I-20 Application for the F1 Visa

Upon being offered admission to Sonoran University, you can begin gathering your information and documentation needed for your I20 application.  The International Student Service Office typically begins processing I20 paperwork 4-6 months prior to your anticipated entry term.

If you are a non-immigrant student, your spouse and children may be admitted into the United States in the F-1 classification during your course of full-time study. This does not apply if you hold dual citizenship, are lawful permanent residents, or have a valid business visa.

If you are applying for an F-1 Student Visa, you must satisfy/submit the following SEVIS requirements:

Starting the I20 process

If you are applying for an F-1 Student Visa, you must satisfy/submit the following SEVIS requirements:

1. 1. Complete all outstanding admission requirements
   2. Submit a non-refundable admission deposit
   3. Upload to your Admissions Portal a completed Sonoran University Financial Guarantee form.  
   4. Upload to your Admissions Portal original documentation of sufficient funds. Sufficient funds must cover the cost of the first year (12 months)  of school, books, student fees, and all living expenses as identified in the Financial Guarantee Form. Examples of sufficient funds include:
      • Official bank statements,
      • a signed letter of support or an affidavit of support (available from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services),
      • sponsor income verification (if you have a sponsor)
      • Other proof of liquid assets
   5. If applicable, upload a completed and signed Sponsor Declaration of Support (required only if a sponsor is supporting your educational expenses).

Documentation of sufficient funds is required because the U.S. federal government prohibits off-campus employment during the first year (12 months)) of international study. International students are limited to no more than 20 hours a week of on-campus employment while school is in session and may work full-time during vacation periods, as long as they have maintained status and intend to register for the following quarter. International students are not eligible for federal or state funded student aid programs but may obtain private loans with a U.S. citizen or resident co-borrower. Canadian students also have access to the Canadian federal student loan program.

I-20 Approval and I-901 Fee

Once you are issued an I20 from Sonoran University you will receive a hard copy of the I20 in the mail.  You will also receive a PDF of the I20 through email.  You must immediately pay the I-901 fee. Please do not wait to pay this fee as it can delay your visa process. 

The I-901 SEVIS Fee is mandated by US Congress to support the program office and the automated system that keeps track of students and exchange visitors. This fee is separate from the visa fees.  Before paying the I-901 fee, you must have a complete and accurate Form I-20 or DS-2019.  Do not pay for a dependent child or spouse who is on an F-2, M-2, or J-2 visa. There is no I-901 SEVIS fee due for a dependent child or spouse for these visa types.  

Please go here to pay the I-901 fee.

Additional Instructions for Visa Applications (International Students outside Canada only)

1. Schedule the visa appointment with the Embassy/Consulate closest to your location.
2. Read important visa application tips from this NAFSA website.
3. Go to the visa appointment with:
   • Your DS-160 bar code receipt
   • the MRV receipt
   • the SEVIS fee receipt (I-901)
   • original I20
   • passport
   • financial guarantee
   • photos, and any other information the U.S. consulate website indicates

You will find more information regarding locations and visa wait times on the individual Embassy websites.

Applying for a Change of Visa Status (H1B to an F1 visa)

H-1B visa holders are allowed to study in an academic program. However, any study must be incidental to the H1-B primary objective which is employment. 

Below is the general guidance for H1-B visa holders who are considering changing their visa status to F-1:

The change of status application must be received by USCIS while the H1-B is still in a valid status. While there may be a general 60-day “grace period” after the completion of the H1-B status the ISSS cannot advise on the availability of any “grace period” after the H1-B status has expired. As long as the change of status application is received by USCIS while the H-1B is in status then USCIS will generally adjudicate the application even if the H-1B status expires. Please note this is at the discretion of USCIS.

While USCIS general processing times are 2-3 months, most change of statuses will take much longer. Many change of status applications have taken up to nine (9) months for USCIS to process. Students should plan for a minimum USCIS processing time of between four (4) and nine (9) months. 

Applicants may contact USCIS after 90 days from their application receipt notice date to inquire about their application. There are very limited options to request an expedite for an application and to learn more about USCIS’s expedite policy go to USCIS Expedite. Sonoran University International Student Services cannot intervene with USCIS to request an expedite.

Students filing for a change of status will not be eligible for any benefits related to the F-1 visa status until the start date for the next available semester that proceeds the approval notice date. Once the application is filed you cannot travel outside the U.S. or your change of visa status will be considered abandoned. Once your change of visa status is approved, the next time you travel outside the U.S. you will be required to apply for an F-1 visa before you will be permitted to re-enter the U.S.