Review the processes involved in obtaining immigration documents, visas and maintaining your status while studying in the United States.

Immigration & Visa Requirements

  1. File your immigration documents. Before you travel to the U.S., you’ll need to obtain either an I-20 or a DS-2019 document. These documents are essential for your visa application.
  2. Pay your SEVIS fee. The SEVIS fee is required for F-1 and J-1 visa applicants.
  3. Prepare for your visa interview. To help you prepare for your visa interview, NAFSA, the Association of International Educators, has put together a helpful list of “10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Non-immigrant Visa.”
  4. Maintain your visa status. Once you arrive in the U.S., it’s important to meet specific requirements to maintain your student visa status (F-1)

Official Immigration Resources

We’ve compiled a list of useful resources to assist you with your immigration process and provide additional information:

Receiving Your Immigration Documents

When your admission documents (I-20/DS-2019) are ready, you can choose from the following options to receive them.

Remember, all emails and correspondence must include your full name and your Bemidji State University student identification number (8 digits).

By United States Post Office Mail

  • Free but not trackable
  • May take over six weeks

Your documents can be sent by regular mail for free. Please note that tracking is not available for this option, and it might take six weeks or longer to arrive. By default, we use your permanent international address unless you provide an alternate address. If you have a different address, kindly inform us at international@bemidjistate.edu.

By Express Mail Service

  • At a cost but trackable
  • Delivery in 3-5 days

For a quicker and trackable delivery, you can use the UEMS express mail service through FedEx or UPS to receive your I-20 or DS-2019. This service is efficient, reliable and at a discounted price. This service incurs a fee, typically ranging from $40USD to $65USD, and accepts Visa, MasterCard, AmEx or Discover cards for payment. PayPal and wire transfer are also accepted. Remember to request through UEMS and not directly through the courier websites.

You may only request through UEMS. Do not directly pay or go through the FedEx or UPS websites. Every transaction or communication will go through UEMS, who will immediately notify our center concerning details of your request.

If you choose this option, create an account with UEMS and provide your full name, BSU student ID number, mailing address, email address, phone number and credit card information for shipment.

For assistance with this service, refer to the “Help” link on the UEMS website or email support@eshipglobal.com.

Authorize A Friend Or Relative

If you prefer, you can authorize a friend or relative to pick up your immigration documents directly from our office. Email us at international@bemidjistate.edu with the following details:

  • Your full name
  • Your BSU Student ID number
  • Your friend’s/relative’s full name and Student ID number (if they are a BSU student)
  • A statement authorizing them to pick up your documents from the International Program Center

Note: Your friend/relative must present photo identification (passport, student ID, driver’s license, etc.) when picking up your documents.

Obtaining your Visa

As soon as you receive the email notifying you of your admission, promptly pay the SEVIS fee using your SEVIS identification number and BSU’s school and program codes mentioned in the email.

For visa processing, contact the nearest U.S. consulate and apply for your student visa. J-1 students follow the same basic directions as F-1 students, but substitute “DS-2019” for “I-20”. Apply for your visa early to allow ample time for processing.

Only bring the USCIS Form I-20 from the school you plan on attending for visa processing at the U.S. consulate. You must also provide verification to the consulate that you have the financial resources required for your education and stay in the United States.

Visit the U.S. Department of State website for complete information on applying for your visa.

Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens do not currently require a student visa in their passport. Check your I-20 for accuracy, sign item #11 and provide proof of payment for the SEVIS fee. Submit your I-20 to the U.S. Border Patrol when you enter the country to study. Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds and additional identification and/or verification of admission.

F-1 Students Transferring to Bemidji State University

If you’re transferring from another U.S. institution to BSU, request to have your I-20 transferred to Bemidji State University. Your SEVIS record will be released to BSU, and we will create a BSU I-20 for you to pick up upon your arrival in Bemidji. If you plan to leave the U.S. before arriving at BSU, contact us to arrange for your BSU I-20 before departure. During orientation, present your I-20 to the Director of International Programs to validate your transfer. Your transfer will not be considered complete until this is done.

SEVIS Fee Payment

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee is a mandatory payment for international students (F-1 visa) and exchange visitors (J-1 visa), as well as their dependents, staying in the United States.

You (or a third party) can pay the SEVIS fee inside or outside the U.S.

Here’s how to pay the SEVIS fee:

  1. Visit the Official Website of the Department of Homeland Security to access a Form I-901 Payment Tutorial.
  2. Choose one of the payment methods:
    • Online
    • At a Western Union office
    • By mail

Whichever option you choose, your payment must be accompanied by a Form I-901.

Remember, citizens of Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria or Cameroon cannot pay the SEVIS fee online. You must pay via mail or at a Western Union office (if accessible).

For further information on the SEVIS fee, refer to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.