At Albany State University, an international student is an individual who meets one of the following criteria: -Student is currently living outside the U.S. and will require an F-1 visa to study in the U.S. -Student is not a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident and is currently in the U.S. on an F-1 visa. -Student is currently in the U.S. on another non-immigrant visa classification, which permits part-time or full-time study. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IMPORTANT INFORMATION (Please read Carefully!): F-1 Student Visa An F-1 Student Visa is issued by a US embassy or consulate abroad. After receipt of the I-20, make an appointment to apply for an F-1 visa. You will need your SEVIS ID which is located at the top left of the I-20 Form. In most countries, first-time students are required to appear for an interview. Each embassy and consulate sets its own interview policies and procedures. Be sure to check your U.S. embassy or consulate website for important information and application instructions. Canadians students do not require an application to the U.S. consulate for an entry visa. However, an I-20 and passport is required at the port of entry to the U.S. SEVIS and SEVIS Fee SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is an internet-based system that allows The Department of Homeland Security and approved schools to collect, track and monitor information regarding international students, exchange visitors, and scholars who enter the U.S. on F, M or J visas. Accurate and current information is transmitted electronically throughout an F-1 student’s authorized stay in the U.S. F-1 visa applicants who are entering the U.S. on an initial I-20 (including Canadian citizens) are required to pay a SEVIS fee of $350. This fee is used to supplement the administration and maintenance costs of the Student and Exchange Visitor information System. The SEVIS fee must be paid at least three days prior to the consular interview; Canadian citizens at least three days prior to entering the U.S. Instructions on how to pay the SEVIS fee can be found on the SEVIS I-901 website. ASU's school code is ATL214F00024000. Planning Your Arrival In The U.S. Please be advised that you may not enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to the start date indicated on your I-20. It is important that you allow yourself plenty of time for security processing at the U.S. Port of Entry. It is also important that you enter the U.S. in F-1 student status. You can find information that will assist you in your travel and minimize processing delays on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. Arriving at ASU Please contact your Designated School Official within 15 days of your arrival on campus to complete the SEVIS registration process. DSO - Lenita Swan, lenita.swan@asurams.edu, 229-500-2946 PDSO - Michelle Appling, michelle.appling@asurams.edu, 229-500-2939 Office of Admissions and Recruitment Email: admissions@asurams.edu Phone: 229-500-4358