Applying for a Visa

Congratulations! We are glad that you have been admitted to Ramapo College and plan to attend our school. After you receive your Certificate of Eligibility in the mail (I-20 or DS-2019) from Ramapo College, your next step is to apply for a United States F-1 or J-1 student visa at the United States Consulate closest to your place of permanent residence.

Important: If, for any reason, you decide to not attend Ramapo College, please notify the Office of Admissions and return the I-20 or DS-2019 back to Brenda Perkins or Kathryn Plessing.

Make your visa interview appointment well in advance of your expected date of arrival in the U.S. You should check the website of your home country’s U.S. embassy for the most up-to-date information on visa processing times and required documentation. To find your home country’s U.S. embassy website, go to http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html

The important thing to remember in applying for a student visa is that you are applying to stay in the U.S. temporarily in order to complete a course of study.

Therefore, you must emphasize several points in your visa interview:

• You must be prepared to provide evidence of “compelling ties” to your home country that will guarantee your return home upon program completion. “Compelling ties” include a permanent residence, family members, and property.

For example, to show that you have a permanent residence in your home country, you would show a deed to your family’s home. If your immediate family still resides in your home country, you could show proof of their employment such as: pay stubs, or a letter from their employer. If you will be returning home to complete your degree there, you could show documents from your school, stating how many classes you need to finish.

• Are you a bona fide student? You must show the visa officer your academic ability to complete your studies through graduation. Explain why you chose to attend Ramapo. Are you receiving an academic scholarship? Show the visa officer your high school transcripts, and your SAT scores. Why do you want to study in the U.S.? Do you speak English well enough? Be prepared to show TOEFL scores upon request. What do you plan to study? What type of career do you plan to pursue when you return home? You should be prepared to discuss all of these topics.
• Can you finance your time in the U.S? How will you be supporting your academic endeavors? You must show original recent documents for all financial sources listed on your I-20 or DS-2019 including bank statements, letters of award, and affidavits of support from a sponsor.

Visa Interview Check List
Make sure to have with you:

• Recent (only two months old) financial documents reflecting the values listed on your I-20 or DS-2019.
• Evidence of “compelling ties” to your home country.
• Academic records and test scores.
• Your admission letter to Ramapo College.
• Evidence of English Proficiency- TOEFL scores.
• Your SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 issued by Ramapo College.
• Proof of payment of the SEVIS fee.
• Visa photos.
• Passport.

For the latest information on applying for a U.S. visa, go to:

www.UnitedStatesVisas.gov

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