Once admitted to Presbyterian College, you will receive either a:

  • Form I-20 (for degree students on an F-1 student visa) or a
  • Form DS-2019 (for exchange students on a J-1 exchange visitor visa)

It is important that you read the form carefully and that you understand your responsibilities as an international student in the U.S. when you sign the form. Please make sure your name is spelled the same way on the form as it is on your passport and that your birth date is correct. If you find a discrepancy between the form and your passport, contact Presbyterian College’s Director of International Programs immediately.

Please check with the nearest American Embassy or Consulate regarding the procedure to obtain a U.S. student visa in your country.

The SEVIS I-901 may consist of a fee. These fees cover operational costs of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). For more information about the fee and payment options, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s SEVIS webpage.

STUDENT (F-1) VISA – APPLICATION CHECKLIST
  • Signed and completed Form I-20 from PC, with pages intact
  • Official acceptance letter from PC
  • Proof of intention to return to your country after completing the degree program
    • For example, you might explain that you have close family ties in your country, that you plan to return to work in your family business, that you plan to return to your professional career, etc.
  • Proof that you have sufficient financial resources to support your studies in the U.S., including the documents you submitted to PC with your application (Financial Statement for International Students, statements from your or your sponsor’s bank, etc.)
  • Visa fee (separate from the SEVIS I-901 Fee)
    • Check with the U.S. embassy or consulate in your area to find out the amount of this fee.
  • SEVIS I-901 Fee payment receipt
  • Passport

Please visit the U.S. Department of State webpage for the most up-to-date information on student visa regulations.

EXCHANGE VISITOR (J-1) VISA – APPLICATION CHECKLIST
  • Signed and completed Form DS-2019, with pages intact
    • PC does issue the Form DS-2019. 
  • Documentation, such as a letter from your sponsoring agency or Presbyterian College, proving your status as an exchange visitor
  • Visa fee (separate from the SEVIS I-901 Fee)
    • Check with the U.S. embassy or consulate in your area to find out the amount of this fee.
  • SEVIS I-901 Fee payment receipt
  • Passport

Please visit the U.S. Department of State J-1 webpage for the most up-to-date information on exchange visitor visa regulations.

STUDENTS FROM CANADA

Canadian citizens do not need a visa. To enter the U.S. as a student, present the following documents to the immigration officer at the border:

  • Form I-20 or Form DS-2019
  • Proof of financial support
  • SEVIS I-901 Fee payment receipt

DO NOT enter the U.S. on a visitor (tourist) visa.