Obtaining an I-20
International students must complete all admissions steps before a Certification of Eligibility
(SEVIS I-20) and letter of admission will be issued by Iowa Western Community College. The Certification of Eligibility is required before you can Apply for an F-1 Visa or enter the United States.
Students must complete the process at least 30 days before the start of the term, although 60 days ahead of time is recommended. Once all steps are completed, students should allow 2 weeks before the I-20 will be processed and mailed. The Express Mail Fee must be paid before the I-20 will be mailed. Packages will not be combined. Upon receiving the I-20, students must then pay the SEVIS fee before making an appointment with their embassy.
Applying For A Visa
Applying for a visa can take a lot of time and preparation. Be sure to start early, and refer to the U.S. embassy Website in your country.
Applying for a Student Visa
All applicants for a Student Visa must provide:
- A Form I-20 A/B. Iowa Western Community College will mail the Certificate of Eligibility for a Student Visa (Form I-20 A/B) to you once you have been selected for admission, and have demonstrated that you have adequate funds to cover all of your educational and living expenses. When you receive it, please check the spelling of your name, birth date, and entry date for accuracy, read it carefully, and sign it in the designated space.
- A completed nonimmigrant visa application form (DS-156) with your photo. These forms are available at the Embassy at no charge.
- A passport valid for at least six months after your proposed date of entry into the United States.
- A receipt for the visa application processing fee.
All applicants should be prepared to provide:
- Transcripts and diplomas from all institutions attended;
- Scores from any standardized tests taken, such as the TOEFL, SAT, ACT, IELTS, etc.;
- Financial evidence that shows you or your financial sponsor has sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study. (You may use the copy you made of the Undergraduate Financial Statement and attached supporting documents. For example, if you or your sponsor is a salaried employee, please bring income tax documents and original bank books and/or statements. If you or your sponsor owns a business, please bring business registration, licenses, etc., and tax documents, as well as original bank books and/or statements.)
Making Travel Arrangements
Once you have your visa, you may begin making your travel arrangements. Please do so early, as airline flights are filled quickly during the student travel season. It's important to remember that visa regulations prohibit students from arriving more than 30 days in advance of the date of arrival on their Form I-20.
Students Who Are Currently in the US
You must have your current visa status verified by your current school by having them complete the transfer form for both the school you are presently attending and for the school to which you wish to transfer.
Canadian Students
Canadian students do not need a student visa. However, they do need to complete the financial affidavit form. Once students have completed this form, they are issued an I-20 form. This form must be presented to the Port of Authority (Customs) agent upon your first entrance to the U.S. to attend Iowa Western Community College. At this time, the Customs agent will issue you an I-94 form. You must have both of these forms - the I-20 and I-94 - with you whenever you intend to cross the border. They enable you to enter and leave the United States as you wish