What type of visa do I need to study at SVA? Most international students at SVA apply for nonimmigrant visas, such as F-1 student visa or J-1 exchange visitor visa. There are cases when students enter under other visa types and study at SVA. How do I get a visa? Once you have received an offer of admission and submitted your enrollment fee, a sufficient and official (original) Declaration of Finance form (DOF) and Verification of Finances (VOF), a SEVIS Form I-20 or a SEVIS Form DS-2019 will be issued to you. You will receive the I-20 or DS-2019 form by DHL express mail within 4 weeks of submitting the enrollment fee. You must take these forms with other required documents to your local U.S. embassy or consulate. Required documents include a valid passport, the original letter of acceptance from SVA, evidence of financial support, proof of permanent residency outside of the U.S., the visa application form, two photographs in a specified format, and the receipt of your $200 or $180 SEVIS fee payment.
The international student office will send you an email with the tracking number of the envelope containing your I-20/DS-2019, with instructions on how to apply for a visa and the web site of the embassy or consulate in your area.
How long does it take to apply for a visa? An interview appointment to appear in person is mandatory for all student visas, and some U.S. embassies and consulates require that appointments be made at least four to eight weeks in advance. You can access
the website for the embassies or consulate in your area for most up-to-date information.
I got my visa. Can I come to the U.S. now? New students who are entering the U.S. for the first time on a F-1 or J-1 visa can only enter the country 30 days prior to the start of classes. For the Fall 2010 semester at SVA, students may enter the country beginning August 8, 2010 and should arrive in the U.S. no later than the start of classes, September 7, 2010. This 30-day rule does not apply to returning students who already have a F-1 or J-1 visa.
Note for ESL Studio Program (ESP) students:
ESL Studio program begins on June 21, 2010. Therefore ESP students may enter the U.S. beginning May 22, 2010.
How long can I stay in the U.S. on the F or J visa? F visa holders may remain in the U.S. for up to 60 days after the program end date listed on their I-20. J visa holders may remain in the U.S. until the date indicated on the DS-2019 plus 30 days to prepare for departure.
What should I do if I am currently attending another school in the U.S. and I am accepted to SVA for the following semester? If you have attended or currently attending another U.S. institution, you must provide a copy of your I-20 or DS-2019 form to the International Student Office.
International students who have been attending another institution in the U.S. within the past five months and have maintained valid legal status (meeting all required criteria such as attendance policy) may be eligible to transfer their SEVIS records from another institution to SVA. This allows you to attend SVA without having to reapply for a new student or exchange visitor visa. Students who have just graduated from high school or undergraduate school in the U.S., or students who are transferring from another institution in the U.S. may fit this category. Please contact the international student office immediately after submitting an enrollment fee to arrange the transfer of your SEVIS record to SVA.
How do I transfer my SEVIS record to SVA? The International Student Enrollment Status Form must first be completed by your current school's Designated School Official, then your SEVIS record needs to be released to SVA. The new SVA I-20 or DS-2019 for the pending transfer will be processed as soon as the release date for the SEVIS record (as determined by the previous school) is reached. The SEVIS record transfer process is completed when you report to the ISO and we have confirmed your registration at SVA. Please be sure to consult the International Student Office regarding your SEVIS records transfer.
What program do I have to be accepted to if I need a visa to study at SVA? SVA is authorized to enroll non-immigrant aliens for the following programs, and students are eligible for the following visa types:
