Student Visas

After you have been admitted to Embry-Riddle, the Office of International Admissions will send you a Certificate of Eligibility (Form SEVIS I-20). Once you have received verification of admission and your I-20 form, contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your country to apply for an F1-visa appointment. It’s important to apply early, because the summer months are often busy.

1. Enroll in, attend, and complete 12 credit hours (for undergraduate students) or nine hours (for graduate students) of coursework each term.
2. Maintain a valid passport at least 6 months in advance of expiration.
3. File a change of address with the university anytime your physical and/or mailing address changes.
4. Depart the U.S. within 60 days after you have completed your degree program, or have a change of status or other benefit application on file.

Keep your I-20, your passport, and your I-94 card in a safe place at all times. If you are traveling within the U.S., it is wise to carry these documents with you. It is the responsibility of the CIPS Office to keep a photocopy of your passport, I-20 form, F-1 Visa, and I-94 card in your file. This is done for your protection and for legal requirements. If you have not already done so, please bring these documents to the CIPS Office (building 18) for copying right away.

For a list of embassies and consulates see: http://usembassy.state.gov/

Consult your local embassy to request a list of necessary documents for your student visa interview, requirements vary depending on country.  If you are looking at an embassy website, you’ll find student visas listed under non-immigrant visas.  Remember, it’s very important to be prepared for your interview!

Canadian students are not required to apply for an F-1 visa, however they must have a valid SEVIS I-20 form when they enter the United States.  Conditions regarding employment and travel once in the US are the same as those for other international students.  If you have any questions, please contact us.

Students already attending a university in the United States, must go through the applicable application process for international students. Once admitted, you must notify your current international student advisor of your wish to transfer schools. If you have any questions regarding international student transfers, please contact us.