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Step 1: Choose Your Program (Major) Properly

Your program choice should match:

  • Your past education

  • Your future plan

  • Your career direction

A mismatch can create confusion at the visa interview.

Step 2: Build Your Document Set

Typical documents for admissions:

  • Passport bio page

  • Academic transcripts / mark sheets

  • Degree certificates (if completed)

  • English proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo (depends on school)

  • SOP (Statement of Purpose)

  • Letters of Recommendation (if required)

  • Resume (for some programs)

Step 3: Submit Applications + Application Fees

Most universities have an application fee. Fee amount varies by school.

Phase A: Admission Preparation (Before Applying)

Step 4: Receive Admission Offer

After acceptance, you may need:

  • Enrollment confirmation

  • Deposit (depends on school)

Step 5: Prepare Financial Documents for I-20

Schools usually request proof you can pay for:

  • Tuition

  • Living expenses
    for at least the first year (varies by school policy).

Common documents:

  • Bank statement (student or sponsor)

  • Sponsor letter / affidavit of support (if sponsor)

  • Sponsor ID/passport copy (sometimes)

  • Financial certification form (school-specific)

Step 6: I-20 Issuance

Once approved, the school issues your I-20 in SEVIS.

Before you move forward, check your I-20 carefully:

  • Name spelling matches passport

  • Date of birth correct

  • Program start date correct

  • SEVIS ID present

  • School name correct

Phase B: After Admission (I-20 Stage)

Official instructions say to pay through FMJfee.com via the I-901 form.

How to pay (general step-by-step):

  1. Go to the official SEVIS fee website (FMJfee)

  2. Fill out the Form I-901 (you’ll use your SEVIS ID from the I-20)

  3. Enter your personal information exactly as on the I-20/passport

  4. Pay using available methods (varies by country/payment type)

  5. Download and print the receipt — you will need it for your interview

Some applicants may use alternate payment methods like Western Union in certain cases; official instructions exist for that option.

Step 8: Complete DS-160 (What to expect)

DS-160 is submitted online. After submission you must keep the confirmation page.

DS-160 tips that prevent mistakes:

  • Use passport spelling exactly

  • Use consistent dates (education/work history)

  • Upload a photo that meets U.S. rules

  • Save your application ID and security question

  • Print and save DS-160 confirmation page

Step 9: Create Visa Profile + Pay Visa Fee + Schedule Interview

Visa scheduling is typically done through official appointment portals (depends on your country). Many countries use U.S. visa appointment systems (ustraveldocs is a common global portal entry point).

Phase C: SEVIS + DS-160 + Appointment Step 7: Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee

Step 10: Interview Preparation (What officers focus on)

Visa officers typically want to understand:

  • Why this program and why this school

  • How you will pay

  • Your study plan and future plan

  • Whether you will follow the student rules

Step 11: Interview Day Checklist

Typical items students carry:

  • Passport

  • I-20 (signed)

  • DS-160 confirmation page

  • SEVIS fee receipt

  • Visa fee receipt (if applicable)

  • School admission letter

  • Financial documents
    (Exact needs vary by embassy/consulate and your profile; always follow your consulate’s instructions.)

Phase D: Interview Preparation + Interview Day