Student Visas
All nonimmigrant foreign visitors are required to have a visa stamp in their passport to enter the United States. A visa is issued by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. A visa is an "entry document" and cannot be obtained in the U.S. To find out what type of visa you need, please visit the International Student and Scholar Services website.
F-2 Visa Guidelines
A student with an F-2 visa may enroll in courses on a part-time basis and even pursue a degree program, but cannot enroll full-time while on the F-2 visa. Please note that if the F-1 is not in status, the F-2's status is no longer valid. An F-2 applicant who is considering studying full time will need to obtain the F-1 visa status prior to enrolling full time. If your dependent is interested in studying full time at SIUE, they should contact the office of International Student and Scholar Services.
OPT
OPT can only be used once per higher degree level even if you have multiple degrees per level (e.g. OPT based on a Bachelor's degree and then OPT based on a Master's degree or PhD). Please visit the ISSS OPT Website page for more information.
Other Types of Visas/Status
- International applicants who have filed an application for United States permanent residency, but have not yet been granted approval, are considered international applicants but are not required to provide financial documentation.
- International students who are in the United States on H-1 or H-4 visa types who plan on remaining on the same visa are not required to provide financial verification documents.
- International applicants who hold a tourist/visitor visa (B-1 or B-2) are not allowed to study in the U.S. without first getting approval for a change of status to F-1. Changing a B-1 or B-2 visa to a student visa while in the U.S. may be very difficult. We suggest applying for an F-1 visa in your home country once your I-20 form is issued.
Steps to Obtain Your I-20/DS-2019 Form
Step 1: Complete the Online Application for Your I-20 or DS-2019
Students will receive a link to this application via email. The application will ask for information needed to demonstrate the financial support necessary to attend the University. You will need to upload a copy of your passport (biographical page) to verify your legal name. In-country applicants: Submit a copy of your current I-20 and/or visa.
The application includes a fillable international student financial form that the applicant should print. Both the student and the student’s financial sponsor (e.g., a parent or relative) must sign the form. You must scan and upload this form and your supporting documents, such as bank statements or scholarship award letters.
Note: Students seeking to bring dependents to the U.S. must provide documentation of sufficient financial resources to cover the expenses of the dependent(s), in addition to the student’s own expenses (add $5,000 if your spouse will accompany you and $4,000 for each child or dependent). Copies of the dependents' passport and a copy of the marriage certificate are also required.
Step 2: Attach a Copy of the Bank Statement to the Financial Form
Upload the financial form, along with a scanned copy of the original bank statement signed or stamped by a bank official that shows sufficient funds available. Both the student and the student’s sponsor must sign the form. You should upload scholarship award letters (if any) at this time.
Make sure your scanned copies are readable. Copies that are blurred or difficult to read will need to be uploaded again.
Once our office receives and reviews the official transcripts and scanned financial documents, we will generate an I-20 and a copy will be sent to the student.
Note: Students must upload financial forms and bank statements into their application self-service center and bring the originals to their visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. Official transcripts and other academic records still need to be mailed to our office before your I-20 will be issued.
Step 3: Verify the Information Shown on the I-20 for Accuracy
Once verified, the I-20 will be sent via express mail to the address provided by the applicant. The student should bring this I-20, along with any other required documentation, to their visa interview at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy.
Step 4: Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee and Make a Visa Appointment
After you receive your I-20/DS-2019 form and letter of admission from SIUE, you will need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and make a visa appointment at the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy.
For general information about the student visa application process, please visit the U.S. State Department website. Instructions on how to apply for a visa are also available on the International Student and Scholar Services website.
You may schedule your visa appointment up to 120 days prior to your program start date. Locate the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy. More information regarding the visa process, including average wait times, is available on the U.S. State Department website.
Transfer Students: Students with F-1 status who wish to transfer SIUE.
To transfer to SIUE from another university or school in the United States:
- Apply to SIUE! On the application, be sure to mark that you are transferring from another school.
- If your application is approved, you will be sent a link to allow you to complete the financial verification necessary to gain full admittance. You must upload copies of your passport, current I-20, and visa, as well as the international student financial form signed by your sponsor and required bank statements. Once these documents are reviewed, SIUE will provide you an acceptance letter.
- Speak with your current school’s International Student Services office to complete any requirements they have to transfer your SEVIS record to SIUE. Bring them your acceptance letter and provide then with SIUE’s SEVIS school code: CHI214F10600000.
- After you have completed any classes in which you are currently enrolled, your school will be able to transfer your SEVIS record to SIUE. Once this record is transferred to us, the SIUE Graduate and International Admissions office will issue you a “Transfer-In” I-20.
- Arrive on campus in time for the international student orientation, held the week before classes begin each semester. When you check-in with the SIUE International Student and Scholar’s office, you will receive a “Continuing Attendance” I-20.
To transfer from SIUE to another university or school please visit the International Student and Scholar Services website for specific instructions regarding how to transfer your SEVIS record to SIUE.
