WELCOME TO SARAH LAWRENCE!!
Congratulations on your decision to attend Sarah Lawrence College! You have made some very important decisions already, but there are still many things to do before you leave home. Your first months in the United States will be much more satisfying if you plan ahead. If you have not already done so, visit the U.S. educational advising center in your area. http://www.educationusa.info/
Most advising centers offer helpful pre-departure orientations for students making preparations to study in the United States. The advising centers are typically more accessible than the U.S. consulate. The following section discusses steps to obtain an F-1 student visa. if you will maintain another acceptable visa status to study in the US.
OBTAINING A VISA
Most international students will need an F-1 student visa to enter the United States to study. Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate nearest you to find out about the process http://www.usembassy.gov/.
This process can take up to eight (8) weeks and require a written application, an interview, and fee payment, so plan ahead. Apply for the visa using the Form I-20 that Sarah Lawrence College sent to you. If several schools have accepted you, do not apply for a visa until you decide which one you will attend and then use ONLY the I-20 for that school. For more info see http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/wait 4638.html
Read all documents thoroughly, so that you know what your responsibilities will be when you enter the United States.
As an F-1 visa applicant, you are agreeing to study full-time in an educational program. This means a minimum of 12 credits each semester for undergraduate programs. With this responsibility of full- time study, students with F-1 status are also given privileges: the ability to travel in and out of the U.S. (with permission), and the possibility of an on-campus job for up to 20 hours per week. You will learn more about your F-1 rights and responsibilities at our pre-orientation workshop.
Before you apply for your visa, determine exactly what supporting documentation is required. The consulate nearest your home should be able to tell you their requirements. Several standard items are usually required for the process:
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A current, valid passport (with at least six months left before expiration)
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An I-20 Form aka Certificate of Eligibility
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Proof of payment for the $200 - SEVIS 901 fee (pay online at www.fmifee.com after your 1-20 arrives; print a receipt)
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Evidence of financial support for the period of time (typically one year) and amount indicated on the I-20
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Proof that you have a permanent residence outside the United States
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One or more passport-type photographs
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Transcripts from previous schooling, especially if it was in the US.
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Your acceptance and scholarship letters from Sarah Lawrence College
See tips for getting a visa: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html
Additional application materials may be requested to prove your eligibility for a student visa. These may include: evidence of English proficiency, school records, and additional evidence of strong ties to your home country (property deeds, family business documents) or of your ability to pay for your stay and study in the United States. An application fee and a short interview will be required.
The consular officer will place a visa in your passport. If you encounter any problems obtaining your visa, contact Todd Pettiford or Nicole Mirando immediately.(tpettiford@sarahlawrence.edu or nmirando@sarahlawrence.edu)
THE "REPORT DATE"
You are expected to arrive at Sarah Lawrence College on the "report date" indicated at #5 on your Form 1-20 (Students may enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days prior to that date, however some consulates suggest only 10 days in advance). Campus arrival time is very important because Sarah Lawrence offers important pre-orientation and orientation programs. If you must arrive later than your report date, contact Todd and Nicole in advance - usually immigration and Customs Enforcement will not allow a late arrival unless it is authorized on the I-20.
DOCUMENTS TO BRING TO THE UNITED STATES (IN YOUR HAND LUGGAGE, NOT CHECKED BAGGAGE)
When you travel, remember to keep your passport, 1-20, SEVIS 901 fee receipt, and all other identification with you -- NOT IN YOUR SUITCASE. Bring with you to the United States any documents about your academic, medical, and legal history:
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Official transcripts from your secondary schools. Colleges or universities
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copies of your medical records, including certificates of, immunizations and vaccinations in the event that the Health and Wellness Center did not receive copies you sent previously. Also, keep an extra copy at home with your family.
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Information about medical conditions or treatments, prescriptions for meidcation and eyeglasses
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Original birth certificate (in original language), for applying for a Social Security card once you obtain campus employment
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International Driver's Permit - (you can obtain this only in your home country, not the U.S.) with this and a valid driver's license from your home country you are allowed to drive in New York. Google it if you want more info.
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Obtain English translations of the academic documents and have the translations certified by a U.S. educational advising center or a U.S. consulate or embassy. Retain copies of all original documents for your records.
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National Identity card if it has a photo and birthdate