New Student Information

Visa Application Checklist

The I-20 Information Packet is used by all students applying for an F1 Student Visa. You should be prepared to submit the following documents to our office in order to secure your form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for F1 Students) or form DS 2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for J1 Students) visa document required to apply for a student visa:

• Letter of Admission or Appointment (Original letter on Bard letterhead with signature will be mailed to you with your processed visa document. This is an essential document for your visa interview at the consulate).
• Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS 2019) Application Form.
• Demonstration of finances / proof of funding (bank statements, savings certificates, affidavits of support, etc.): 
  • See Bard’s Comprehensive Fees chart.
  • F1 student visa applicants must demonstrate proof of funding for a minimum of estimated program expenses for one year
  • J1 student visa applicants must demonstrate funding for the entire duration of their program. The majority of funding must be from an outside source (scholarship/grant/fellowship).
  • Financial aid award letter, if applicable.
• Copy of passport photo ID page (send only the copy of the passport page that you plan to use toward visa document processing).
• Copy of current U.S. visa stamp page, if applicable (e.g., student currently studying in or visiting the United States).
• If the student is currently attending a U.S. high school, community college, college, or university, complete and scan/send the F1 or J1 Student SEVIS Record Transfer to Bard College form before the program at your current school expires. This transfer request must be processed before you can receive your new I-20 or DS 2019 form and begin your studies at Bard.

Paying Your SEVIS Fee

Once prepared, your I-20 or DS 2019 will be sent to you via FedEx mailing services. When you receive your I-20 or DS 2019 form you are required to pay a SEVIS fee to cover the costs associated with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and SEVIS. You can pay this fee electronically. Once your online payment is complete, a I-901 Confirmation Receipt will be generated. Be sure to print this form at the time of payment. Your I-901 Confirmation Receipt will be required at your consular interview and when you enter the United States.

Applying for Your Nonimmigrant Visa and Scheduling Your Consular Interview

After you pay your SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application and schedule your consular interview.  Canadian citizens are visa exempt and do not have to complete the DS-160 or apply for a nonimmigrant visa stamp. At the U.S. port of entry, Canadian citizens should show their passport and form I-20 or DS 2019 visa document to request F1/J1 student immigration status to enter the United States in either F1 or J1 status.

For the detailed process, click here.