APPLY FOR THE I-20

Step 1: Determining your current U.S. immigration status

Once you are admitted to one of our graduate programs, we will send you the "I-20 Request" email to complete an online I-20 request form and submit all of the necessary supporting documents. We will then be able to determine the immigration process involved for you to enroll at Weill Cornell Medicine.

If you have no active I-20 and are inside the United States, you may be required to depart to obtain F visa status. Holders of certain J visas cannot apply for F visa status while inside the United States. Holders of other status, such as H, may be eliglble to apply from inside the United States via the I-539 Change of Status. It is highly recommended that one applies for the F visa outside the United States; it will be substantially faster.

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Supporting Documents for I-20 Request

Gather the following required documents in PDF format:

• Passport biographical (photo) page
• EAD card if under OPT or STEM OPT (if applicable)
• If you are currently in the U.S. with an F-1 visa, you must include the following documents:
• F-1 visa
• Most recent I-94 Travel Record
• Form I-20 issued by current school
• Evidence of financial support (only applicable to Master’s degree students)
• If you are coming with a spouse/children, include copy of passport biographical page of each dependent

Step 2: Applying for a U.S. Visa

If you do not have a valid F visa, you may apply for one once you received your WCM I-20. Below are important information on scheduling a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Here is the general outline for obtaining an F1 visa:

1. Request I-20 from Weill Cornell Medicine
2. Pay I-901 SEVIS Fee. Watch this video tutorial to learn more about how to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee.
3. Complete Online Visa Application (DS-160)
4. A passport photo - You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.
5. Locate an U.S. Embassy or Consulate to Schedule Your Visa Appointment
6. Attend your visa interview

There are several steps to apply for a visa. Please consult the instructions on the embassy or consulate website.

Be prepared to be interviewed in English. Answer all questions honestly and briefly. NAFSA, the Association of International Educators, offers some useful advice for student visa interviews.

Have these documents ready for the visa interview:

• Passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of first travel to U.S.
• DS-160 confirmation page with your application ID number (Canadians excepted)
• I-20 form
• Your admissions letter from Weill Cornell Medicine
• SEVIS fee receipt
• Proof of financial support. (Bring copies of documents mentioned on your I-20 funding letter or bank statements for personal funds.)
• Any additional documentation requested by your U.S. consulate or embassy

Step 3: Arriving in the United States

Students are permitted to enter the United States up to 30 days prior to the “program start date” indicated on your I-20. If you are transferring from another SEVP-certified school in the U.S., you are not subject to the 30-day rule. Upon arrival in the U.S., you must have the following documents to show the inspection officer. The officer will review your documents at a U.S. Port of Entry.

• Valid passport
• F-1 entry visa (except Canadian citizens)
• I-20 issued by Weill Cornell Graduate School
• Financial support document (if applicable)
• Proof of SEVIS I-901 fee payment

Make sure you check the “stamp of entry” on your passport is correct for your status, which should be “F1/DS.” Student should print and save a copy of the I-94 Travel Record after each entry to the United Sates.

All initial I-20 and SEVIS transfer students are required to attend a mandatory check-in session during orientation, where you will review the requirements for maintaining F-1 status. Approximately two weeks prior to your program start date, you will receive an email with instructions regarding the online check-in process.

The list of websites below provide useful resources and instructions on how to obtain a U.S. visa and enter the U.S. legally:

• U.S. Department of States
• Study in the States
• Student Process Steps: How to Navigate the U.S. Immigration System
• Visa Appointment Wait Times