Skip to main content

Obtaining Your F-1 Visa

Next Steps After Receiving Your I-20 

After you are admitted to Saint Louis University, the University will provide you with an I-20. The I-20 is an official document that shows you are eligible for nonimmigrant student status. You will need an I-20 to apply for an F-1 student visa. Follow the steps below to obtain your F-1 student visa to study at Saint Louis University. 

If you have questions about your SLU I-20, review these tips on understanding each section. 

Check Your I-20 for Accuracy

Your SEVIS ID is listed at the top right-hand corner of your I-20.

The Saint Louis University school code is listed above (KAN 214F10192000).

Ensure that the information listed on your I-20 is accurate

  • Your name as it appears in your passport

    • If you do not have a given name, GIVEN NAME will be blank.

    • If you do not have a surname, your given name will be under SURNAME/PRIMARY NAME, and GIVEN NAME will be blank.

  • Program of study
    • Major listed will have a different name from your SLU major. The U.S. government classifies majors differently from SLU. For example:  Master’s in Health Data Science would be Medical Informatics 51.2706 on your I-20.

  •  Country of birth

  • Country of citizenship

  • Date of birth

  • Financial information

    • This is an estimate of your cost to attend Saint Louis University for one year, including the cost of living.

    • Students living on-campus and off-campus have the same Living Expenses estimate.

    • Multi-year scholarships will only have the amount for 1 year listed.

  • Unrequired sections that may be blank

    • Preferred Name

    • Passport Name

    • City of Birth

    • Admission Number

  • If anything is listed incorrectly, please contact the Office of International Services immediately to make corrections.

  • After checking for accuracy, sign and date your I-20.

Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee 
  • The SEVIS fee is $350 USD
    • If you have already paid your SEVIS fee, but received a new I-20 for deferral, you may request the fee be transferred from the I-901 fee website.
  • You may make your payment online by following the instructions provided on the SEVIS I-901 Fee Payment website.
  • To make your payment, you will need your SEVIS ID (located on your I-20) and the school code: KAN 214F10192000
Complete the DS-160 Visa Application 
Pay the Non-Refundable Visa Application Fee

  • The fee for the DS-160 is $185 USD.

  • The receipt is valid for one year. 

Schedule an Appointment for Your Visa Interview with the U.S. Consulate/Embassy
  • Visas for new students can be issued up to 365 days prior to the start date for a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date on your I-20.
  • The semester begins with our mandatory International Orientation. You can find the date for the upcoming Orientation on the Saint Louis University International Services page.
  • Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. You can find and review wait times and available appointment times for your specific embassy on the U.S. Embassy website.
Prepare for the Visa Interview 
  • Students must be specific and honest when answering questions during the interview.
  • The consular office will focus on three main factors during the interview:

    • Clear study plan

    • Financial independence

    • Students’ ties to their home country

Items to Bring to Your Visa Interview 

  • Receipt of the visa application fee payment ($185 USD)

  • Receipt of the I-901 SEVIS fee payment ($350 USD)

  • Form I-20 signed by student and DSO

  • Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) confirmation page

  • Passport valid for at least six months after you plan to enter the United States

  • Two-inch by two-inch photo of yourself: two copies

  • Proof of funding

  • Affidavit of Support (if applicable)

  • Admission Letter from Saint Louis University

  • Reference Letter/Employment letter (if applicable)

The I-20 should only be used to apply for an F-1 visa and travel to the United States if you fully intend to enroll at Saint Louis University.

If you enter the U.S. with plans to attend a different college or university, Saint Louis University may not be able to transfer your SEVIS record in time for you to successfully enroll at the other institution. This could result in you having to return to your home country to obtain a new visa that aligns with your intended school.