Prospective F-1 Students:
Getting Academic Acceptance
Click here for information about obtaining academic acceptance.
Obtaining Financial Clearance
Click here for information about obtaining financial clearance.
Receiving the I-20 Form from Andrews University
Once you have been academically accepted and financially cleared, our office will issue you an I-20 form. At your request, the I-20 will be sent to you either by regular mail or by express courier (we use UPS). The postal fee will be charged to your Andrews University student account. [Back to top]
The $200 SEVIS 1-901 Fee
A $200 SEVIS fee is required of all international students, including citizens of Canada. Our office will send you, along with the I-20 form, instructions on how to pay this fee. Once you pay the SEVIS fee, you will receive a receipt which must be presented at the American Consulate as you apply for a student visa (citizens of Canada must present the SEVIS receipt at the border). [Back to top]
Applying for an F-1 Visa at a U.S. Consulate
(not applicable to Canadian citizens) [Back to top]
Step 1 - Request an Interview.
Request and secure a date for an inverview with an officer at the American Consulate in your country. [Back to top]
Step 2 - Take the Proper Documents.
Take the following documents with you to the interview: [Back to top]
- A legal passport valid for at least six months (preferably 4-5 years).
- Your original I-20 form.
- The $200 SEVIS receipt.
- American Consulates normally request financial documentation as evidence of ability to financially support yourself while studying in the U.S.
- You must also present documentation of strong ties that require you to return to your home country after completing studies.
- Contact the local U.S. consulate to inquire if any additional documents are required as this may vary from country to country. [Back to top]
Step 3 - Obtain Your Visa and Come to Andrews.
Once you receive a visa, you are ready to come to Andrews University. The earliest date you may arrive is indicated on your visa. Government regulations allow you to come 30 days prior to the reporting date on your I-20 (item number 5). All International students are required to attend the new international student orientation which takes place one week before classes begin. [Back to top]
At the Port of Entry
An international airport in the U.S. is the port of entry to most international students (except students from Canada). Before you pick up your luggage, an immigration officer will check your documents (passport, visa, I-20 and I-94). The I-94 is a form given to you in the airplane shortly before landing in the U.S. It is extremely important to complete this form with the correct information and present it to the officer at the port of entry. After examining your documents the officer will stamp all your documents including your I-20, I-94 and your passport. The Officer must return all these documents to you because they are your personal property and should not be kept with the agent. [Back to top]
Arriving at Andrews
Andrews University is located in Berrien Springs, Michigan, about 2 hours (100mi/160km) northeast of Chicago. If you fly into Chicago-O'Hare or Midway Airports, you may take the Coach USA bus which brings you to the South Bend (Indiana) airport. If you do not have a friend to pick you up, you may arrange with the transportation department at Andrews University (trans@andrews.edu) for pick up (there is a charge). [Back to top]
Note: If you wish to rent a car once in the U.S., you must present a valid driver's license at the time of service.
Once you arrive at Andrews University, please come to the International Student Services Office, in the Campus Center. We must make copies of your immigration documents (and your family's, if applicable). [Back to top]
You are required to attend a International Student Orientation that introduces you to important immigration rules and regulations, as well as to the different services that Andrews University offers. Subsequently, we will be able to report to SEVIS (the government system) that you have arrived and are in legal status. [Back to top]