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Welcome, New Students!
ISO Cultural Show, 2022. Photo by Aya Rebai HRA ’24

Welcome, New Students!

We are excited to hear that you have chosen to attend Bard College as your path to higher education in the United States. Foreign nationals who plan to attend Bard with a non-U.S.-issued passport will need to secure a student visa prior to the beginning of your program of study at the college. Foreign nationals who are U.S. permanent residents do not need to make any changes to your immigration status to be eligible to attend the college.

The College hosts two types of student visa categories: F1 and J1. Your visa category will be determined based on your program of study and individual circumstances. Typically, F1 students are full time matriculated students seeking a degree program at Bard, while J1 students are non-degree seeking exchange students participating in a short term international cultural exchange program at Bard. There are exceptions based on individual and/or program criteria.

Overview of Visa Process

Once you have deposited at Bard (F1 students) or committed to attending a non-degree program (J1 students), you will begin the visa application process. Please keep an eye on your Bard affiliated email address for an invitation to join the OISSS Student Portal.
OISSS Student Portal

Visa Application Checklist

The OISSS Student Portal 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 your I-20 or DS 2019 is prepared, you will be notified via email that it is available for download directly from the OISSS Student Portal. 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.