Pre Arrival Visa and I 20 Process Webinar for incoming International Students at Northeastern

The video begins with a greeting and an introduction to the F1 visa application process by Rachel Hollabaugh, an Assistant Director of Comprehensive Advising at Northeastern University's Office of Global Services (OGS). She explains the purpose of the session is to guide prospective students through the F1 visa process, from admission to Northeastern to the arrival in the U.S., and emphasizes the role of OGS in assisting international students with their immigration status and integration into campus life.

The second paragraph delves into what an F1 visa is and its benefits. It's a student visa for individuals admitted to a full-time degree program approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The benefits include the ability to study full-time and, with authorization, to work on-campus and potentially off-campus. The I-20 form, issued by Northeastern, is crucial for eligibility and application for the F1 visa.

Rachel emphasizes the importance of submitting I-20 requests as early as possible due to fluctuating processing times, especially during peak seasons. The current processing time for I-20s is approximately 12 business days, not including weekends or holidays. She advises students to be patient and avoid sending duplicate emails regarding the status of their I-20 requests.

After receiving the I-20, the next steps involve paying the SEVIS I-901 fee and scheduling a visa appointment. The fee is payable online at fmjfee.com and must be paid before the visa appointment and entry into the U.S. The paragraph also discusses finding the local U.S. embassy or consulate, checking appointment wait times, and the possibility of expedited appointments in certain circumstances.

The paragraph outlines the process of completing the DS-160 online visa application, including the associated fee and the need for accurate and complete information. It also addresses the provision of a U.S. contact for the application, suggesting the use of the Designated School Official (DSO) information from the I-20 if necessary. The paragraph highlights the consular officer's ability to waive the interview requirement under certain conditions.

This section focuses on the visa interview process, emphasizing clear communication and the expectation to answer questions about the student's plans in the U.S. It clarifies that additional support letters are typically not required for the interview. The required documents for the interview are listed, including the DS-160 confirmation page, SEVIS fee receipt, I-20, passport, financial support evidence, and an acceptance letter.

The paragraph explains the concept of a non-immigrant visa, where the applicant demonstrates ties to their home country, indicating an intention to return after their program. It discusses the F1 visa criteria, including the student's plans for post-graduation, such as OPT, and the importance of being honest and clear in the interview. It assures that visa denials are rare, especially if the applicant can answer questions concisely.

The speaker discusses the outcome of the visa application process, including approval, possible issuance of a 221g form if more information is needed, and the rare occurrence of administrative processing or visa denials. In case of a denial, the student is advised to request the reason in writing and consider reapplying after addressing the issue. The paragraph also touches on the possibility of a late arrival due to visa delays and the process for such a scenario.

This section addresses the situation of a visa sticker expiring while the student's I-20 remains valid. It clarifies that students can stay in the U.S. with an expired F1 visa as long as their I-20 is valid, and they don't need to leave the country to renew the visa unless they plan to travel internationally. It advises against making travel or housing arrangements before receiving the visa and stresses the importance of checking the Northeastern email regularly.

The final paragraph provides information about the upcoming orientation sessions, the process for F2 dependents, and other visa types like the J-1 Visa. It also offers contact information for OGS, including their location, phone number, and email address. Additionally, it mentions the importance of attending orientation, which can be done online for those arriving late, and provides details about upcoming webinars.

The video concludes with additional guidance, including the process for deferring admission and the impact on the I-20 and visa. It also addresses questions about changing majors, the deferral process, and the potential for scholarship revocation upon deferral. The speaker encourages students to reach out to OGS with any further questions and wishes them luck with their visa application process.