Visa Information for Incoming International Students
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read carefully!
All questions regarding these procedures should be directed to BYU International Student & Scholar Services at (801) 422-2695 or by email at Intloff@byu.edu.
Form I-20 and F-1 Visa Information
Please complete the following steps:
- Upon admission, ISSS will provide you with information on obtaining Form I-20.
- Complete Form DS-160, Application for Nonimmigrant Visa (https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/)
- Pay a US $250 SEVIS fee (see below)
- Schedule a visa appointment.
- Pay a US $185 visa fee at the time of application.
- This process usually takes several weeks, but can take months, so you should apply as soon as you possibly can.
Note: Admission to BYU and the issuance of an I-20 do not guarantee that you will be given an entry visa.
Note: Citizens of Canada and Bermuda must have a Form I-20 in order to enter the U.S. but do not require an F-1 visa.
SEVIS Fee & Form I-901 Information
United States visa regulations require all students and scholars seeking an F-1, F-3, J-1, M-1 or M-3 visa at an embassy or consulate abroad to pay a SEVIS fee of US $250.
You may find detailed I-901 fee payment instructions here: (https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faq)
Note: Canadians and others exempt from student visa requirements must also pay this fee.
Students Entering the United States
You will be required to present your visa (except Canadians and Bermudians) and I-20 at the U.S. port of entry upon arrival in the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may request other documents upon entry, such as I-901 fee receipt, proof of finances, or other documents. Admission to the U.S. is granted at the sole discretion of CBP.
Students Already In the United States
New International Students - Submit a New Student Check-In eForm (https://ist.byu.edu) to International Student & Scholar Services upon arrival on campus, or visit their office (2400 WSC) for assistance with the eForm submission.
Transfer Students from other U.S. Universities – Federal regulations require that transfer students check-in BEFORE classes begin. Submit a New Student Check-In eForm (https://ist.byu.edu) to International Student & Scholar Services, or visit their office (2400 WSC) for assistance with the eForm submission