Applying for a Student Visa

1. Required Financial Certification. Complete and return the required financial certification documents to the School of Music.
2. E-mail from OISS. You will receive an e-mail from the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) requesting information.
3. F-1 or J-1. Almost all international students come to the Yale School of Music using the F-1 student visa. However, students using a significant amount of non-personal funds to finance their Yale education may prefer and be eligible for J-1 status, particularly if their spouse is accompanying them and wants to work in the U.S. Learn more about the difference.
4. Issuing the I-20. With the required personal data and financial certification documents, the U.S. Government Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) will produce the form I-20 (or DS-2019 for J-1 status). The Yale School of Music will send your I-20 to you by FedEx.
5. SEVIS Fee. All new students in F-1 or J-1 status — with the exception of those already studying in the U.S. — must show proof of payment of the $200 SEVIS fee. Yale University pays this fee for you. Proof of payment of this fee will be sent with your I-20.
6. Applying for the Student Visa. After you receive your I-20, the next step is to apply for a student visa at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy. Check the home page of the particular U.S. consulate or embassy to make sure you have all the required forms and fees. Student visas can be issued as early as 120 days before the beginning date noted on the I-20 form, so we encourage students to apply as early as possible. Students in certain countries and/or studying in certain fields may experience lengthy delays in the processing of their student visa applications.
7. Canadian Students. Students who are citizens of Canada are not required to obtain a student visa from the U.S. Embassy. They must, however, obtain an I-20 from Yale University and present all other documents listed below in No. 8 at the U.S. port of entry. Be absolutely certain (especially if driving across the border) that you receive an I-94 card at the port of entry marked “F-1” (or “J-1”).
8. Entering the U.S. You cannot enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to the start date printed on your I-20 form. At the U.S. port of entry, you must present ALL of the following documents:
   
   1. Your I-20 form
   2. The SEVIS fee receipt
   3. Financial certification documents
   4. Your Financial Aid Award Notice from Yale
   5. Your passport with visa stamp.
   Keep these documents with you — do not pack them in your checked luggage. Make certain that you receive an I-94 card at the port of entry marked “F-1” (or “J-1”). If you do not receive that card, it will be impossible to begin your studies.
9. If you are already in the U.S. and need to transfer your F-1 student status, please carefully read these instructions.
10. If you are in the U.S. in another non-immigrant status and need to change your status to F-1 student status, please contact Monica Weeks in the OISS to make the necessary arrangements.

The answers to many of your questions may be found on the OISS website. OISS will be in touch with you throughout the spring and summer with information about orientation and arriving on campus, as well as information about any changes in the visa issuance process. The Office of International Students and Scholars looks forward to meeting you and welcoming you to the Yale community.