MySLC

You have received your Form I-20 from Sarah Lawrence College and now you need to apply for your F-1 visa stamp.  

So what are the next steps?

1. Pay your SEVIS Fee!

1. • The SEVIS Fee is required for all new F-1 students with new SEVIS records.
   • Make sure to obtain the SEVIS Fee Receipt since you will need it for your visa appointment and traveling.

2. Complete the DS-160 Application

1. • Access the DS-160 application at the Consular Electronic Application Center website.
   • Check out this video about the online application, How to Apply for a US Visa online.
   • Read Frequently Asked Questions about the DS-160.

Tips for Filling Out Your DS-160:

Below are suggested answers you are welcome to use when you fill out this form. Please be aware that you are ultimately responsible for the accuracy of information you provide in this form.

For U.S. Address or Point of Contact:

• Use your department contact person's contact information and department address (if you do not have a valid U.S. address)
  • Or, use the ISS contact info and ISS's address (1 Mead Way, Bronxville, NY 10708   Tel: 914-323-6318)

Address Where You Will Stay in the U.S.:

• If you know where you will stay, use that address. If you have not yet secured your housing at the time of your visa appointment, then you may choose one of the below:
  • The address where you will stay is the College address as listed on your I-20. 
  • Use your department or the school's address (1 Mead Way, Bronxville, NY 10708).

Course of Study:

• Use your program name as it appears on the admission letter or your I-20

Present Work/Education/Training Information:

• Select the best option that is true at the time of submitting your application.
  • Be sure to select the occupation that best describes your current status. 
    • Example: If you are currently employed then choose the occupation that best reflects your current job (Business, Engineering etc..)

Person/Entity Paying for Your Trip:

• List your primary source of funding as it appears on your I-20.

3. Schedule a Visa Interview

1. • Applying for a U.S. visa is making an appointment at your closest U.S. embassy or consulate.
   • At the appointment you will need the following:

Find the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy

Find the visa appointment wait times at your local consulate

4. Attend Your Interview on Time!

1. • A student visa interview will not be long and can last up to 5 minutes. Any questions they have will primarily be about your Academic plans and how they connect to your future career goals. Consular officers are also looking at how you plan to pay for your education and living expenses. You should be ready to explain in your own words why you chose Sarah Lawrence, how your studies will advance your career goals. You should avoid rehearsed or memorized answers and approach the interview as a conversation about your personal plans.  
   • If the Consular officer informs you that your application has been denied, ask for clarification and a written decision before you leave. This can be crucial information for understanding your next options. Note that some denials are only procedural in order to facilitate administrative processing and background checks. 
   • Here are 10 points to remember when applying for a non-immigrant visa.
   • **New Questions from consular officers to ask all nonimmigrant visa applicants two new questions: 1) “Have you experienced harm or mistreatment in your country of nationality or last habitual residence?” and 2) “Do you fear harm or mistreatment in returning to your country of nationality or permanent residence?”. “Visa applicants must respond verbally with a ‘no’ to both questions for the consular officer to continue with visa issuance.” See New State Department rules would deny visas to those who fear returning home, Adam Taylor, The Washington Post, April 28, 2026. 

   5.  Once you have been Approved of your F-1 Visa 

1. 1. Make sure to check the visa in your passport to make sure it is all correct. Any incorrect information must be changed at the embassy/consulate you received your entry visa.  Sample F-1 visa that is inserted into your passport - shown below.
   2. Your I-20 should have been returned to you in order to help with entering the United States. Review Arriving in the US.

APPLYING FOR A VISA FAQS:

WHO NEEDS A VISA?

New incoming F-1 students who have not received an F-1 Visa stamp (located in the passport) and also have a New SEVIS record with an I-20 from Sarah Lawrence College. Dependents of an F-1 must also apply for an F-2 visa along with an F-2 dependent I-20. If you are Canadian or Bermudian then you are exempt in applying for a F-1 visa. 

WHEN CAN I APPLY FOR MY F-1 VISA? 

Once you receive your Initial Form I-20. F student visas can now be issued up to 365 days in advance of the I-20 program start date. 

I AM FROM CANADA/BERMUDA AND HAVE RECEIVED AN I-20, DO I STILL NEED TO APPLY FOR AN F-1 VISA?
No, based on reciprocity with the United States your countries are not required to apply for an F visa stamp at a U.S. Consulate/Embassy. You are required to enter the United States using all the necessary immigration documents showing you are studying in the US as an F-1 student. You must still follow all the regulations pertaining to the F student status. Check out, Arriving in the US for more information. 

MY F-1 VISA IS STILL VALID FROM MY PREVIOUS SCHOOL, DO I STILL NEED TO APPLY FOR AN F-1 VISA?

If you have a Transfer Pending I-20 from Sarah Lawrence and your F-1 visa is still valid then you are not required to obtain a new F-1 visa. If you have an Initial I-20 then you are required to apply for a new F-1 visa stamp. If you are returning from a leave of absence from Sarah Lawrence and the F-1 visa is still valid then you can use this to enter the United States with your I-20. 

WHAT IS THE BEST RESOURCE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE VISA INTERVIEW?

The best resource is the US embassy/consulate website for your country specific information on what is required to present or prepare in advance. 

CAN I REQUEST TO EXPEDITE MY VISA APPOINTMENT?
Yes, expedited visa appointments are available especially if school will start soon but this varies so you must check the US embassy website.  The student must still request an appointment and request this expedite in the appointment which may be pushed forward by the embassy.

WHAT IF MY VISA IS DENIED?

If the U.S. Embassy/Consulate has any questions regarding your studies at Sarah Lawrence, please contact ISS. If your visa application is delayed or denied for any reason, please email your ISS immediately. You are allowed to request more information about the denial and you can reapply for a new appointment as soon as possible. If the denial is based on being barred such as if you were out of status from another US visa then you can only apply after that time has elapsed. 

Safe travels and we look forward to meeting you when you arrive in New York!

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