VISAS FOR TRAVEL TO THE U.S.

Do you know which is the best visa for you?   Learn more about your visa options before you travel to the U.S.  Then choose the one that will help you achieve your goals.

 Student Visa (F-1):  Study in the U.S.

· Use the F-1 to study full-time at the IELI.
· Full-time at the IELI equals 18 hours per week.
· Do not use the F-1 to study part-time at the IELI.
· Become a student at the IELI by applying for the I-20 form.

Click here to learn more about the F-1.

Tourist Visa (B-2):   Visit in the U.S.

• Use the B-2 to travel for pleasure in the U.S. and enjoy a short-term course at the IELI. 
• Do not use the B-2 to become a full-time student at  the IELI.
• Become a student in a full-time program at the IELI by changing visa status.

Click here to learn more about the B-2.

Business Visa (B-1):  Do Business in the U.S.

• Use the B-1 for your business visit to the U.S. and enjoy a short-term course the IELI. 
• Do not use the B-1 to become a full-time English language student at the IELI.
• Become a student in a full-time program at the IELI by changing visa status.

Click here to learn more about the B-1.

Other Visas/Waivers (J-1, W/T): Visas For Business or Pleasure

• Use the J-1 to come to the U.S. as an exchange student or scholar.
• Use the W/T for a short trip to the U.S. and enjoy a short-term course the IELI.
• Do not use the J-1 or W/T to study full-time at the IELI.
• Become a student in a full-time program at the IELI by changing visa status. 

Click here to learn more about the J-1 and W/T .

  Print this page

NEW I-20 FEE FOR F-1 STUDENTS!!

Beginning September 1, 2004, new applicants who request a SEVIS I-20 form to study in the United States must pay a fee to the Immigration Department.  Students will be required to pay for the SEVIS I-20 before they apply for F-1 Visa status.  

NOTE:  Some F-1 Students who request another I-20 to continue their studies may also be required to pay the Immigration fee.

Below is more information about this new Immigration regulation.  If you have any questions, please come to the IELI Student Services Desk or send email to ieliss@hunter.cuny.edu

Who Must Pay The Fee:

You must pay for your new SEVIS I-20 if you ...
 
a) intend to request a student visa for the first time.
 
b) are an F-1 Student and have been absent from school
     for more than 5 months

c) want to correct a re-instatement violation of more than 5
    months
            

Who Does Not  Pay The Fee:

You do not pay for your new SEVIS I-20 if you...
 
a) request the  I-20 to re-apply for the student visa after a
    denial

b) request an additional I-20 form to get F-2 visa status for
     your wife/husband or child

c) are an F-1 student and have been absent from school
    for less than 5 months

d) want to correct a re-instatement violation of less than 5
     months

e) request the I-20 for a school transfer, extension of stay
    or practical training

f) are a Canadian student and request  the I-20 to  study in 
   the U.S.

Payment &  Immigration Form I-901:

The SEVIS I-20 fee is $200.  You must complete the new Immigration Form I-901 to make your payment. 

Method of Payment:

 You can pay the SEVIS I-20 fee in two ways:

· Pay via the Internet with a major credit card (Visa, Master 
  Card, American Express, Discover).

· Pay by mail with a bank check or money order ($200 U.S.
  dollars).

Note:  Your sponsor or another person can pay for you using one of the options listed above.

How To Send Your SEVIS I-20 Payment:

You can visit the Immigration website http://www.FMJfee.com  and...:

· complete Form I-901 and send electronically your credit
  card payment  to Immigration.  
· download and complete Form I-901. Mail it with a check
  or money order to the Immigration address listed on the
  website. 

REMINDERS:

* Your SEVIS I-20 payment is good for one year.  This
   means that you can request additional I-20s during this
   period.

* The Immigration Department must have a record of your
   SEVIS I-20 fee payment before you can request the
   student visa. 

* You can apply to different schools and request more
   than one I-20 form. However, you can only enter the
   information from one school on the  Form I-901. 

* If you are admitted to the IELI for the first time or request
  another  I-20, you will receive materials and instructions  
  for making your  payment to  the Immigration  
  Department.   Read the information carefully!  

  Print this page

To request the I-20 from the IELI, follow the steps below. 
For quick answers to your questions, go to Immigration FAQs. 

• Complete the I-20 application and sign it. 
• Provide the school proof of financial support from your  sponsor. 
• Pay the application and tuition commitment fee for one semester ($2,045.00).
• Send copies of your school grades if you intend apply to a college in the U.S.
  
  Click link below to download I-20 Application Packet
  

  I-20 Application from Abroad (in Adobe Acrobat Reader .pdf format)
Don't have Acrobat Reader? Get it here

  Print this page

B-2 to F-1

To request the I-20 form to change your immigration status in the U.S. follow the steps below.  For quick answers to your questions, go to Immigration FAQs.

• Check the expiration date of your I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) and passport.
• Come to the IELI Student Services Desk with your I-94 and passport.
• Ask to speak with an IELI student counselor or the International Student Adviser.
• Request the changing visa status application.

 B-1 to F-1

To request the I-20 form to change your immigration status in the U.S. follow the steps below.   For quick answers to your questions, go to Immigration FAQs.

• Check the expiration date of your I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) and passport.
• Come to the IELI Student Services Desk with your I-94 and passport.
• Ask to speak with an IELI student counselor or the International Student Adviser.
• Request the changing visa status application.

J-1 to F-1

To request the I-20 form to change your immigration status in the U.S. follow the steps below.   For quick answers to your questions, go to Immigration FAQs.

• Check the expiration date of your I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) and passport.
• Come to the IELI Student Services Desk with your  I-94 and passport.
• Ask to speak with an IELI student counselor or the International Student Adviser.
• Request the changing visa status application.
  

  Print this page

To transfer to the IELI, you must follow the steps below.  For quick answers to your questions, go to Immigration FAQs.

• Complete the Transfer I-20 application and sign it. 
• Provide the school with proof of financial support from your sponsor.
• Pay the application and tuition fee ($2,045.00).
• Get permission to transfer from your previous school.

Click link below to download  Transfer Application Packet.

  Transfer Application Packet (in Adobe Acrobat Reader .pdf format)
Don't have Acrobat Reader? Get it here

  Print this page