Pre-Arrival

Now that you've been accepted, here are the next steps to prepare for your arrival at SJSU. There are many things that you can arrange before your trip that will help make your first few days in the U.S. less stressful.

Visa Interview

Prior to entering the United States, you are required to apply for and receive an F-1 visa. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement outlines the process of F-1 visa application at the following website; Student Steps: How to Navigate the US Immigration System. Before attending your visa interview, an online SEVIS fee payment of $350.00 is required. Please print and maintain a copy of this payment receipt in your permanent records.

You should take the following documents to your visa interview:

  • Passport
  • I-20
  • SJSU acceptance letter
  • Proof of financial support
  • SEVIS fee receipt
  • More Information

Expect the visa interview to be very brief, (less than 10 minutes) and to be conducted in English. If you are denied the visa, please request the reason you were denied in writing, along with a list of the documents they require to obtain approval. It is important to clearly communicate that you intend to leave the U.S. after completion of your studies. You can learn more about the visa application process at the Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the States website.

 
Mock interview for F-1 Visa


Watch this mock interview to know what to expect when applying for an F-1 Visa at a US Consulate. These are just a few of the questions that you might be asked.  

Click here for a list of additional questions.

What to Expect During the Visa Interview

Learn more about what to expect during an F-1 Visa Interview, and the documents you should prepare ahead of time.

Click here for a list of additional questions.

Contact Us

San José State University

One Washington Square
Student Union - CPGE
San Jose, CA 95192-0135

Office Hours

Monday-Friday 9am – 4:30pm

 
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