Obtaining your Visa

All F-1 and J-1 Applicants

The Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status," is issued by the Office of International Admission to international students who have been granted admission to Rider University's programs. This form is required to apply for and obtain an F-1 student visa, with which you may gain entry to the United States for study in an academic program. 

The Form DS-2019, "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status" is issued by the Office of International Admission to international students admitted to Rider University’s exchange programs. This form is required to apply for and obtain a J-1 exchange student visa, with which a student may gain entry to the United States for study in the exchange program. 

To obtain the form, you must:

• Be admitted to study at the University or the exchange program.
• Complete the required International Student Supplement form
• Supply the required supporting financial documents
• Supply copies of your previous I-20 forms (if applicable)
• Submit a copy of your passport

If you submit the required documentation at the time of application, we will send the I-20 or DS-2019 form with your university acceptance. If you qualify academically, but have not submitted the required documentation, we will issue a Conditional Acceptance. Your acceptance will not become official, and you will not receive the I-20 or DS-2019 form until you have provided the required documentation.

You should use the Rider University I-20 or DS-2019 form to obtain your visa only if you plan to enroll at Rider University. If you decide not to attend Rider, you should discard the one, and use the form provided by the institution you plan to attend. SEVIS will automatically cancel all initial records 60 days after the record's Program Start Date. 

If you have questions about your I-20 or DS-2019, please contact the appropriate admission staff member.

Transfer from a US Institution

If you currently attend another institution (high school, college, or language program) in the United States, your current institution will need to transfer your SEVIS record to Rider University in order for Rider to issue your new I-20. You and the international office at your previous institution will need to complete the International Transfer Release Form (PDF) and then send the form back to us.

After acceptance, if you have decided to attend Rider, you will need to present your admission letter to your current institution so it may transfer your SEVIS record. Once your institution has transferred your SEVIS record and you have confirmed your enrollment at Rider, the Office of International Admission will issue your new I-20 form. You should only request your SEVIS record to be transferred if you are definitely attending Rider University for the upcoming term.

Visa Application Process

Applicants for a student visa should generally apply at the U.S. embassy or consulate having jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence.  A personal interview with the consular official may be required.  For information on F-1 visa application requirements, visit the US Department of State Student Visa website and locate your consular office. Each applicant’s case is unique, and visa issuance may be delayed in the event special clearances are required. When the visa is issued, the consular office will return the Form I-20 to the applicant in a sealed envelope, to be opened only by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspector at the U.S. port of entry.

I-901 SEVIS Fee

Before making an appointment at the embassy or consulate you must first pay the Department of Homeland Security's SEVIS I-901 Fee to cover the costs of the operation of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), an internet-based system that maintains accurate and current information on nonimmigrant students, exchange visitors, and their dependents. 

This fee is generally required of most F-1 and J-1 visa applicants who will be studying in the U.S. for the first time, as well as those changing to F-1 status.  More specific information is available on the Department of Homeland Security I-901 SEVIS fee page. Students must have a receipt from payment of this fee in order to apply for a Visa; Canadian students must have this receipt when they arrive at the U.S. border.

The required fee ranges from $220 (DS-2019 applicants) to $350 (I-20 applicants).

Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens are exempt from visa but must present the following documents upon entering the United States:

• Admission letter from Rider University
• Canadian passport
• Proof of SEVIS I-901 Fee Payment
• Form I-20 from Rider University
• Proof of financial support that corresponds to the information on your Form I-20

Other than the visa requirements based upon the port of entry to the U.S., all travel documents and regulations for Canadian citizens are the same as for other F-1 visa holders. Since changes in these requirements are possible, it is best to check with the nearest U.S. consulate to learn if any changes have taken place.

By law, international students may travel to the United States no more than 30 days before the start of classes.

What to Bring With You to the Visa Interview

Be sure to bring the following with you to the visa appointment:

• Passport
• Required photo(s)
• Proof of visa fee payment
• SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
• U.S. nonimmigrant visa application forms
• Admission letter from Rider University
• Form I-20 or DS2019 issued by Rider University
• Test scores and academic records
• Proof of English proficiency (unless you received a conditional admission from Rider)
• Proof of financial support
• Evidence of ties to your home country
• Any other documents required by the embassy or consulate

When you appear for your Visa, you must supply the following:

1. Physical copy of Form I-20, issued by the U.S. institution at which you plan to enroll (Rider University). 
2. Completed application Form DS-160. The required forms can be obtained at evisaforms.state.gov
3. A passport valid for at least six months after your proposed date of entry into the United States. 
4. One (1) 2x2 photograph. See the required photo format explained in nonimmigrant photograph requirements 
5. The SEVIS I-901 fee receipt, showing payment of fee (more information below).
6. If applicable, an MRV may be required for visa issuance after approval. Please refer to the visa reciprocity table.

You should also be prepared to supply:

1. Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended
2. Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc. 
3. Financial evidence that shows you or your parents who are sponsoring you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study. 
4. Copies of all documents submitted to Rider as part of your application.
5. Any additional evidence that will demonstrate your intent to return to your country upon completion of your studies.

Tips for the visa application process

• Please be sure to plan as far in advance as possible, as visa wait times can be lengthy. View a list of current wait times.
• Your visa can be issued no more than 120 days before the start date listed on your I-20. If you apply before this point, your application will be held, but any special clearances will be worked on. 
• Be sure to pay your SEVIS fee and have the receipt with you when you appear for your Visa appointment. 
• You may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20. Consider this carefully when making your travel arrangements. 
• Check your I-20 carefully when you first receive the form to be sure the information exactly matches that on your passport.
• For the interview, it is helpful to explain your reason(s) for studying your degree program at Rider University and your plans upon your return to your country.
• You will also need to demonstrate your plans for payment of your education and living expenses at Rider University. This information should be the same as what you supplied to Rider for the issuance of your I-20/DS-2019.

During your interview: 

https://www.nafsa.org/professional-resources/browse-by-interest/10-points-remember-when-applying-student-visa

• Financial certification: You must demonstrate that you have a residence abroad that you do not intend to leave behind following your completion of studies. You must provide evidence of strong ties to your home country as illustrated by family, business, or financial support in your country.
• Educational goals: Be very clear about your educational goals and career plans back in your home country, after you graduate from Rider. You must prepare to answer questions about why you chose Rider University and why you want to study in the United States, instead of studying in your home country.
• English proficiency: Unless you received a letter of conditional admission from Rider, you should expect that your interview will be conducted in English.
• Be clear: Your interview will likely be very short, between one and two minutes; make sure you respond to questions in a clear and concise way, to give a leave a good impression on the visa officer.
• Leaving family behind: If your spouse or children will remain in your country while you are studying at Rider, be prepared to explain how they plan to support themselves while you are out of the country.