Obtaining a J-1/F-1 Visa
- As a result of having been admitted (or approved to come) to South Dakota State University, enclosed is the Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Status or the DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status.
- Canadian Students do not need to apply for an F-1 student visa at the U.S. Embassy. However payment of the SEVIS fee is required and you must travel with your SEVIS fee receipt when you travel at the port of entry.
- Now that you have in your possession the I-20 or the DS-2019, you will need to make the SEVIS payment. Please refer to the SEVIS payment information letter enclosed for instructions on how to make the payment.
- After you have a receipt of that payment, report to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and apply for a student visa on the nonimmigrant Visa application Form OF-156. Apply for the F-1 or J-1 Visa promptly, since processing times vary at each U.S. embassy/consulate.
- The U.S. embassy or consulate will require certain information to verify your eligibility to obtain admission to the U.S. as a nonimmigrant student. Please refer to the list below for items that may be required as evidence of your eligibility:
- Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 signed and dated by the designated school official
- Valid passport for travel to the U.S. with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the U.S.
- Admission or acceptance to a U.S. institution for a full course of study
- Proficiency in the English language
- Sufficient financial resources to cover all living and school expenses during the entire period of anticipated study in the U.S.
- One photograph (37x37 mm) for each applicant aged 16 and older, showing full face, with head covering (if required by religious custom), against a light background.
- The U.S. embassy or consulate will require certain information to verify your eligibility to obtain admission to the U.S. as a nonimmigrant student. Please refer to the list below for items that may be required as evidence of your eligibility:
After your Visa interview
J-1/F-1 Students
After you have completed your Visa interview at the U.S. embassy, please email Kirsten Linke to let us know whether you have received your Visa. This is an important step as it will allow us to prepare for your arrival. Phone: 605-688-5612; Fax: 605-688-6540
J-1 Professors/Interns/Research Scholars
After you have received your Visa, please contact BOTH the adviser you are working with and our office. Please email Kirsten Linke.