FORM I-20 / DS-2019

Once you’ve submitted the necessary documents for admission to Manhattan University, you will be issued a Form I-20 or DS-2019.

• Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” is a document issued by SEVP certified schools that provide information on a student's F status.
  Sample Form I-20
• DS-2019 is a document used by the Department of State to administer the Exchange Visitor Program (J-1 students).
  Sample DS-2019

These forms allow the student to seek an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate to obtain an F or J visa to enter the United States.

Form I-20

This is issued by Manhattan University to an F-1 student to show that they have been admitted to school in the United States. This provides a summary of the student's SEVIS records. 

An F-1 student needs this form to:

• Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee
• Obtain a visa
• Enter the U.S.
• Reenter the U.S. when traveling
• Participate in employment or training opportunities

DS-2019

This form is issued to by Manhattan University to a J-1 student to show identity and employment authorization. This provides a summary of the student's SEVIS records.

A J-1 student needs this form to:

• Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee
• Obtain a visa
• Enter the U.S.
• Reenter the U.S. when traveling
• Participate in training opportunities

I-901 SEVIS FEE

After receiving your I-20 or DS-2019, you must pay a SEVIS fee to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The SEVIS fee can be paid by credit card over the internet, by check, or by money order by mail. 

Please read all instructions fully before attempting to pay the fee. There are special instructions for students and scholars from Bermuda or Canada. If your visa has been denied, you do not need to pay the fee again if you re-apply for the same visa within 12 months of the denial.

You will be required to pay the SEVIS fee if:

• You are seeking an F-1 or J-1 visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for initial attendance at a university or initial participation in an exchange program. The fee must be paid before applying for the visa.
• You will enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status, but are not required to have a visa. The fee must be paid before you apply for admission to the U.S.
• You are applying for a change of status to F-1 or J-1. The fee must be paid before you submit your change of status application.

The fee is NOT required:

• For F-2 or J-2 dependents.
• For J-1 participants in an exchange program sponsored by the U.S. federal government.
• If your immigration status is F-1 or J-1 and you are transferring to another school, program, or program category.
• If you are requesting an extension of your program or course of study.
• If you paid the fee but your application for an F-1 or J-1 visa was denied and, within 12 months of the denial, you re-apply for the same status.
• For a change of status application between F-1 and F-2

Option #1: Payment by Credit Card

DHS has set up a website on the Internet to accept electronic submission of Form I-901 and payment of the SEVIS fee using a credit card at www.fmjfee.com. We strongly recommend that you use this option if possible. Follow the on-line instructions. Print out the payment screen to verify your payment. Take the payment verification printout with you to your visa interview.

Students & scholars from the following countries are not able to use the credit card option and must use option #2 or #3 below:

• Cameroon
• Ghana
• Kenya
• Nigeria

Option #2: Payment by Western Union

This option allows Western Union to collect the SEVIS fee. This option is only available in countries where Western Union offers its "Quick Pay" service. A properly completed Western Union receipt serves as immediate proof of payment for the visa interview.

1. Fill out the Form I-901 online. A payment coupon will be generated upon completion of the form.
2. Print a copy of the payment coupon and take it to your local Western Union.
3. Fill out the Quick Collect/Quick Pay Form according to the information found at the bottom of the printed coupon. Example below:
   1. Company Name (or Code City): SEVISFEE or SEVISFEEMO
   2. Account Number: Coupon Number (ex: 010222013872390)
   3. Amount: 350.00

   **Please note that the payment amount may differ according your specific visa type.

4. Present the coupon and your payment to the Western Union Agent for processing.

Payment will be linked to your Form I-901 and your online payment confirmation will be available immediately.

You will be able to go to your Visa Appointment 2-3 days after your payment has posted.

More instructions for paying using this option can be found on the SEVIS website.

Option #3: Payment by Check or Money Order

When paying by check or money order there are two options:

1. Internet-generated coupon

Students & scholars can go to the fee payment website, enter basic information, print out a coupon, and then mail a check or money order with the coupon to a lock-box address in Missouri. Once the information and fee are processed, SEVIS will be updated with the fee payment information.

2. Paper option

Students & scholars can download or otherwise obtain Form I-901, fill it in, and mail it, with a check or money order, to the specified address in Missouri. Once the information and fee are processed, SEVIS will be updated with the fee payment information.

