Degree programs
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES

Applying For Your Student Visa


If you plan to enroll as an International Student at Embry-Riddle, you also need to apply for your official Student Visa. To learn how, please read all the information below:

What is SEVIS?
SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) administers SEVIS, a governmental computerized system to maintain and manage data related to visiting students and scholars (F-1, M-1 and J-1) during their stay in the United States.
This system allows for real-time access to this information and assists students in complying with the terms of their visas.
Embry-Riddle is authorized to enroll nonimmigrant alien students and to issue them an I-20 form when students are accepted to a full-time program and show that they have enough financial resources to cover the cost of their studies. The I-20 form certifies that a student is eligible to be an F-1 or M-1 non-immigrant student . An international applicant is defined as a nonresident, non-immigrant person entering the United States on F-1/M-1 or J-1 student visas. All I-20’s are issued through (SEVIS), which is a governmental computerized system to maintain and manage data related to foreign students and exchange visitors during their stay in the United States. International Students are required to comply with all SEVIS requirements. For more information about SEVIS, please refer to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Web site

Preparing for Your F-1 Visa Interview
Preparing for an F-1 Visa interview is vital if you plan to enter the United States for the first time to study. To learn about bringing dependents to the United States, returning to continue your studies, renewing your visa or applying for your Student Visa, please visit the U.S. Department of State

How to Obtain Your F-1 Visa
Contact your local U.S. Consulate or Embassy about getting your F-1 International Student Visa.

Applying for the Visa
After you have applied to and been accepted at Embry-Riddle, SEVIS authorizes the school to send your I-20 Form. You must follow the U.S. Embassy/Consulate instructions for scheduling your F-1 Student Visa Interview.

Apply for your Student Visa as far in advance as possible. Though many consulates suggest making your appointment no more than 90 days from your intended travel date, some consulates can make earlier arrangements for your interview. You will need to complete the following forms:

  • The DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form.
  • The DS-158 Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant.
  • The DS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application ( some applicants may be asked to complete this form).
  • To obtain the forms, go to United States Visas. On left side links, click "What is a Visa/Visa Application Forms".

Making Payments
To pay the Visa Application fee, follow the instructions on your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate's Web site.

To pay your fee by mail:

  • Obtain Form I-901: “Fee Remittance for Certain F, J, and M Nonimmigrants".
  • Download the form at FMJ Fee or request by phone at 1-800-870-3676.
  • Complete Form I-901. Write your name exactly as it appears on your I-20 form.
  • Payment in the form of a check, international money order or foreign draft (drawn on U.S. banks only) payable to Department of Homeland Security in the amount of $100.00.
  • Mail the completed I-901 and payment to the address listed on Form I-901.
  • You should receive Form I-797 “Receipt of Confirmation Letter” within 5 days of the fee processing. Keep copies of all these documents.
  • For online payments, complete online Form I-901 at FMJ Fee
  • Provide necessary payment
  • Print a copy of the receipt and keep with all other documents.

All Applicants

  • Bring your receipt for fee payment to your interview. If you lose the receipt, the Visa Officer may be able to view your payment history on his database.
  • If you are transferring from another school, extending your program, applying for an F-2 dependent Visa, or have paid this fee and been denied a Visa within the last 12 months, you do not need to pay the $100 SEVIS fee.

Applicants with dependents
If you are bringing a spouse and/or dependent(s) with you, the following documents are required:

  • Dependent I-20 and appropriate application forms.
  • Marriage or birth certificate of dependent
  • Proof of funding to support the dependent in the United States.

Bring your receipt for fee payment to your interview. If you lose the receipt, the Visa Officer may be able to view your payment history on his database.
If you are transferring from another school, extending your program, applying for an F-2 dependent Visa, or have paid this fee and been denied a Visa within the last 12 months, you do not need to pay the $100 SEVIS fee.

Forms (in PDF format):

More Visa Information

The Visa Application Interview