COMMITMENT TO STUDENTS

The journey of studying abroad begins long before a student sets foot in a U.S. school. Our network of global schools, community leaders, and educational counselors works collaboratively to reach families who aspire to provide their children study abroad experiences. Several meetings take place with family members before a student starts the application process.

U.S. School Admissions Process for a foreign student

1. Apply to a U.S. School

·      Submit your school application

·      Submit your passport

·      Submit your immunization record

·      Submit your financial documents

·      Pay application fees

2. Receive acceptance letter and I-20

·      PAY FOR SEVIS I-901 FEE ($350)

·      https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html#

3. Complete DS 160 Form

https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

PREPARE TO HAVE YOUR

·      Your SEVIS ID number

·      Your passport information

·      Name and address of the school

·      Travel itinerary (If you have already made travel arrangements.)

·      Dates of your last five visits or trips to the United States.

·      Digital Image of yourself that meets the following requirements:

  • Dimensions The image dimensions must be in a square aspect ratio (the height must be equal to the width). Minimum acceptable dimensions are 600 x 600 pixels. Maximum acceptable dimensions are 1200 x 1200 pixels. Please review photo requirements for specific dimensions.

  • Color The image must be in color (24 bits per pixel) in sRGB color space which is the common output for most digital cameras.

  • File Format The image must be in JPEG file format File Size The image must be less than or equal to 240 kB (kilobytes).

  • Compression The image may need to be compressed in order for it to be under the maximum file size. The compression ratio should be less than or equal to 20:1.

  • In addition to the digital image requirements, your existing photo must be: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
    Scanned at a resolution of 300 pixels per inch (12 pixels per millimeter)

4. Make an appointment with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

·      Find the Embassy near you.

·      https://www.usembassy.gov/

·      For Korea:

·      https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/?language=English&country=Korea

·      Create a Profile

·      Make Visa Appointment

 

5. Prepare for the Interview questions

·      During the interview, applicants must demonstrate to the consular officer that they have binding ties to a residence in a foreign country which they have no intention of abandoning, and that they are coming to the U.S. for a temporary period.

·      Do not say you wish to move to America after your studies.

·      Ensure you are coming back to your home country to help benefit your community with the knowledge you gained from this experience.

6. Attend the U.S. Embassy interview appointment

·      Bring Your acceptance letter and I-20

·      Bring your SEVIS I-901 Fee receipt

·      Bring your financial documents

·      Bring your Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) confirmation page with your application ID number on it so the embassy can retrieve your application.

Some embassies and consulates require visa applicants to bring one (1) photo, which meets requirements, to the interview. Review the embassy or consulate instructions where you will apply to learn more.

7. Pick up your passport and F-1 Visa

·      Processing time varies. Check with the embassy or consulate you apply with for specifics on when and where to get your passport and visa.

·      Once your visa has been approved, it’s safe to book your flights.

8. Book Your flight

If you need assistance in this step, contact us.

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Consider the following items while you are still home:

  1. We recommend that you schedule an appointment with a dentist, and get any procedures you need done in your home country. Dental work is very, very expensive in the USA, and your insurance will not cover dentist visits.

  2. Also visit the doctor and obtain any prescriptions and medications you may need.

  3. Think about how you will get around. Public transportation in the USA is not as well-developed as many other countries. Many students find that purchasing a car is a worthwhile investment.

  4. When you arrive, we will have a trip to a large store for groceries and other items. We will also have a bank trip for you to set up a bank account.

  5. Certain items are not allowed in the USA. Before you pack, save yourself stress at customs by visiting the "Don't Pack a Pest" website: http://www.dontpackapest.com/

    (LCC International Program resource)