Applying for Your F or J Visa

When applying for a visa with a Form I-20 or DS-2019 from Kent State University, you are applying for a non-immigrant visa. This means that your stay in the U.S. is intended to be temporary. However, the burden of proof (responsibility) lies with you to prove this. Under U.S. law, all applicants for nonimmigrant visas (F-1 or J-1) are viewed as intending immigrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. Each person’s situation is different, of course, and there is no magic explanation, document, or letter that can guarantee you visa issuance. Please read through the information we provide to help you pay your SEVIS fee and prepare for your visa interview.

Paying the SEVIS Fee and Completing Form I-901

Preparing for Your Visa Interview