Visa/Immigration Nuts & Bolts
Applying For Student Visa
Canadian citizens only: If you are a Canadian citizen you do not need a visa to enter the U.S. You will, however, be required to present a SEVIS Form I-20 when crossing the border, whether it be drive-in or fly-in.
All visa applicants are required to have a visa interview. While visa appointments are granted on a first-come-first-served basis, it is crucial that you book your appointment with a U.S. visa office (www.unitedstatesvisas.gov) at the earliest possibe time. Be advised that visa application may be heavily delayed in some countries. Please allow yourself enough time (minimum 4 weeks suggested) applying for the visa. When applying for a visa, you will need to present all the following documents:
- SEVIS Form I-20 (or DS-2019):Please not that an I-20 (or DS-2019) is not a visa. An I-20 is a "Certificate for Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status." Please read the guidelines on the I-20 (or DS-2019) before signing your name. Do not separate the I-20 (or DS-2019).
- Financial Documentation:This includes supporting documents (e.g. bank statements, income tax return, Juilliard Financial Aid Award Letter, etc.) which you have sent to us earlier.
- Juilliard Acceptance Letter
- Juilliard Transcript (Visa renewal applicants only)
- A Valid Passport
- Visa Application Form & Fee
- Two Photographs
- Other Additional Documents Required by the U.S. Consular Office in Your Country
Valid F-1 Visa Annotating Another School Name
If you currently hold a valid F-1 visa annotating another school name (i.e. where you have previously attended), you do not need to apply for a new visa. You may use this visa and your Juilliard I-20 to enter the U.S. Be sure to travel with all your I-20(s) issued by previous school(s).
You may enter the U.S. as early as 30 days prior to the report date indicated on the I-20 (or DS-2019) form. You must enter the U.S. as a student, not a tourist. At the U.S. port of entry, present your I-20 (or DS-2019) to an immigration officer. The officer will stamp your I-20 (or DS-2019) and your passport, and issue you an I-94 card (also known as “Arrival/Departure Records”). You will be granted F-1 status (or J-1 status for DS-2019). The officer will also write “F-1” (or “J-1”) and “D/S” (i.e. “Duration of Status”) on your I-20 (or DS-2019) and I-94 card. Please remind the officer to do so if s/he skips this procedure. Be sure that you have your I-20 (or DS-2019) before you exit the immigration clearance area. Keep your I-20 (or DS-2019) and I-94 with your passport at all times. Your student status remains valid within the length of time necessary for you to complete your studies.Citizens from some countries may be required to complete “special registration”(see National Security Entry-Exit Registration System below) at the port of entry. If you are subject to this rule, you will be directed to a separate inspection area and be interviewed, photographed, and fingerprinted. The inspectors will provide you with additional compliance guidelines which you must follow very carefully. Currently the designated countries include: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Eritrea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. This list may be expanded at any time.
Mandatory Immigration Check-In
Upon arrival at Juilliard, report to International Advisement Office (Room 245) immediately to confirm your nonimmigration status. Important information will be given. Delay or neglect will result in immigration complications which may impact you legal stay in the U.S. Bring the following documentation when you come:
- Passport
- SEVIS Form I-20 (Transfer students must also present their I-20 issued by previous school.)
- I-94 card (Arrival / Departure Records)
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
The “Student and Exchange Visitor Information System” (SEVIS) is a new online reporting system of international students and scholars that the Department of Homeland Security (D.H.S.) implemented in 2002. SEVIS requires close monitoring of student activities within and outside the school. The system links the Department of Homeland Security, schools, U.S. Visa Offices around the world, and other federal agencies. Schools are required to report a wide range of student data, including address, name, citizenship, date of birth, academic program, major, financial information, spouse or children, employment history, etc.Students are required to report changes of their information to the International Advisement Office by the deadlines given. Neglect or oversight of reporting in a timely manner will affect a student’s eligibility to study at Juilliard. An important component of SEVIS is the new format of the I-20 and DS-2019 forms. The paper format was phased out in August 2003 and can no longer be used. The most significant feature of the new format is a barcode printed on the form. All I-20 and DS-2019 forms are now generated via SEVIS only.
The United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (U.S.- VISIT) System is a new security system the U.S. government implemented in 2004. Most foreign visitors, whether with or without a visa, will be required to be fingerprinted and photographed when entering and leaving the U.S. The system is to be fully activated at all U.S. airports and seaports by December 2004.
Travel advisory: U.S.-VISIT is already in effect at most airports and seaports. Please anticipate delays for flight connection in the U.S. if you are traveling to the U.S. from abroad and are required to go through the U.S.-VISIT clearance, as the wait line may be long.
All foreign citizens in the U.S., including U.S. permanent residents are required to report their new address to U.S.C.I.S. within 10 days of the change. The U.S. government is taking this rule very seriously. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in severe penalty on a foreign person.
International students who have an I-20 or DS-2019 form issued by Juilliard’s International Advisement Office must report their address change to Juilliard’s Registrar’s Office.
J-1 students whose visa is sponsored by Fulbright / Institute of International Education, or other organizations must report address change to their visa sponsor.
Other foreign citizens (e.g. U.S. permanent residents, O-1, H-1B, E-1, H-4, etc.) must report their address change directly to USCIS by submitting form AR-11 (PDF uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/files/ar-11.pdf). Keep a copy of AR-11 on file for future reference.
International students subject to NSEERS must report address change to Juilliard’s Registrar’s Office and submit form AR-11SR (PDF uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/files/ar-11sr.pdf) to USCIS. Keep a copy of AR-11SR on file for future reference.
National Security Entry Exit Registration System (NSEERS; aka Special Registration)
Citizens from designated countries may be required to complete “special registration.” If you are subject to this rule, you will be interviewed, photographed, and fingerprinted by an immigration officer at the U.S. port of entry.. The officer will write a "FIN" number on your I-94 card and provide you with additional compliance directions which must be followed very carefully. As the I-94 serves as the sole proof of your special registration, please make backup copies of your I-94 (both sides) and keep it on file for reference. Currently the designated countries include: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Eritrea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. This list may be expanded at any time.
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