A list of all the documents you need if you plan to study in the U.S. - and some important facts about them, too.

1. Passport

• Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.
• Visa: The visa must match the type of study you will be doing in the U.S., usually an F-1 (for full-time students) or J-1 (for exchange students) visa.
• Permanent Residence: The passport in which your permanent residence document is stamped and a notarized/attested copy of the original document (+ the original)

2. Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status)

• Issued by the School: This document is issued by the school you are attending and is required for your F-1 visa application.
• SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt: Proof that you have paid the SEVIS I-901 fee associated with the I-20 form.

Travel signature Make sure you have a travel signature on this document before leaving to go back to your home country(note: each signature is only valid for 6 months)

3. DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status)

• For J-1 Visa Holders: If you are entering on a J-1 visa, this document is similar to the I-20, but for exchange visitors.

4. SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt

• Proof of Payment: Proof that you have paid the SEVIS I-901 fee associated with the I-20 form. This is crucial for both the visa interview and entry into the U.S.

5. Visa

• A Valid U.S. Visa: The visa should be in your passport and must match your purpose of visit (student visa F-1 or J-1). Note: check how long this document is valid for.