University of South Florida

VISA INFORMATION

After a foreign student is admitted they may be required to travel with a visa.  One of the following may apply to you.  For additional information, please contact the International Services Office at 813-974-5102 or visit their website:  http://global.usf.edu/isss/.

I-20 Information (F-l Student Visa):

Foreign students must have a valid educational purpose for coming to the United States and be a full-time student.   To obtain an F-1 Student Visa, the student must provide Financial Documentation and the Promissory Note(s) of Financial Support to the International Services Office located at 4202 E Fowler Avenue, CPR 107, Tampa, Florida 33620.  Once they verify the financial documentation an I-20 will be issued.  For additional information, please contact the International Services Office at 813-974-5102 or visit their website:  http://global.usf.edu/isss/

DS-2019 Information (J-1 Student Exchange Visitor Visa):

Individuals who meet the criteria for a J1 Student Exchange Visitor Visa are coming to the United States as a student who is participating in a program of studies, training research or cultural enrichment specifically designed for such individuals by the United States Department of State, through its Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.   To obtain a J-1 Student Exchange Visitor Visa, the DS-2019 will be issued by a United States government agency (IIE, OAS, USF, etc.).  In addition, you must check-in with International Services (http://global.usf.edu/isss/ ) before the start of the semester so that your immigration papers may be verified. Your admission will be validated by your enrollment during the term.

Transferring from other US Institution Information:

As a current F-1 student, once you have been admitted to USF and received your official offer letter, you must ask your current institution to transfer your SEVIS record to USF. To facilitate this process, download the Transfer Clearance Form and submit to the international student office at your current school. USF’s International Services must receive your completed Transfer Clearance form and your SEVIS record to issue you a USF I-20. The USF I-20 can only be produced following the release date as set by your current school. In addition, you must check-in with USF’s International Services before the start of the semester so that your immigration papers may be verified. Your admission will be validated by your enrollment during the term.

Other Visa Status Information (Non F-l Visa Holders):

Applicants who do not hold an F-1 (student) visa status may study at USF if their current visa status permits study in a degree seeking program. Please note that individuals in F-2 and B1/B2 (visitor) status are PROHIBITED from studying in a degree seeking program. If you are in a status that prohibits study or would like to change status to F-1, you may schedule an appointment with International Services to discuss the change of status process. Appointments are granted for admitted students ONLY.