Congratulations!! 

You've been accepted at your new school in the United States.  The journey is about to begin. Now, what's the next step?

In order to be admitted into the US for study, you must obtain a "student" visa, F-1, from the nearest US embassy or consulate.  Your dependents will need F-2 visas if they plan to accompany you.

Follow the steps below to move smoothly through this complicated process.

1. Wait for your Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) to arrive.  When it does, check it carefully to be sure your name, date of birth, country of birth and citizenship, and major field of study are correct.  If any of that is not correct, contact the school to re-issue a correct one.
2. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. 
3. Make arrangements for your visa interview.  In some countries, you must make an appointment.  In others, you simply go and wait.  To know what is required in your country, go to http://www.usembassy.gov and select the embassy in your country.  Full information should be available to explain the process your embassy requires.
4. Additional information about applying for student visas can be found at:  http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html .

A list of tips for those seeking a student visa has been prepared by NAFSA, the professional organization of Foreign Student Advisors in the US. 

Click here to view that information.