Visa and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Information

To learn more about the , please visit the Study in the States website managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

To find a in your country and begin the F-1 visa application process, please visit the U.S. Department of State website. They also provide helpful information on the F-1 application process, including a . 

What is the SEVIS (I-901) fee?  This is a general fee associated with F-1 or J-1 visa application processes that is assessed by the U.S. government. It is very similar to a visa application fee. You must pay the SEVIS (I-901) fee before visiting the U.S. Embassy/Consulate for your visa interview.

Helpful U.S. Immigration Links

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Follow the instructions that best reflect your current status

You have been sent a certificate of eligibility (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019) to be presented at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy when you interview for an F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor visa. You should be prepared to present your original financial documents and your letter of admission.

  • SEVIS (I-901) Fee: Please before going to the for your visa interview.
  • WARNING: Do not enter the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 tourist visa unless "prospective student" is noted.  Do not enter the U.S. on a visa waiver, or you will be refused at the U.S. point of entry. Dependents (F-2, J-2) must have their own, entirely separate Form I-20 or DS 2019.
     

You are not required to become an F-1 or J-1 visa holder in order to study at ±¬ÁϳԹÏÍø. Please note that, F-2 visa holders who wish to enroll in full-time credits (>11 for undergraduate studies or > 8 for graduate studies) must change to an F-1 visa. Students in F-2 status may be enrolled in a degree-seeking program but may only study part-time. The advisors in the Center for International Services and Programs will provide advice and referrals to students with any visa status, as needed. 

U.S. immigration regulations require you maintain valid F-1 status at your current institution before your transfer to ±¬ÁϳԹÏÍø. Your current institution's DSO/ International Advisor should send your immigration record to Cleveland State via the school-to-school SEVIS transfer process. If you are "out of status," you must discuss your situation with a CISP advisor during a . A Form I-20 for ±¬ÁϳԹÏÍø will not be provided to you but can be provided after you register for classes. 

WARNING: The SEVIS transfer process MUST be completed within 15 days of the start of your new term, or you will have violated your F-1 status. You may not work on campus until your F-1 immigration transfer has been approved.

Please with an immigration advisor so that we may determine if a J-1 transfer is possible. Please provide a copy of your current Form DS-2019, your J-1 visa and most recent I-94.

Contact

Mailing Address
Center for International Services and Programs
2121 Euclid Ave BH 412
Cleveland, OH 44115-2214

Campus Location
Berkman Hall 412
1899 E 22nd St
Cleveland, OH 44115-2214


Phone: 216.687.3910
Fax: 216.687.3965
intlcenter@csuohio.edu

Click here for CISP Home Page!