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Admissions for International Students
VISA Information

VISA Information

Once you have been admitted to Clark State College and completed all the necessary requirements, the advisor for international students will issue you the Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student, F-1 Status).

Once you receive the I-20, you will need to go to the nearest United States Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over your place of permanent residence and apply for a student visa. The student visa is granted to students whose purpose is to pursue a full course of study and, upon completion, return to their home countries.

The U.S. Embassy or Consulate will require certain information to verify your eligibility to obtain admission to the United States as a non-immigrant student.

Evidence of the following may be required:

  • Form I-20 signed and dated by the Designated School Official
  • Valid passport for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S.
  • Letter of acceptance to a U.S. institution
  • Sufficient financial resources to defray all living and school expenses during the entire period of anticipated study in the U.S.
  • I-901 SEVIS fee receipt

Prior to Disembarking

You should be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry to the United States. The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) has authority to deny admission at the port-of-entry. You should be very careful to have all your documents in order upon arrival. Prior to disembarking from the airplane, the flight attendant will pass out a white-colored form called the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. You will need to fill out all pertinent information regarding your arrival in the United States.

At the Port-of-Entry

At the port-of-entry, an INS inspector will check the I-94 and your travel documents and stamp your passport and Form I-20 to indicate the entry date, location, non-immigrant classification and length of authorized stay. The INS inspector will return to the Form I-20. The I-94 will be attached to your passport.

The officer at the port-of-entry will report your arrival to SEVIS. Clark State College will receive that report. You should plan to report to Clark State by the arrival date on your I-20.