All international students with the exception of Canadian citizens should obtain a passport from their government. Students accepted by The University of Toledo usually enter the United States on a student (F-1) visa or exchange visitor (J-1) visa.
The University of Toledo sends most students a Certificate of Eligibility, Form I-20, to be used in obtaining the F-1 Student Visa. Upon request, the University can issue you the Form DS-2019 to be used in obtaining the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa. When you receive your I-20 or DS-2019 please make arrangements to apply for the visa as soon as possible. Depending upon your country of citizenship the visa application process make take several weeks.
Before applying for your student visa, you are required by the U.S. Department of State to pay a $100 Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee. Please access this site regarding clarification on how to pay the fee: https://www.fmjfee.com/index.jhtml
What do I take with me to the US Embassy to receive my student visa?
You will be charged a visa application fee (presently U.S. $100)
Form I-797 SEVIS fee receipt (if your I-20 or DS 2019 issue date is after June 1, 2004, you must have this form with you)
Form (I-20 or DS 2019)
Passport (valid for a period of at least 6 months from the time of U.S. entry and preferably for 6 months beyond your expected completion of program date indicated on the (Form I-20 or DS 2019)
Financial documentation of adequate financial resources to study in the U.S.( proof of your financial means of support; documentation of how you will pay for all of your expenses for at least the first academic year and preferably for the entire program study)
Any documentation of ties to your home country that establish the existence of a permanent residence abroad; documentation of your intent to return to your home country upon completion of your program of study
After being issued your visa, here are some things you should do:
Check to see that your visa accurately reflects your correct visa classification.
When you receive your nonimmigrant visa at U.S. embassy or consulate, the consular officer will seal your immigration and financial documents in an envelope and attach it to your passport. You should not open this envelope! The Customs and Border Protection Officer at the U.S. port of entry will open the envelope.
When you travel, you should carry some specific documents on your person. Do not check them in your baggage! If your baggage is lost or delayed, you will not be able to show the documents to the Customs and Border Protection Officer and, as a result, may not be able to enter the United States.
Here are the documents you should carry on your person:
Passport with visa
Sealed envelope with Form I-20 or DS-2019 and financial documentation
Form I-797 (SEVIS fee payment receipt)
If you are traveling by aircraft, the flight attendants on board will distribute CF-6059 Customs Declaration Forms and I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Forms for immigration, before you land at your initial point of entry in the United States. Complete these forms while you are on the aircraft and submit them to the appropriate Customs and Border Protection Officer upon your arrival. If you do not understand a form, ask the flight attendant for assistance.
Upon arrival at the port of entry, proceed to the terminal area for arriving passengers for inspection at one of the Department of Homeland Security Stations. As you approach the inspection station, have your passport , SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019, Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record, Form I-797 and CF-6059 Customs Declaration Form available for presentation to the Customs and Border Protection Officer. The Form I-94 should reflect the address where you will reside (not the address of the school or program).
If you are entering through a land or designated sea port, the Customs and Border Protection Officer will also be asked to provide information about your financial destination. It is important that you tell the Customs and Border Protection Officer that you will be a student or exchange visitor. Be prepared to include the name and address of the school or exchange visitor program where you will enroll/participate.
Once your inspection is complete, the inspecting officer will:
Stamp your SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019 D/S for Duration of Status
Stamp the I-94 and staple it in the passport