USA Visa Information

If you plan to study in the United States with an F-1 student visa, or you already have one and would like to transfer to Oxford International, our team is here to guide you through the process.

If you’re planning to study in the United States, obtaining the right visa is an essential step in your journey. Most international students will need an F-1 student visa to enroll in an English language program. Whether you are starting your application from scratch or you already hold an F-1 visa and wish to continue your studies at Oxford International, we are here to support you every step of the way.

We understand that visa processes can feel complex, so we aim to make everything as clear and straightforward as possible, helping you focus on what matters most: your studies and experience abroad.

Choose the path that applies to you:

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Option A: I need an F-1 Visa

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Option B: I have an F-1 visa and need to transfer in

Option A: I need an F-1 Visa

Once you have received your  I-20, please print the form, sign and date the bottom of the first page, and use it for your visa application.  Remember that you do not need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee if you are reapplying for an F-1 visa within 12 months of the initial SEVIS fee payment date.  You will need to keep the receipt from your original fee payment.

How to Pay the I-90 SEVIS Fee

Here is how to pay the $350 SEVIS fee by credit card after you have received your I-20.  Please note that you can use the credit card of your parent, relative, or friend—it doesn’t have to be your credit card to make this payment.  Please email your advisor or [email protected] if you need assistance. You may pay by check, money order or Western Union wire transfer if you do not have a credit card.  

 1. Make sure there is a working printer attached to the computer. Then go to www.fmjfee.com.  

 2. Click PAY I-901  

 3. On the next page, type in the information from the I-20 as prompted:  

  • SEVIS ID: N followed by 10 numeric digits (top left corner)   
  • Last name & Given name   
  • Date of Birth: enter in mm/dd/yyyy format   

 4. Then click SUBMIT. Then enter the Applicant’s Address and School information as prompted. 

 5. Form type: FORM I-20 from the dropdown menu.   

  • EMAIL ADDRESS: Use the email address where the payment confirmation should be sent.  
  • SCHOOL CODE: Go to SCHOOL CODE part of your I-20, beginning with “NYC214F…….” 
  • CITY OF BIRTH: from your passport 

 6. Then check the box, I AGREE, and then click CONTINUE. You will be directed to FORM I-901 Review page. Choose your payment method: CREDIT CARD or CHECK/MONEY ORDER/WESTERN UNION. If you choose CREDIT CARD, fill in the credit card information & address, then click CONTINUE. Review the payment information, then SUBMIT PAYMENT. If you choose CHECK/MONEY ORDER/WESTERN UNION, a payment coupon will be opened with instruction.  

 7. After you submit your payment and it is accepted, click VIEW/PRINT PAYMENT CONFIRMATION. If you are filling out the payment information on behalf of a student, you can then email/fax this page to the student, and he/she can use this to go to the visa interview.  

 8. Once the payment goes through, you will receive an email. You can also check the payment status. Go back to www.fmjfee.com and click CHECK STATUS. 

 9. To view a tutorial, go to https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/i-901-sevis-fee-payment-tutorial – If you need assistance about the SEVIS fee payment, contact your advisor or send us an e-mail at [email protected]. 

How to Apply for an F-1 Student Visa 

Before you apply for the visa, understand the process and rules. Many visa applications are denied. In some countries, most applications are denied. Often it is because the student did not understand the rules or was not prepared. Don’t let this happen to you! Please read the following section on preparation very carefully and contact us if you need more information or help.

1. Once you have your Form I-20, you must make an appointment with your nearest American consulate and apply for an F-1 student visa. Go to www.usembassy.gov to find your nearest Consulate to get their instructions for applying for the F-1 visa, or visit www.studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students for information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

2. You will need to pay the I-901 fee before your interview and you must show your payment receipt at your visa interview. Follow the instructions and fill out the form DS-160 online (https://ceac.state.gov/GENNIV/) for the non-immigrant visa application. If you have other questions, please contact your advisor.

