International Student Services

Tips for applying for your visa:

-Apply early. You are able to apply for your visa as soon as you are able. Pay your SEVIS fee (by mail only) and make your visa appointment.

-Check your I-20 for any possible errors as soon as you make your appointment so that a new one can be sent to you if you need it.

-Consulates are able to issue your visa 120 or less, in advance of your course of student registration date.

-If you want to enter the U.S. earlier than 30 days before your allowed entry date you must also apply for a visitor visa. You will then need to apply for a change of status to obtain your student visa. Your change of status approval is not guaranteed. This is NOT recommended. If you apply for a change of status from a visitor visa to a student visa you cannot start classes until your student visa has been approved and this can take up to 90 days.

-There can be long wait times while you are waiting for your visa appointment. Digital fingerprints which are ink-free will be taken at the time of your interview. Early appointments are recommended.

-PLEASE NOTE: Different people can be asked different questions even if they are applying for the same visa. If you know someone who is also applying for a student visa, the questions they were asked in their interview MAY be different then the questions you will be asked.

What you need to take to your visa interview:

-Your ORIGINAL I-20 that UCCS issued to you. Your I-20 that you take with you to your visa will be the school put on your visa and these school names must match for entry into the country.

-A valid passport that does not expire for at least 6 months after your intended length of stay in U.S.

-One (1) 2x2 inch photograph.

            Additional requirements here:

-a MRV fee receipt showing that you paid the SEVIs application fee. Your visa can be denied if you cannot show proof of SEVIS payment.   

            If you have dependants you do not need to pay a SEVIS fee for them.

              Be prepared to provide:

-Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended.

-Scores from standardized tests required by UCCS such as: TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.

-Financial evidence that shows you or your parents who are sponsoring you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during your period of study. You are required to show at least the minimum amount listed on your I-20.

If you or your sponsor is a salaried employee, please bring income tax documents and original bank books and/or statements. These need to be in English and have them converted into USD.

If you or your sponsor owns a business, please bring business registration, licenses, etc. and tax documents as well as original bank books and/or statements.

                 Applicants with dependents:

-Proof that the student’s relationship to his/ her spouse and/or children. (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)

            It is better that families apply for F-1 and F-2 visas at the same time, but if the children and/or spouse must apply at a later time they should bring a copy of the student visa holder’s passport and visa along with all of the other required documents.

                                                       Please Note:

-There is no assurance a visa will be given. Final travel plans and travel tickets should not be bought until a visa has been issued.

-If you have a valid visa in an expired passport, do not remove the visa from the passport. You can use it along with your new passport to enter the U.S.

- Carefully consider your authorized stay dates and make sure you follow the regulations to stay in status while you are in the U.S.

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