International Students

SEVIS

SEVIS is an internet-based system that is used to maintain accurate and current information on non-immigrant students/scholars (F, M & J) visas and their dependants. SEVIS allows schools and the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to exchange data on the visa status of international students/ scholars. On July 1, 2002 the INS implemented SEVIS with voluntary enrollment from schools. Yuin University has been participating in SEVIS since January 2004.

Applying for your U.S. Visa

If you are currently abroad, and do not yet have a valid U.S. student visa, you generally apply for one at the U.S. embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over your place of permanent residence. Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office abroad, it is generally more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence.

You should apply for your student visa well in advance of the date you would like to depart for YUIN. Remember that you are required to show proof of having paid the Federal SEVIS Fee when you appear for your visa interview. Holiday and vacation periods are very busy times at the US embassies and consulates world wide, and it is important for you to have your visa in time to arrive and begin orientation and registration activities no later than the start date on your I-20. Appointments are now mandatory for all student visas, and some U.S. embassies and consulates require that appointments be made at least four to eight weeks in advance. The actual visa interview may be as early as 120 days prior to your planned arrival date in the United States.

All U.S. embassies and consulates have a website where you can read the latest information on visa procedures.

• Locate the embassy or consulate near you.
• Information on waiting times for student visa appointments.

What to Bring With You to the Visa Interview

• Be sure to bring the following with you to the visa appointment:
• Passport;
• Required photo(s);
• Visa fee or proof of visa fee payment;
• Federal SEVIS Fee payment receipt;
• U.S. non-immigrant visa application forms (unless you will completing it at the consulate or embassy);
• YUIN admission letter;
• YUIN SEVIS I-20;
• Test scores and academic records;
• Proof of English proficiency;
• Proof of financial support;
• Evidence of ties to your home country;
• Any other documents required by the embassy or consulate.

Remember that if you plan to attend YUIN, you must present the visa officer with a I-20 issued by YUIN. You cannot apply for a U.S. visa using another school's I-20, and then try to attend YUIN as that is considered to be a fraudulent entry by the U.S. Immigration authorities.