Upon acceptance to the University, students must submit the following documentation to obtain the I-20 application for the F-1 Student Visa:

International Student Agreement Form

Notarized Statement of Support Form (showing $42,670)

Notarized Bank Statements (showing $42,670)

Transfer Recommendation Form (if student is already on an F-1 visa)

Upon receipt of these documents, Admissions will issue the I-20.

Once the I-20 is received:

1) Schedule an appointment with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  Please note that some embassies may have a longer waiting period and it is important to schedule an appointment as early as possible.  The earliest appointment can be made 120 days prior to your date of entry listed on your I-20 application.  Find the closest embassy and wait time.  When making an appointment be sure to ask what fees are required and how they can be paid.  Also ask what documents are required for your visit.

2) Pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) I-901 fee.  For more information on this fee and how to pay it, click here.

3) Prepare your documents, which include:

* A valid passport

* I-20 application

* Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended

* Scores from standardized tests that you submitted to PhilaU

* PhilaU acceptance letter and any scholarship letters

* Financial records that show you or your sponsors have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses. 

* Copy of the I-797 (mail) or computer receipt (online) – proof of payment of the SEVIS (I-901) fee.

Click here for a complete list of required documents and forms.

Be sure to ask of the requirements for documentation as each embassy may request additional information.

4) Prepare for your interview:

Be ready to clearly explain why you want to come to the U.S. to study at Philadelphia University.  

• Why do you want to study in the U.S.?
• Why are you going to take this program of study?
• Why did you choose Philadelphia University?
• What career will your studies prepare you for back home?

Be ready to convince the consul that you will return home permanently after you complete your studies. Present papers, which can prove that you have “ties” to your country, which are so strong, they force you to return.  

• If your program of study is in great demand in your country, get a letter from a possible employer saying that they are interested in hiring people with degrees like the one you will get.
• If your family owns a business, take a letter from a bank describing it. If they own property, take the deeds.
• If you have a brother or sister who studied in the U.S. and then returned home, take a copy of his or her diploma and a statement from his or her employer.

Do not emphasize any ties you have to the U.S. or family members in the U.S.

Practice your English. Unless you are going to study English at your school,  you are expected to be able to speak it and show your TOEFL, SAT, or other record of English proficiency to the consul.

Do not talk about working in the U.S. You are required to prove that you can support the costs of studying and living in the U.S. Employment is strictly controlled by the Immigration service and is not guaranteed.

If you already began your studies in another nonimmigrant status and you received a change of status to F-1, be prepared to discuss how your original purpose for being in the U.S. changed to that of a full-time student. Take transcripts.

For more visa information visit the U.S. Department of State

Visas are usually issued within a few weeks, however, the processing time may vary depending upon the circumstances in a particular country or region.