In both cases, a receipt notice will be issued when the fee is processed. All checks and money orders must be made payable to the "I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee". Only checks and money orders may be used when paying by mail. The check or money order must be made in U.S. dollars and drawn on a bank located in the U.S. The mailing addresses for paying by check or money order using the coupon or the paper Form I-901 are:

P.O. Box Mailing Address:
I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee
P.O. Box 970020
St. Louis, MO 63197-0020

Street Address for Courier/Express Delivery:
I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee
3180 Rider Trail S.
Earth City, MO 63045
United States

COMPLETING THE FORM I-901

In order to complete form I-901, you must have a Form I-20 or DS-2019 and Manhattan University’s School Code. Our school codes are:

• NYC214F00714000 for F-1 Students (I-20’s) and
• P-1-13181 for J-1 Students & Scholars (DS-2019)

For Students & Scholars from Canada or Bermuda

Students and scholars from Canada and Bermuda are exempt from having to apply for a visa. You will have to provide SEVIS fee payment verification along with your I-20 or DS-2019 Form to an immigration inspector at the port of entry when applying for entry into the United States as an F-1 or J-1 student or scholar.

If Visa is Denied

If your visa is denied you may reapply for the visa within a 12-month period, without having to pay the SEVIS fee again.

Dependents

If you have obtained an I-20 or DS-2019 for a spouse or children, they do not have to pay a SEVIS fee in order to apply for an F-2 or J-2 visa.

If Admitted to More than One School

If you have been accepted to more than one institution and paid the fee using the SEVIS ID number of another institution, but you wish to attend Manhattan University, you will not have to pay the fee again. Bring the I-20 or DS-2019 of both the schools to the consulate or port-of-entry and tell the officer you will be a student or scholar at Manhattan University.

Additional Information

For additional details on SEVIS and the SEVIS fee, access the SEVIS web site at: http://www.ice.gov/sevis

WHEN TO APPLY FOR YOUR VISA

If you are currently abroad, and do not yet have a valid U.S. student visa, you generally apply for one at the U.S. embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over your place of permanent residence. Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office abroad, it is generally more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence.

You should apply for your student visa well in advance of the date you would like to depart for Manhattan. Remember that you are required to show proof of having paid the Federal SEVIS I-901 Fee when you appear for your visa interview.

Holiday and vacation periods are very busy times at the U.S. embassies and consulates world wide, and it is important for you to have your visa in time to arrive and begin orientation and registration activities no later than the start date on your I-20 or DS-2019. Appointments are now mandatory for all student visas, and some U.S. embassies and consulates require that appointments be made at least four to eight weeks in advance. The actual visa interview may be as early as 120 days prior to your planned arrival date in the United States.

All U.S. embassies and consulates have a website where you can read the latest information on visa procedures. Visit: USEmbassy.gov to locate the embassy or consulate near you.

Learn more about Applying for a Visa

 View waiting times for student visa appointments.

WHAT TO BRING FOR YOUR VISA INTERVIEW

Be sure to bring the following with you to the visa appointment:

• Passport
• Required photo(s)
• Visa fee or proof of visa fee payment
• Federal SEVIS I-901 Fee payment receipt
• U.S. non-immigrant visa application forms (unless you will be completing it at the consulate or embassy)
• Manhattan University admission letter
• Manhattan University SEVIS I-20 or SEVIS DS-2019
• Test scores and academic records
• Proof of English proficiency
• Proof of financial support
• Evidence of ties to your home country
• Any other documents required by the embassy or consulate

Remember that if you plan to attend Manhattan, you must present the visa officer with an I-20 or DS-2019 issued by Manhattan University. You cannot apply for a U.S. visa using another school's I-20 or DS-2019, and then try to attend Manhattan as that is considered to be a fraudulent entry by the U.S. Immigration authorities.

STRATEGIES FOR YOUR VISA INTERVIEW

You are well advised to consider the following matters prior to your visa appointment, as you may be asked about each item.

Academics

Be definite and clear about your educational plans. You should be able to explain precisely what you wish to study and why you chose Manhattan University for your education. Be especially prepared to explain reasons for studying in the United States rather than your country.

English

Anticipate that the visa interview will be conducted in English. Do not bring parents or family members with you to the visa interview. The consular official will want to interview you, not your family. A negative impression is created if you are not prepared to speak on your own behalf.

Ties to Your Home Country

Demonstrate convincing reasons for consular officials to believe that you intend to return home after studies in the United States. Emphasize ties to your home country such as employment, family obligations, bank accounts, family members at home, property or investments that you own or will inherit, and clear explanations of how you plan to use your education to help your country or pursue a career when you return home.