How to Prepare for a Student Visa Interview 

This section is to help you prepare for a successful interview to obtain an F-1 student visa. We hope to welcome you as part of our community at Oxford International!  At your visa interview, you’ll need to do the following: 

 1. Be ready to clearly explain why you want to come to the U.S.A. to study at our school. 

  • Why do you want to study in the U.S.A.? 
  • Why are you going to take this program of study? (What is your academic or professional objective and how will this help you in your academic or professional future in your country?) 
  • Why did you choose the Oxford International NYC school? 
  • What career will your studies prepare you for back home (including any USA university studies)? 

 2. Be ready to convince the consular official that you will return home permanently after you complete your studies. Present papers if you have them that can prove that you have strong ties to your country which will require you to return.  

  • If English proficiency is in great demand in your country, get a letter from your employer saying that English training in the U.S.A. will be highly beneficial to your career.
  • If you have a brother or sister who studied in the U.S.A. and then returned home, take a copy of his or her diploma and a statement from his or her employer.
  • If you have traveled to the U.S.A. before as a visitor, emphasize that you have returned home before!  

Things to Remember: 

  • Consular officials are trained to see you as someone who plans to remain in the U.S.A. permanently.  Student visas are only given to people who can convince the consul that they intend to return permanently to their home country. 
  • You must have a good academic or professional objective for coming to the U.S.A. to study. You must be qualified for the program of study, and be able to prove that you can finance it. If you plan to transfer to a university in America later on, be prepared to talk about the degree program you will follow. 
  • American laws are applied equally to all people regardless of status or gender. Do not try to negotiate or discuss personal matters with the consular official. 
  • Consular officials seek documentation. Try to have papers to prove why you are qualified for a student visa. 

 3. Present the original copies of the financial documents you gave us. Your documents must match what is on your Form I-20.  

 4. Do not emphasize any ties you have to the U.S.A. or family members in the U.S.A.  

 5. Do not talk about working in the U.S.A.  

 6. Be sure your passport is valid for a minimum of six (6) months.  

 7. If you have already begun your studies in another nonimmigrant status and you received a change of status to F-1, be prepared to discuss how your original purpose for being in the U.S.A. changed to that of a full-time student. Take transcripts.  

 8. Be careful about what you post on social media. This could impact the result of your visa application, and you may be asked to share your social media profiles at your visa interview.  

What If Your Visa Is Denied?   

Write to us with full details of what was said and what documents you presented at your interview and send a copy of any written answer you may have been given. We will help in any way we can.   

Option B: I have an F-1 visa and need to transfer in

Steps to transfer schools:

1. Check SEVIS Status. Contact the Designated School Official (DSO) at your current school to confirm your SEVIS record is Active and eligible for transfer.

2. Submit Required Documents
Provide the following documents for your application:

  • Passport copy
  • Current F-1 visa
  • Current I-20 (must show Continued Attendance)
  • I-94 record
  • Completed Enrollment Agreement Form
  • Recent bank statement showing financial ability

3. Pay Registration Fee. Submit the $200 registration fee to begin the transfer process.

4. Request Transfer Form. Ask your current school’s DSO to complete a Transfer Out Form indicating your transfer to Oxford International NYC and send it to us with your documents.

5. Receive Your New I-20. Once your SEVIS record is transferred, our DSO will issue your new I-20 after the required tuition payment is received.

6. Orientation & Classes.

Before classes start, you will receive:

  • A level/speaking test (if required)
  • Your class schedule
  • Orientation details (attendance is mandatory)

Important Things to Know

  • Full-time Enrollment Required: You must enroll in a full-time program (minimum of 18 hours per week) to maintain F-1 visa status. Part-time enrollment does not meet visa requirements.
  • Attendance Requirement: Maintain at least 80% attendance. Unexcused absences or low attendance may jeopardize your F-1 status and your SEVIS record.
  • Transfer Time Frame: You should enroll at Oxford International NYC within 60 days after finishing your studies at your previous school. Delays beyond this period could affect your visa status.
  • Initial Transfer After U.S. Entry (if applicable):
    If you are transferring before beginning studies at your current school after entering the U.S., ensure to complete the transfer within 30 days after U.S. entry and begin at Oxford International NYC right away. Notify us immediately if this applies to you.

Contact us for more details: