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- Non-immigrant visa application
- Visa application fee
- Passport pictures
- Valid Passport
- Form I-20 (issued by Central)
- Admission letter from Central
- SEVIS fee receipt (Form I-797)
- Original Affidavit of Support
A student can apply for F-1 visa earlier than 120 days before the program start to allow for visa processing and security clearance delays. The Form I-20 will be issued to students who have been fully admitted to Central. Please contact the ISSS immediately if any information on your Form I-20 is incorrect.
Make sure you have a valid passport.
Pay your SEVIS Fee either by phone, by mail or online, and print a SEVIS fee receipt for your record. The fee must be paid at least three business days before your appointment at the U.S. Embassy.
F-2 dependents do not need to pay the SEVIS fee. Canadians Citizens are exempted from processing a visa to enter the United States, but still need to pay the SEVIS fee.
If your visa is approved, you are ready to travel to the United States to start school. Immigration regulations state that you should arrive in the United States within 30 days of the program start date in Section 5 of your Form I-20.
If your visa application is denied, please refer to the United States Department of State's Website - Visa Denial. Central Connecticut State University cannot influence visa decisions made by U.S. Consular officials abroad.
NOTE: All individuals intending to be students at Central must enter the United States in F-1 student status. Entering on a B1/B2 visitor’s visa with the intention of attending school in the United States full-time is ‘unlawful'.
Book an appointment at the closest United States Consulate or Embassy to apply for F-1 visa (except Canadian Citizens). For more information on visa processing, refer to https://www.usembassy.gov/.
Ties to Home Country: Under US law, all applicants for nonimmigrant visas are viewed as intending immigrants. The burden of proof lies with the applicant. You must therefore be able to show that you have reasons for returning to your home country that are stronger than those for remaining in the United States. "Ties" to your home country are the things that bind you to your hometown, homeland, or current place of residence, for example:
If you are a prospective undergraduate, the interviewing officer may ask you about your:
Each person's situation is different, of course, and there is no magic explanation or single document, certificate, or letter which can guarantee visa issuance.