Entering the U.S. | Services |How to Apply for a Transfer | Reinstatement | Definition of Terms
Visa Application & Conversion
What is I-20 and how do I to apply for it?
All international students admitted to our program(s) must submit a separate application for the I-20, which is required for a Student Visa application. The I-20 is authorized and approved by the U.S. government. The I-20 application requires proof of financial support to cover your educational and living expenses while you are in the U.S.
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
You will need to provide us with the following in order for us to issue your I-20:
- A copy of your recent (not more than 60 days old) bank statement or a letter from your bank (in English) showing sufficient funds for the length of your study in the U.S.
- If someone is sponsoring you, we will need his or her bank statement, or a letter from his or her bank (in English) showing they sufficient funds for the length of your study in U.S. Your sponsor also must complete an Affidavit of Support.
I-20 Application Requirements
- Current, valid passport
- Application fees
- Application Forms
- The form I-20 and acceptance letter from school, tuition payment receipt
- Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States
- Must be at least age of 18 or over.
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) 773-957-3351 /632/938-9526
Effective November 1, 2004, there is a new SEVIS fee payment requirement. Before a student can apply for an F-1 visa or a change of status if student is currently in the United States, he/she must make arrangements to pay the $100 fee. For current information, instructions, and fee payment procedures, visit the website: www.fmjfee.com. This payment must be made prior to your appointment at a U.S. Embassy.
Visa Conversion
SUBMITTING FORMS
To submit the forms in person, please make an appointment by calling (847) 537-8918. The office is not open on Sundays. Information can be faxed; however, the student must submit the originals when he/she enters Quality Careers Institute. You may fax information to (847) 537-8910. You must have the student’s name on all forms that are to be faxed.
WAIVER VISA
IF YOU ENTERED THE UNITED STATES AS A VISITOR AND HAD THE VISA WAIVED (WT), THIS MEANS YOU DO NOT HAVE A VISA. THEREFORE, YOU MUST APPLY FOR THE F-1 VISA FROM OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES.
Change of Status
If you have applied for a change of status from tourist (“B”) to student (“F-1”), you may not start your coursework until you have received notification of your approval to change to F-1.
Applying for Change to Student Visa Inside the United States
If the F1 applicant is in the United States on a tourist or business visa*, he/she must include the original 1-20 from Quality Careers Institute along with the following credentials:
- USCIS Form 1-539 with $195.00 processing fee (money order, no personal checks). The I-539 form can be downloaded from the USCIS web site: www.USCIS.gov/graphics/index.htm
- SEVIS payment (www.ice.qo/sevis/i901)
- Affidavit of Support OR bank statement
- Copies of bank and employer letters
- Xeroxed copy of passport
- A letter explaining that the visa which the student initially entered on was appropriate at that time
- Recently USCIS has asked applicants to also provide USCIS 1-134 form, which is another version of an Affidavit of Support.
- Current I-94 card
Date of 4/12/02 the regulations for “B” visa holders, who want to change status to F-1, have changed significantly. You may wish to contact an immigration attorney to discuss this matter. Please make an appointment with DSO at the school to discuss your current visa status.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Nebraska Service Center P.O. Box 87539 Lincoln, NE 68501-7539
