Visa Requirements
Once you have received your I-20 document from Avila, it is time to apply for your student visa.  In order to receive a student visa, you will need:

1.  Your I-20 document from Avila University

2.  Your acceptance letter from Avila University

3.  A bank statement showing you have sufficient financial funds to
     study in the U.S. for one year

4.  A receipt showing that you have paid your SEVIS I-901 fee.


Before going to a U.S. embassy or consulate, you will need to pay your SEVIS I-901 fee.  This is a fee required by the U.S. government from anyone who wishes to receive a student visa.  In order to pay this $100 SEVIS I-901 fee, go to the website at www.fmjfee.com.  You will need your SEVIS number located in the upper right corner of your I-20.  The SEVIS number begins with an “N” followed by 10 numbers.  It is easiest to pay this fee by credit card.  Once you have made the payment, make sure that you print a receipt on your printer that you can take with you when applying for a student visa. 

At the U.S. embassy or consulate, you will have a very brief interview with an immigration officer.  The person interviewing you wants to make sure that you are coming to the U.S. to study.  Therefore, it is important to be ready to answer a few common questions showing that you plan to come to the U.S. and to Avila University in order to study.

There are some common questions that immigration officials ask students who wish to study in the U.S.  It is important for you to be prepared to answer these questions honestly and completely.  Common questions that may be asked of you include:

1.  Why do you want to study in the U.S.?

2.  Why do you want to study in Kansas City or Avila University?

3.  Why do you want to study your major
    (Business, Communication, MBA, etc)?

4.  What do you plan on doing once you graduate?

Should you have any additional questions regarding an F-1 student visa, please let us know.   You are welcome to contact Avila’s international student office at: bruce.inwards@avila.edu.

We hope to see you at Avila University very soon!