Your Journey Starts Here

Welcome to the University of Lynchburg! We’re thrilled you’re joining our diverse community. We understand that navigating the visa and immigration process can feel like a big step, and our International Student Support team is here to guide you every step of the way with personalized support and accurate information.

Your Path to Lynchburg: Student Visa Application

Getting your student visa is a crucial part of your journey. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process:

1. Receive Your I-20: Once you’re accepted and confirm your enrollment, the University of Lynchburg will mail you your Form I-20. This is a vital document for your visa application.
2. Pay the SEVIS Fee (I-901): You are required to pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee before your visa interview. Visit the official SEVIS website to pay this fee. Keep your receipt as proof of payment. You may find online tutorials helpful for this process.
3. Complete the DS-160 Form: This is the online nonimmigrant visa application form. You must complete it accurately before scheduling your interview.
4. Schedule Your Visa Interview: Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country to schedule your visa interview. After submitting your DS-160 form, be sure to do this in a timely manner.
5. Prepare for Your Interview: Be ready to answer questions about your study plans, reasons for choosing the U.S. and the University of Lynchburg, and your intentions to return to your home country after completing your program. It is important to demonstrate strong ties to your home country.
6. Attend Your Visa Interview: Arrive prepared with all required documents and be calm and professional.
7. Enter the U.S.: Once your visa is approved, you can enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before your program starts. Have your passport and I-20 readily accessible during your travel.

Our International Admissions Counselors are here to provide dedicated counseling throughout this process. Don’t hesitate to reach out!

The Essential Form I-20

Your Form I-20 is a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. It confirms your acceptance into the University of Lynchburg and provides essential information needed for your visa application and entry into the U.S. It’s crucial to keep your I-20 valid by reporting any changes to your information, such as your address or major, to our Designated School Officials (DSOs) in International Student Support. Keep all copies of your I-20 in a safe place as proof of your legal presence in the U.S.

Understanding the SEVIS Fee (I-901)

The SEVIS I-901 fee is a mandatory fee required by the U.S. government to maintain the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which tracks international students and exchange visitors. You must pay this fee before your visa interview. The current fee and payment instructions are on the official SEVIS website. Ensure you receive and keep the payment confirmation receipt.

Scheduling Your Visa Interview

Once you have your I-20 and have paid the SEVIS fee, you can schedule your visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Check the website of your local embassy for specific instructions on scheduling procedures. Timely submission of your DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application form is essential before you can book your interview. Be prepared for potential waiting times and plan accordingly.

Ace Your Interview: Preparation is Key

Your visa interview is typically short, so being well-prepared is crucial. Here are some tips:

• Know Your Program: Be ready to clearly explain what you plan to study at the University of Lynchburg and why you chose this program.
• Understand Your Finances: Be prepared to discuss how you will finance your education. Have your financial documentation readily available.
• Demonstrate Home Ties: Clearly articulate your connections to your home country and your plans to utilize your U.S. education upon your return.
• Be Concise and Honest: Answer questions directly and truthfully.
• Practice: Consider practicing answering common visa interview questions.

Documents You’ll Need for Your Visa Interview

Ensure you bring the following essential documents to your visa interview:

• Your valid passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.).
• Your original Form I-20 from the University of Lynchburg.
• Your SEVIS fee payment receipt.
• Your DS-160 confirmation page.
• Passport-sized photographs as required by the embassy.
• Proof of payment of the visa application fee.
• The University of Lynchburg admission letter.
• Proof of English proficiency (if applicable).
• Evidence of financial support, such as bank statements.
• Evidence of ties to your home country, such as family ties or property ownership.
• Any other documents specifically requested by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Maintaining Your F-1 Status: Our Shared Responsibility

As an F-1 student, you must maintain your legal status throughout your studies. Key aspects of maintaining your status include:

• Enrolling in a full course of study (minimum 12 credit hours for undergraduates, 9 for graduates) during the fall and spring semesters.
• Reporting any change of address to a DSO within 10 days of moving.
• Obtaining authorization before engaging in any off-campus employment. On-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session.
• Following proper procedures for transferring to another school.
• Applying for a program extension if you need more time to complete your studies before your I-20 expires.
• Obtaining a travel signature on your I-20 before leaving the U.S. temporarily.
• Maintaining a valid passport at all times.

Our International Student Support team is here to provide guidance and answer your questions about maintaining your F-1 status.

Passport and Visa Essentials

Remember to keep your passport valid for at least six months into the future. While your visa has an expiration date, as long as you maintain your F-1 status and do not leave the U.S. (or only travel within the U.S.), an expired visa in your passport does not affect your legal status. However, you must apply for a new U.S. visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your destination country before re-entering the U.S. if your visa has expired.

We are dedicated to making your transition to the University of Lynchburg as smooth as possible. Please contact our International Student Support team if you have any questions or need assistance with the visa and immigration process. We’re here to help you thrive!