In order to apply for the F-1 student visa from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country, you will need a valid Form I-20 issued by YACPA. YACPA issues you the I-20 form once we can verify the steps listed above have been completed.
YACPA can NOT issue a Form I-20 without ensuring:
1) that the student is proficient in English;
2) that the student has the credentials to undertake higher education studies in the U.S., and
3) that the student has adequate funds to cover all expenses while in the U.S.
Click here to access the YACPA I-20 Application Form (once complete, the application and accompanying documentation may be scanned and emailed to [email protected])
Once you have been issued the I-20 form you can then proceed with applying for the F-1 Visa.
- Pay the $350 SEVIS I-901 fee online
- Print a copy of the SEVIS payment receipt and take it with you to your visa interview at the U.S Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
- Apply for the F-1 visa at the U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country. Please see additional information from the U.S. Department of State.
To better prepare for the F-1 student visa process, please watch this video produced by EducationUSA.
Note that Canadian citizens do not need an F-1 visa to enter the U.S. but they still need to obtain an YACPA I-20 and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
Items you will need to take for the visa interview are:
- The signed I-20 form issued from YACPA.
- Your Form DS-160 confirmation page (the one with the barcode)
- A passport valid for at least six months after the planned date of entry into the USA.
- One 2”x 2” photograph.
- Proof of payment for the SEVIS fee and visa application fees.
- Transcripts and/or diploma from previous institutions attended.
- Scores from placement tests required for admission.
- Copy of financial evidence submitted with the application to YACPA.
Arriving in the USA
The F-1 visa, stamped on your passport, is your invitation to visit the U.S. The visa, together with the Form I-20 must be presented to the Customs & Border Protection Officer at the port of entry.
Even if you already have a visa, you may not enter the U.S. any earlier than 30 days before Check-In Day. After graduation, you may stay up to 60 days to prepare for departure, unless you have been approved for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or you have been admitted to another SEVP-authorized school. (Graduation ceremony dates do not impact this required departure date. The date is 60 days after the last day of the semester.)
Canadian Citizens: You do not need an F-1 visa, you can travel with the I-20 form. However, you MUST still pay the $350 SEVIS fee online prior to arriving at a USA port of entry. You must also carry a copy of the following supporting documents with you at your point of entry into the USA:
- Transcripts and/or diploma from previous institutions attended.
- Scores from placement tests required for admission.
- Copy of financial evidence submitted with the application to YACPA.