Individuals who come to the United States to study must apply for a student visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country. 

To apply for a student visa you must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant (F-1) Student Status (also known as a SEVIS I-20 Form) or a Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status (also known as a SEVIS DS-2019 Form). 

In order to obtain a SEVIS I-20 Form or a SEVIS DS-2019 Form you will need to be admitted to a program of study and submit bank documents showing you have the financial ability to cover your educational and living expenses. For information on admission to DePaul University, please visit the Admission Office website.

Once you have received a SEVIS I-20 Form or a SEVIS DS-2019 Form from DePaul University, you will need to make an appointment with a U.S. Embassy or Consulate located in your home country. 

Please make sure to apply for your visa as early as possible. Due to recent changes to visa processing and special clearances needed for some applicants, you are strongly encouraged to make your visa application appointment as early as possible.

Special Note:  SEVIS Fee in effect after September 1, 2004

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced implementation of the SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Information System) fee. Effective immediately, each student or exchange scholar issued an initial Form I-20 or DS-2019 on or after September 1, 2004, must pay this fee before applying for a visa.  For more information refer to the following two documents:

SEVIS Fee Fact Sheet

SEVIS Fee Quick Guide

You MUST provide the following documents to apply for your student visa:

• A SEVIS I-20 Form (F-1) or a SEVIS DS-2019 Form  (J-1) issued by DePaul University - Make sure that you provide both pages of the forms and check to see that the form is signed by you and the appropriate school official in the appropriate places.
  
  

• Proof of Adequate Financial Support - Bank documents showing you or your sponsor has the financial ability to cover your educational and living expenses during the period of your studies.
  
  

• Form DS-156 and Form DS-158 - Both forms must be completed and signed by you. Some applicants will also be required to complete DS-157. These forms are available at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. 
  
  

• Passport - Valid for at least six months after your intended date of entry into the United States.
  
  

• Photograph - One photograph taken according to the new photo requirements.
  
  

• Processing Fee - You must present proof of payment in the form of a receipt to show that you paid all applicable fees.  Applicable fees may include the following:  a SEVIS I-901 Fee; a Visa Application Fee; and a Visa Issuance Fee.  For applicable fees contact a U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest you.  For current information on the fees (visa issuance and/or visa application) that the U.S. charges for non-immigrant visas (F-1/F-2, J-1/J-2) you may refer to the Visa Reciprocity and Country Documents Finder.

For more detailed information regarding the visa application process, please read the following handouts:

Visa Application Checklist 
10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Non-immigrant Visa 



Updated 08.2005