International Legal Information
Visa Frequently Asked Questions
Am I required to pay the SEVIS fee if I am a returning student?
Students with new SEVIS documents issued on or after September 1, 2004 are required to pay this fee. Returning students or continuing students who have not fallen "out of status" are not required to pay this fee.
Do I have to pay the SEVIS fee if I already paid it and my visa was denied?
You do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again unless it has been over 12 months of the inital denial.
How much is the new SEVIS fee?
For students F1, F3, M1, or M3, the fee is currently $100.
Is my SEVIS fee refundable if I am denied my student visa, or problems arise and I am unable to attend ELI?
No, the SEVIS fee is not refundable, regardless of the situation.
What is US-Visit?
US-Visit currently applies to all visitors holding non-immigrant visas (example: F1), regardless of country of origin. US-Visit is an entry/exit system monitored by Deptartment of Homeland Security that records entry and exit information. For more information, visit the Department of Homeland Security Web site.
When must the SEVIS fee be paid?
The SEVIS fee must be paid before the visa interview date. It is not necessary to pay the fee before scheduling a visa interview. In order to ensure that fee payment can be verified electronically, the fee payment must be processed at least 3 business day before the interview.
Who is responsible for submitting the SEVIS fee?
There are several payment methods, and there is no set rule regarding who must pay the fee. However, as a new student to ELI, we will submit the payment for you.
How long does it take for the Embassy/Consulate to process my visa?
This depends on several factors. For an accurate estimate, please visit the Visa Office Web site.
What is the SEVIS fee?
The SEVIS fee is required of all foreign nationals who come to the U.S. for the purpose of pursuing a full course of study in institutions such as colleges, universities, and language training programs. This fee is new and goes into effect September 1, 2004.
Do I have to have a SEVIS I-20 to enter the United States as a student?
Yes, to enter the U.S. as a foreign student, you must obtain a SEVIS I-20 from the school that you plan on attending. Do not enter the country on a tourist visa to study.
How early can I enter the U.S. upon issuance of my student visa?
No more than 30 days in advance of the course start date shown on the Form I-20.
How long does it take to get my I-20? Can my wife or child be included on the I-20?
Once your file is accepted and the tuition and fees are received, an I-20 can be issued within 2 days. Mailing time may be around 1 week depending on the destination. Dependants can be included on the I-20 by notifying ELI in advance.
How long may I stay in the U.S. once I have completed my studies?
If you are in good status with the school you attended, you may stay an additional 60 days to prepare for departure or to transfer to another school. Students who are determined "Out of status" with their current school can stay 15-30 days.
How long may I stay on my F-1 student visa?
You may stay as long as you are a full time student (in good status with your school), even if the F-1 visa in your passport expires while you are in the U.S.
If I am a returning student and my visa is expired, what documents must I submit to renew my visa?
Please visit the Visa Office Web site.
To whom should I direct my emails regarding my visa information?
Please send all emails regarding visa information to eli@tamu.edu.
What documents are needed to apply for a student visa?
Please visit the Visa Office Web site.
What documents are needed to travel in the U.S., to Canada or Mexico, or along the Southern border of the U.S.?
Valid passport, I-94 card, SEVIS Form I-20 with a signature from your school's DSO on page 4 authorizing travel, valid F-1 visa stamp in passport, evidence of financial support, and proof of enrollment from your current school.
What if my visa expires?
If you are in the U.S., it does not matter if your visa expires. A valid visa is only required if you are trying to enter the U.S. If you travel outside of the U.S., you must obtain a new visa at the nearest Embassy/Consulate.
What is "Status"?
Status is your right to remain in the U.S. You must have valid immigration status at all times. This is reflected on your "I-94" card that you are given each time you are inspected and admitted to the U.S.
What is a passport?
A passport is a travel document like a visa. However, the true purpose of a passport is to confirm to the U.S. government (or any other government) that if you violate the laws of a foreign country, your country of citizenship will take you back.
What is a visa?
A visa is essentially a travel document issued by an American Consulate outside the U.S. that allows an individual to travel to the U.S. and request admission to the country.
What is SEVIS?
SEVIS is an acronym that stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, which collects information on an ongoing basis from schools and exchange programs relating to nonimmigrant foreign students and exchange visitors.
When do I need to apply for my student visa?
Students are encouraged to apply early to provide ample time for visa processing. Students may apply for their visa as soon as they are prepared to do so. Keep in mind that June, July, and August are the busiest months to apply.
Maintenance of Legal Non-Immigrant Status
Texas A&M University admitted (matriculated) students must maintain legal non-immigrant status in the United States while studying at the English Language Institute. Inquiries regarding matriculated student status should be directed to International Student Services by phone at 1-979-845-1825.
Although matriculated undergraduate students are expected to fulfill their English verification requirements before beginning Texas A&M courses full time, these students must maintain their legal non-immigrant status by registering for at least one hour of Texas A&M University course work.
Matriculated graduate students are not required to fulfill all English language requirements before beginning their course work. Therefore, it is expected that matriculated graduate students are enrolled in Texas A&M University classes, thereby maintaining their legal non-immigrant status in the United States.
If individual students taking English Language Institute classes need additional Texas A&M hours, advisors may direct written authorization to increase SIMS A&M hours permitted to either the Director, Measurement and Research Services (David Martin, Mail Stop 4239, Fax 1-979-847-8666, E-mail david-j-martin@tamu.edu), or the Director, English Language Institute (Kathleen Clark, Mail Stop 2130, Fax 862-4326, E-mail kclark@tamu.edu).