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Student Visa

International students usually come to the United States with either an F-1 or J-1 visa.

F-1 Student Visa

The F-1 is the most common visa for undergraduate students at Â鶹´«Ã½. After you are admitted to the University and confirm your enrollment, SLU will send you an I-20 form, which is required for an F-1 student visa.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa

The J-1 exchange visitor visa is for students who will be attending Â鶹´«Ã½ temporarily (one or two semesters). After you are admitted to the University and confirm your enrollment, SLU will send you a DS-2019 form.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • If you’re applying for an F-1 visa, it must be issued within 120 days of the start date on your I-20 form.
  • Check the website of your  for a list of documents required for your visa application.
  • Visa appointments slots can fill up. Schedule your appointment early in the process to assure you’ll get an interview. Some consulates may waive the interview requirement for F-1 visa applicants, but you won’t know until you make your visa appointment.
  • After your visa is approved, notify SLU by emailing internationalservices@slu.edu.
  • Both F-1 and J-1 visa-holders can enter the United States up to 30 days before the program begins.
  • Many students apply to multiple schools and may receive multiple I-20s. You should enter the US with the I-20 of the school where you plan to attend. Even if you received your visa using another university's I-20, you can enter the US with that visa and the I-20 for a different school.