After receiving your I-20 from Wilson College, you
should apply for a nonimmigrant Student Visa (F-1) as early as possible,
but you can apply only 120 days before the “start date” on your
I-20. You must first complete the Visa Application (this is called the
DS-160) ‘on-line’ and pay the fee before scheduling the appointment. http://travel.state.gov/visa/forms/forms_4230.html
You can usually schedule the visa appointment online. Then, you can go
to the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate, taking your passport, the
receipt for your paid SEVIS fee, the Certificate of Eligibility (Form
I-20, issued by Wilson College) your completed visa application
including a second visa size photo, and all other documentation needed.
It is best to take too much documentation, to prove that you are going
to study in the United State. But have all your documentation in an
orderly fashion so that you can locate such quickly if the visa officer
requests such. http://www.usembassy.gov/ provides
a list of embassies and consulates. Check the following site for
additional information on obtaining your U.S. visa, including what
documentation you must take with you upon your visa appointment: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html#2
The
visa official will ask about your educational experiences and your
college choices. Be prepared to answer questions about your field of
study and how likely you are to remain at your college until
graduation. Take with you school transcripts, national examination
results, and SAT or TOEFL/IELTS scores along with anything else which
demonstrates your academic achievement and commitment.
You should
also be prepared to show that your sponsor (whoever is paying for your
education) is able to finance your education. You should also take with
you the verification of any personal funds that are listed as a
contribution from you or your family. This includes signed letters or
documents from a bank or other financial institution verifying that you
have the personal funds indicated on the I-20 form. Those funds that are
covered by Wilson College are adequately indicated on the I-20 form and
you need no further documentation of these funds.
You will also
need to prove that you do not intend to remain in the United States
after graduation. It is important to convey to the official that you are
coming to the United States as a student, and that you plan to return
to your home country after your schooling is completed. Be prepared to
demonstrate solid economic, family and social ties to your home
country.