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U.S. Visa Documents

The following information will assist you in obtaining a U.S. Visa:

Check your I-20
If you're admitted to Gordon and confirm your acceptance by sending in your first tuition payment, Gordon will send you I-20 paperwork and instructions on obtaining a visa, issued through the Gordon College Admissions Office.

Please read over the I-20 carefully. If any information is incorrect, contact the Admissions office immediately. Print your name, sign and date #11 on page 1 of the I-20. Before moving forward with the next steps, be sure you have a passport and that it is a current passport not expiring within the next 6 months. 

SEVIS Payment
SEVIS stands for the United States Student Exchange and Visitor Information Service, the government database for all international students. You have been issued a SEVIS number (at the top right hand corner of your I-20, pg. 1). To receive the F-1 visa you, you first need to pay a $200 fee to SEVIS.

Unfortunately, you cannot pay the SEVIS fee at the U.S. Embassy Consulate. You will need to pay online ahead of time and show a receipt for payment (Form I-797) to the consular official at the time of your F-1 visa appointment.

The college code for Gordon College will be in your welcome letter.

Online SEVIS payment: The online payment requires you to print out a receipt. You will complete Form I-901 online and pay by credit card or debit card at the website: www.FMJfee.com. Be sure to print out the receipt (Form I-797) and bring it to your F-1 visa U.S. Embassy appointment.

Embassy Appointment
It is very important to read information on the U.S. Embassy website for the country where you are applying for the F-1 non-immigrant visa: http://www.usembassy.gov/.

Then make the F-1 visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate as soon as possible. A private agency may contact with the U.S. Embassy and charge a fee for making the appointment-approximately $30.

At the F-1 visa appointment bring the following:

  1. Your I-20
  2. Passport photos—we recommend bringing two in case the online application, DS-160, does not work.
  3. SEVIS receipt Form I-797
  4. Financial documents: Proof will be needed that you are able to meet expenses for a minimum of one year. Bring your Gordon College scholarship award letter, bank statements, proof of parents’ salary and available assets.
  5. Gordon College acceptance letter
  6. Receipt for Form DS-160 (completed online). Important: Form DS-160 requires a passport photo and can be uploaded online.
  7. Fees as required

Be prepared to explain that you are not applying to immigrate to the United States and that you intend to study in the United States. Also be prepared to explain the skills you hope to bring back to your home country after finishing education in the United States.