International Student Visas

After applying to Avila University Arizona, submitting the required financial documentation, and paying the enrollment deposit, you will receive an I-20 form. This form is essential for applying for your student visa.

Pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee using your SEVIS ID, which is found on your I-20 form. You can pay this fee online at FMJfee.

Fill out the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form. This is a mandatory step in applying for your F-1 visa. Be sure to print the confirmation page with the barcode for your visa interview.

Schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. You will need your DS-160 confirmation page, a passport-sized photo, and your I-20 form for this step.

Prepare the following documents for your visa interview:

• Valid passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay)
• I-20 form from Avila University Arizona
• DS-160 confirmation page
• SEVIS fee receipt
• Financial documentation proving you have sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses
• Visa appointment confirmation letter
• Any other documents required by your local U.S. embassy or consulate Tips for the interview:
• Clearly explain your study plans and how they align with your career goals.
• Demonstrate strong ties to your home country and your intent to return after completing your studies.

Once your visa is approved, the embassy will return your passport with your F-1 visa. Make travel arrangements and plan to arrive in the U.S. no more than 30 days before your program start date.

If your visa interview is scheduled after your intended program start date, we recommend you submit a request for an expediated appointment. Please find instruction to this process here.

Starting September 6, 2025, most students must apply for their F-1 visa in their home country or in a country where they are legally living.

You usually cannot apply in a third country unless you are part of a few special exceptions (such as diplomats, UN officials, or very rare emergencies).

If your home country does not process student visas, the U.S. government has selected a specific embassy or consulate where you must apply.

See the official announcement here: travel.state.gov Applicants should also check the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where they plan to apply. Each location may have different requirements, procedures, and operating status.

If your financial documents are 6 months or older by the time you have your visa interview appointment, we strongly recommend you bring an updated document.

If your visa appointment is scheduled several months after your Form I-20 is issued, make sure your appointment still allows enough time to travel and arrive before the program start date. Note, you can apply for an F-1 visa up to 365 days before your program begins, but you may only enter the U.S. within 30 days of the start date listed on your Form I-20.

You will need to let your DSO know as soon as possible. Please include the following information in your email to your DSO:

1. Name / Student ID
2. The reason you will be traveling after the program start date
3. The date you will be arriving at AUA

If your F-1 student visa is denied, please request a denial letter from the U.S. consulate to understand the reason for the refusal. Upload the Notice of Visa Refusal to your MyAUA Student Portal. Our DSO will reach out to offer support and guidance as you prepare to reapply.

You cannot typically enter the U.S. with a valid visa if your SEVIS ID has changed, even if your visa is still valid. The SEVIS ID on your visa is linked with your SEVIS record; therefore, it would indicate you received a new record. Even with a valid visa, you can potentially be denied at the port of entry if the immigration official identifies a discrepancy.

If you wish to bring a spouse and/or children under the age of 21 with you, please contact your DSO at dso@arizona.avila.edu for specific instructions and a list of required documents before submitting a request.

You will need a new Form I-20 if your program start date is deferred. Your DSO will be able to provide you with your updated Form I-20 with your new program start date once you confirm your visa interview date.

For questions regarding how to fill out your DS-160 form, please click here.

No. If your program start date is deferred, your SEVIS ID will remain the same. Because of this, you will not need to repay the I-901 SEVIS fee or submit a new DS-160 application.

Yes. International students may travel to the U.S. with a one-way ticket if they are entering on a valid F-1 student visa. However, many airlines and immigration officials may expect proof that you intend to leave the U.S. after your studies, such as a return ticket or evidence of continued enrollment.

When traveling to the U.S., you must carry the following required documents:

1. Valid passport
2. Form I-20 (signed for travel)
3. A valid F-1 visa.

It is also strongly recommended that you bring:

1. A copy of your I-901 SEVIS fee payment confirmation
2. Supporting financial documents (such as bank statements or scholarship letters)
3. Your official acceptance letter from AUA

1. Login to your MyAUA Student Portal
2. Go to your profile
3. 1. Update Mailing address to your new address in the U.S
4. Once the change is received, our team will update it on SEVIS.

Any arrest while on the F-1 visa can significantly impact your immigration status and future immigration prospects. Some of these effects can result in difficulties in re-entering the U.S., visa revocation, and deportation. It is crucial you seek legal counsel should you cross this problem.

Yes. International students may apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) only if they have authorized employment in the United States. This includes:

1. On-campus employment – with authorization from your school.
2. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) – employment that is part of your academic program and authorized by your Designated School Official (DSO).
3. Optional Practical Training (OPT) – employment authorization approved by USCIS.

If you have any questions, please contact your DSO at dso@arizona.avila.edu