Admission Information
Immigration Information
F-1 Student Visa – I-20
The F-1 is the most commonly used student visa. Students must have a valid educational purpose for coming to the United States, be a full-time student, and provide proof of their ability to fund their education. Upon admission to a USF program, students are contacted by USF International Services to provide their passport and financial documentation. The student is issued an I-20 to be used to obtain the F-1 visa at a US Embassy or Consulate. The spouse or children of an F-1 student enter the US on F-2 visas and are not eligible to work in the US.
- Transferring F-1 status from another US Institution: F-1 students who are already attending a US school may transfer their immigration status to USF if they are admitted into a USF program, provide proof of financial support, and have continuously maintained immigration status while in the US. Students must enroll in courses at USF within 5 months of the last date of attendance at the previous school or the end date of OPT.
After the student is admitted to USF and receives the official offer letter, they must ask the current institution to transfer the SEVIS record to USF. USF will produce the USF I-20 if the student provides the necessary financial documentation. Students must have a USF I-20 to enroll in a degree seeking program.
- Changing to F-1 from another non-immigrant visa: Students who are in the US using a non-immigrant visa other than F-1 may choose to change their status to F-1 prior to beginning their USF academic program. This may be accomplished either by traveling outside the U.S. or by applying to USCIS for a change of status. After the student is admitted to a degree seeking program, they should contact International Services to discuss eligibility to change status and the correct procedure. Advisors are available during advising hours.
J-1 Student Visa – DS-2019
The J-1 visa is an "exchange visitor" visa, which is managed under the auspices of the Exchange Visitor Program of the US Department of State. The J-1 visa is used primarily by exchange students (non degree-seeking) and students sponsored by US government agencies. Students who meet the criteria for the J-1 visa will be issued a DS-2019 by USF or by a United States government agency (IIE, OAS, USF, etc.). The spouse or children of a J-1 student enter the US on a J-2 visa. Spouses in J-2 status may apply to USCIS for permission to work after their arrival in the U.S. Spouses and children also may attend school. After admission, students will be contacted by USF International Services to provide the necessary documentation.
Other Visa Types (Non F-1 Visa Holders)
Students who do not hold an F-1 (student) visa status may study at USF if their current visa status permits study in a degree seeking program. Please note that individuals in B1/B2 (visitor) status are PROHIBITED from studying in a degree seeking program. For information about non-immigrant visas, go to website. Students admitted to USF degree and non-degree programs will be contacted by USF International Services to provide proof of their current immigration status in the US.
F-2 visa holders may attend school on a part-time basis only.