2 copiesof 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. Printat least 2 copiesof 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 apply. U.S. State Department policy requires that embassies and consulates give students priority in visa appointments.
As a 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.

Bermudan or Canadian Citizens

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 of you 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 (employment offer, concrete plans on how your education in the U.S. will help your career in your home country, family and property ties, etc.)
• visa application formDS-160.If you need to list a U.S. address in your application, you can list the address of your department, physical address (3620 Varsity Drive, Tyler, TX 75701)

Tips for a successful visa interview

Arriving in the U.S.

On your first entry to the US with your I-20, you cannot enter earlier than 30 days before the start date on your I-20. For travel after that, (e.g., summer break), there is no restriction.

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

Are you bringing dependents with you? Learn more.