Obtaining your Visa

As soon as you receive your email from our office letting you know of your admission, you should pay your SEVIS fee! Your SEVIS identification number, as well as BSU’s school and program codes are in your admission email.

Contact the nearest U.S. consulate for instructions to obtain your student visa (J-1 students follow the same basic directions as F-1 students, but substitute “DS-2019” for “I-20”). Apply for your visa early to provide ample time for processing. As a reminder, we do not allow late arrivals.

Visit the U.S. Department of State website for complete information on applying for your visa.

Only bring the USCIS Form I-20 from the school you plan on attending for visa processing at the U.S. consulate. You must also provide verification to the consulate that you have the financial resources required for your education and stay in the United States.

Canadian citizens do not currently require a student visa in their passport. You need to check your I-20 for accuracy and sign item #11. You will need proof of payment of the SEVIS fee. Submit your I-20 to the U.S. Border Patrol when you come into the country to study. You may be required to show evidence of sufficient funds and additional identification and/or verification of admission.

F-1 Students in the U.S. who are transferring to Bemidji State University: If you are transferring directly from another U.S. institution, please request to have your I-20 transferred to Bemidji State University. Once your SEVIS record has been released to BSU, we will then create a BSU I-20 for you to pick up upon your arrival in Bemidji. However, if you are planning to leave the U.S. before arriving at BSU, you will need to contact us to make arrangements to get your BSU I-20 prior to departing the U.S. You will need to use BSU’s I-20 to re-enter the U.S. During orientation, present your I-20 to the Director of International Programs to validate your transfer. Your transfer will not be considered complete until this is done.