Process to Obtain an F-1 Student Visa
Stanford requires international students who attend courses during the Summer Session to have a visa appropriate for academic study. For most students, this will be an F-1 Student Visa, although there are additional visa classifications that cover credit based study as well. It is very important that students not attempt to enter the country using a B-1/B-2 Tourist Visa or a WT/WB Waiver if the intention is to enroll in courses for credit. Students should contact the Summer Session Office directly if they have questions about their visa status.
The first step in the process of attending Stanford for the Summer Quarter is to apply to the appropriate Summer program. If offered admission, the next step is to complete an acceptance process. For international students who require a Stanford sponsored I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status), this process includes completing the online Declaration of Finance form and submitting an original Proof of Funding document and photocopy of the identification page(s) of the student's passport. Once all acceptance items have been received, Stanford University will generate the student’s I-20.
Once a student receives their I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status), the following items must be completed, by the student, in order to obtain an F-1 Student Visa:
- Student pays the SEVIS fee to the U.S. Government and obtains a receipt. Students should go to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) SEVIS I-901 website for information about the process, including details on how to pay the SEVIS fee online.
- Student arranges an F-1 Visa appointment at their local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. (Canadian citizens are not required to complete this portion of the process; please see below for information listed under the header: Canadian Citizens). Once a student has received their I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status) from Stanford and paid the SEVIS fee, the student will be able to set up an appointment at their local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Students should follow the guidelines of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for requesting an F-1 Student Visa. The appropriate visa application fee will be assessed at the time of the appointment. Students should plan ahead and allow plenty of time for this process to occur. Some countries have limited appointment times available, and others may take extra time to generate the visa stamp and return the passport. To attend Stanford’s Summer Session, students must be able to arrive at Stanford on Saturday, June 22, 2013.
- Original I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status)
- I-901 SEVIS Fee Receipt
- Stanford University Summer Session Admission Letter (available online within the Summer Session acceptance interface)
- Original Proof of Funding Document
- Valid Passport
- 2 Passport Size Photos
For assistance with general questions about student visas, students should consult the U.S. Department of State Visas website where they will find helpful information about the F-1 Student Visa, including locations of U.S. Embassies and Consulates, timelines for scheduling interviews, details about visa processing, and more.
Canadian Citizens: Canadian citizens do not need an F-1 Student Visa to enter the United States. Canadian citizens receive their F-1 visa stamp upon entering the country. All visa related documentation, as listed above, will need to be shown to the U.S. Immigration Officer as the student enters the U.S. When Canadian citizens reach the Port of Entry, they should make sure they receive an I-94 arrival/departure record (small card) stamped “F-1 D/S” (D/S – Duration of Status).
Process to Obtain an F-1 Student Visa
Students should not attempt to enter the country using a B-1/B-2 Tourist Visa or a WT/WB Waiver. Stanford Summer Session programs are designated as full-time, and students are required to attend with F-1 Student Visa status. Students should contact the Summer Session Office if they have any questions relating to immigration or visa matters. F-1 students in initial status may enter the United States up to 30 days prior to the "report date" listed on the I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status). On-campus housing is not available until June 22, 2013.