Immigration Process

International students must be admitted to Salve Regina before we can process immigration paperwork. After you are admitted, you will need an immigration document (I-20) to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. Below are the steps you must follow to receive an I-20 from Salve Regina.

Step 1: Submit Your Deposit to the Office of Admissions

After you are admitted to Salve Regina, you must submit your tuition and housing deposit (refer to the instructions provided in your admittance package).

Step 2: Meet With International Student Services and Provide Financial Documentation

You must demonstrate financial ability to pay for at least one year of tuition, fees and living expenses (or one semester for semester exchange programs) before Salve Regina can issue an I-20. To demonstrate financial ability, you must meet with the assistant director of international student services to discuss and submit financial documents to the Center for Global Education and Fellowships.

Schedule a Meeting

If you are transferring to Salve Regina from another U.S. institution, complete the F-1 immigration transfer-in form. Once you have submitted these documents, we will process your I-20. For questions on the process, contact our office.

Step 3: Receiving Your Immigration Document

Your I-20 will be issued within two weeks from the time we receive and review your documents. Your I-20 will be mailed to the address you provided on your certification of finances form.

Any issues that arise during the review process may delay the issuance of your immigration documents. If issues do arise, we will email you through the address you provided on your application to Salve Regina.

Please contact us:

• If you would like to change your email address.
• If you would like to change your mailing address for the I-20.

You will receive a pre-arrival guide along with your I-20 that will explain your next steps.

Step 4: SEVIS Fee

You must show proof of having paid the federal SEVIS fee when you appear for your visa interview. The SEVIS fee can only be paid after you have received your I-20.

Ways to pay:

• Online with a credit card. You must complete Form I-901 and print a receipt as confirmation of payment. The information on Form I-901 must match the I-20 exactly. The Department of Homeland Security will also mail you a paper receipt.
• By mail with a check, money order or foreign draft drawn on a U.S. bank (made payable to the Department of Homeland Security). Form I-901 must accompany the payment, which is mailed to DHS, PO Box 970020, St. Louis, MO 63197-0020. The Department of Homeland Security will also mail you a paper receipt.

You should present the SEVIS fee receipt at the U.S. embassy or consulate with your F-1 visa application form and supporting documents. U.S. embassies and consulates can electronically verify your payment, but it is strongly recommended that you have the paper receipt when applying for a visa.

Step 5: Apply for Your Visa

After you receive your immigration documents, you will need to apply for your F-1 visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.