Initial Admission Overseas Process
Initial Admission Application
(Visa Application at the U.S. Embassy)
If you are applying for an F-1 visa from outside the U.S., please follow these steps to complete the admissions process and successfully apply for a visa.
NYEA will support you through every step, from admission to visa application.
-
Choose a Program
First, choose a full-time program at NYEA that meets the F-1 visa requirements, which includes 18 hours of study per week.
-
Submit Your Application
Once you have chosen a program, submit NYEA's online application.
The following documents are required:- A copy of your passport (valid for at least six months beyond the program end date)
- A completed Enrollment Agreement form
-
Proof of financial support (such as a bank statement or sponsor’s documentation)
You will also need to take a placement test.
-
Issuance of Form I-20
Once you are accepted into the full-time program and your documents are approved, you will be required to pay the initial fee, which covers the registration fee and I-20 processing fee.
NYEA will then issue Form I-20, which is necessary for applying for a visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. -
Payment of SEVIS I-901 Fee
After receiving your I-20, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
This payment is required to activate your SEVIS record.
The SEVIS number is listed on your I-20, and the payment receipt will be needed when applying for your visa. -
Apply for an F-1 Visa
Next, schedule your visa application appointment at your country’s U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
To prepare for the visa interview, gather the following documents:- Form I-20 issued by NYEA
- SEVIS I-901 payment receipt
- DS-160 form (Nonimmigrant Visa Application form)
- A valid passport
- Recent passport-sized photo
- Proof of financial support (bank statement, sponsor’s letter, etc.)
-
Any other documents requested by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Visit your local U.S. Embassy’s website for details on how to apply for an F-1 visa.
-
Schedule a Visa Interview
During the visa interview, you will be asked about your academic plans and your intention to return to your home country after completing your studies.
Be prepared to provide clear and honest answers about your academic goals. -
Travel to the U.S.
Travel to the US and Start your Studies Once your F-1 visa is approved, please inform us and email a copy of your F-1 visa. You will then be required to pay the remaining balance of your program.
After that, you can begin preparing to travel to the U.S. Note that you are allowed to enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the start date listed on your I-20.
When traveling, make sure to bring important documents, such as your I-20, passport, and F-1 visa.
You will receive information about the speaking test, an email detailing your class schedule, and orientation details.
Attendance at the orientation is mandatory as part of the enrollment process. You can begin your full-time studies.
- Maintaining Full-Time Status: To maintain your F-1 visa status, you must be enrolled in a full-time program of at least 18 hours per week.
- SEVIS Registration: After arriving in the U.S., you must report to NYEA and attend orientation. This is necessary to activate your SEVIS record. Attendance at orientation is mandatory.
- Once your visa is approved, send us a copy of your F-1 visa.
- Notify us once you have decided on your U.S. address.
- Pay any remaining tuition fees before your departure to the U.S.
- Start classes: Begin NYEA’s full-time program on the start date listed on your I-20.
- Maintain your status: To maintain your F-1 visa status, keep an attendance rate of at least 80% and follow all academic guidelines.
At NYEA, we are committed to supporting students from overseas to ensure a smooth admissions process.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Admissions Office.
Additional Information:
F1 Visa Application Process
The SEVIS Fee (I-901) is a mandatory payment required to activate your SEVIS record, which tracks F-1, M-1, and J-1 visa holders while they are in the U.S. SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, and it is managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
This fee must be paid before you can apply for your F-1 visa or schedule your visa interview.
The SEVIS number on your I-20 form will be needed to complete the payment.
Once you have paid the fee, you will receive a payment confirmation, which you must keep for your visa interview and when entering the U.S. Failure to pay the SEVIS fee may result in a denial of your visa application.
-
Access the DS-160 Form
The DS-160 is the online form that U.S. nonimmigrant visa applicants must complete.
Visit the official DS-160 form page and click “Start an Application” to begin. -
Prepare the Necessary Information and Documents
Before filling out the form, have the following documents and information ready:
- Passport: A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- I-20 (for F-1 visas): The admission document issued by your U.S. school
- Travel plans: Your planned date of travel and, if known, your address in the U.S.
- Previous U.S. visit information: If you have been to the U.S. before
- Digital photo: A digital photo that meets the visa photo requirements
-
Complete the DS-160 Form
You will need to enter your personal information, passport details, travel information, family details, and U.S. address if available.
After completing the form, download and print the confirmation page.
This page is required for the visa interview. -
Submit the DS-160 Confirmation Page
After completing the DS-160, print the confirmation page and bring it to your visa interview.
-
Pay the Visa Application Fee
Save the payment receipt for the visa application fee, which will be required during the interview scheduling process.
-
Schedule Your Visa Interview
You can schedule your visa interview through your country’s U.S. Embassy or Consulate website.
You will need the DS-160 confirmation page, passport information, SEVIS number, and payment receipt. -
Prepare for Your Visa Interview
Bring the following documents to your interview:
- Passport: It is recommended to have a passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.
- DS-160 Confirmation Page: Bring a printed copy of the page submitted online.
- Visa application fee receipt
- Additional documents: Depending on the visa type, bring documents like the I-20 form (for student visas) and proof of financial support.
-
Attend the Visa Interview
During the interview, you will be asked about your travel purpose, duration of stay, and intent to return home.
For student visas, you may be asked about your academic plans and your intent to return home after your studies. -
Visa Approval Decision
After the interview, the decision on your visa application will usually be made within a few days to weeks.
If approved, your passport with the visa will be returned to you. -
After Visa Approval
Once your visa is approved and your passport is returned, check that all information is correct.
Proceed with preparations to travel to the U.S., following visa conditions and travel date restrictions.
- Provide Accurate Information: Ensure that all information on the DS-160 is accurate and complete. Providing false information can result in visa denial.
- Photo Requirements: Make sure your visa photo meets the specific requirements listed on the official website.
- Book Your Interview Early: Some embassies may have limited availability for interviews, so it’s best to schedule as early as possible.