Nursing is amongst the most in-demand and rewarding professions worldwide. If you are an international nursing student and want to join this fast-growing healthcare sector, FVI School of Nursing and Technology is a great place to start. Our friendly and knowledgeable international enrollment advisors are here to guide and assist you throughout the F-1 student visa process.
Apply to a SEVP-Certified Institution
Your path to studying nursing in the U.S. starts with acceptance from a school, such as FVI, that is accredited by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Speak with our advisor team to learn how our student-centered approach can help you thrive academically and professionally.
We pair every prospective student with a dedicated advisor to learn about your unique needs and goals and complete the steps to obtain a student visa. We provide the required documents to help you apply, enroll in school, and finalize your visa process.
2. Receive Your I-20 Form
Once accepted to FVI, our designated school official (DSO) issues you a Form I-20: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status. This document is crucial as it confirms you:
- Meet the school’s admissions requirements
- Will be a full-time student
- Have the financial resources to pay for your studies
You must present your original, signed I-20 when you enter the U.S., so keep it safe at all times.
3. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
Next, you must pay a fee to enter the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS.) SEVIS is a web-based program that tracks information on international students in the U.S. from the time they receive their I-20 until they complete their studies.
The SEVIS payment is mandatory and must be completed before your visa interview.
To pay, you’ll need:
- Your school code
- SEVIS identification number found on your Form I-20
- Your name, address, and other personal information
The fee for F-1 students is currently $350 but is subject to change.
4. Complete the DS-160 Visa Application
After paying your SEVIS fee, you can apply for a student visa for temporary travel to the U.S. To do this, fill out Form DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. For the application, you’ll provide your personal details and information about your education and travel.
The online system times out after 20 minutes of inactivity, so be sure to write down your ID in the top right corner of the page, and save your application often. After submitting your completed application, print and keep the confirmation barcode page for your records.
5. Attend Your Visa Interview
After submitting your visa application, you can contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live to schedule your visa interview. Interview wait times vary depending on where you live and when you apply.
Once your interview is scheduled, start gathering and preparing your paperwork, including your:
- Passport
- Photo
- Form I-20
- Form DS-160
A complete list of required documents can be found on the Department of State website.
During your visa interview, you’ll be asked to verify your identity and confirm you are entering the U.S. to study and have the financial resources to pay tuition and living expenses. The interviewer may ask additional questions about your school and academic and professional goals.
Visa Interview Tips
Dress professionally, be on time for your appointment, and answer all interview questions honestly. Practicing your responses before your visit can ease your nerves and help you approach your interview with confidence.
New students can obtain their F-1 visa up to a year before their course start date, but they cannot enter the U.S. more than 30 days before their program begins.
Your FVI international enrollment advisors offers visa assistance to make the process easier and avoid unnecessary delays.
Start Your Nursing Journey at FVI
If you are interested in FVI’s two-year nursing programs in the USA for international students but have questions about the visa process, our dedicated support team is here to help. Learn more about our Florida nursing school for international students, with campuses in Miami and Miramar. Apply online to get started today!