Financial Documentation

Be prepared to prove financial ability to pay for your education and living expenses. While some students will be able to work part time during their studies, such employment is incidental to their main purpose of completing their education. You must show the consular officer that you have the annual amount in United States dollars listed on your I-20 or DS-2019 form. Your financial evidence should be in the form of bank statements, affidavits of support, scholarship award letters, etc.

Be Concise

Because of the volume of visa applications, all consular officials are under considerable pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision, for the most part, on the impression they form during the first minute or two of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you create are critical to your success. Keep your answers short and to the point.

Not All Countries are the Same

Applicants from countries suffering economic problems or from countries where many students have remained in the United States as immigrants will have more difficulty getting visas. Statistically, applicants from these countries are more likely to be intending immigrants. They are also more likely to be asked about job opportunities in the United States.

Dependents Remaining at Home

If you have a spouse and/or children remaining behind in your home country, be prepared to address how they will support themselves in your absence. This can be an especially tricky area if you are the primary source of income for your family. If the consular official gains the impression that your family members will need you to remit money from the United States in order to support them, your student visa will almost surely be denied.

VISA DENIAL OR VISA DELAY

The vast majority of Manhattan University students will be successful in obtaining their student visas. Despite this, a small number of students may have their visa applications denied.

Common reasons for visa denial:

• failure to prove sufficient ties to your home country, or
• failure to provide sufficient evidence of financial support

Other reasons for visa denials include health-related issues such as Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, etc., criminal background, security risk, previous illegal entrance to the United States, immigration status violators previously removed from the United States, and unlawful voters.

The visa officer must verbally inform you of the reason for the visa denial. If your visa is denied, please send an e-mail message to studyabroad@manhattan.edu and provide the date and location of your visa interview, and details regarding the reason given by the visa officer for the denial.

Much more common than a visa denial is a visa delay. This is why it is so important to apply for your visa EARLY!

Common reasons for visa delays:

• Closings or reduced hours at U.S. visa issuing posts abroad due to security concerns or political instability in the host country
• Student or scholar's record does not appear in the SEVIS system at the U.S. embassy or consulate, even though the student or scholar presents a SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019. If you are told that your record does not appear in the visa officer's SEVIS system, immediately contact the Office for International Student and Scholar Services and provide the date and location of your visa interview. We will in turn contact the appropriate authority to have your SEVIS record resubmitted directly to the location where you have applied for your visa.
• Student or scholar not presenting proof of Federal SEVIS I-901 Fee payment
• A finding based on Section 221(g), which means that the visa officer found that the information provided at the visa interview was insufficient to support approval or denial of a visa. The applicant will be asked to return with additional information
• The need for a security advisory opinion (administrative processing) prior to visa issuance if the visa applicant is determined to be pursuing a "sensitive area of study" as indicated on the State Department's Technology Alert List. The fields usually include the sciences and engineering.
• The need for a security clearance prior to visa issuance if the visa applicant has ever been arrested in the United States, or if the applicant has a name identical to or similar to a person with a previous arrest record.
• The need for a security clearance prior to visa issuance if the visa applicant is male, between the age of 16-46 and a citizen of or born in one of the designated countries requiring security clearances (Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Eritrea, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen).
• The need for a security clearance for any non-immigrant visa applicant male or female, age 16 or older who is a national of or permanently residing in Cuba, Iran, Libya, Sudan or Syria. Such individuals will not be issued visas unless the applicant can show evidence that he or she is not a threat to U.S. national security.
• The new U.S. Department of State requirement that all applicants for non-immigrant visas be interviewed. This new policy has created delays at visa issuing posts around the world. Similar to a visa denial, the visa officer must verbally inform you of the reason for the visa delay. If your visa is delayed, please send an e-mail message to studyabroad@manhattan.edu and provide the date and location of your visa interview, and details regarding the reason given by the visa officer for the delay.

The U.S. State Department has prepared information on student visas on its website that may be useful to you. Visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/study-exchange/student.html

SPECIAL NOTE FOR CITIZENS OF CANADA

Citizens of Canada are not required to obtain a U.S. visa to enter the United States. However, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will inspect your papers, either at a pre-inspection site in Canada or upon entry to the United States.

You must have with you:

• your Canadian passport
• your admission letter to Manhattan
• proof of Federal SEVIS I-901 Fee Payment
• your Manhattan University Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019)
• proof of financial support that corresponds to the information on your I-20 or DS-2019

It is essential that you enter the United States in the appropriate status, so be sure to have complete documentation with you.