The Student Visa Process

Babson College provides student immigration documents for students who have been admitted into a full-time program or participate in our exchange program.

Refer to the steps & resources below to secure your Form I-20 (F-1 visa) or Form DS-2019 (J-1 visa). 

U.S. Immigration Procedure Timing Considerations

Form I-20/Form DS-2019 Issuance 2 weeks upon having all documentation complete
U.S. Visa Appointment Wait & Processing (U.S. Consulate or Embassy) 1-3 months (average)
Entry to the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 Status Up to 30 days before program date listed on Form I-20 or Form DS-2019

Babson Form I-20 & Form DS-2019 Processing

Undergraduate: After deposit, about 4 months ahead of program start date
Graduate: After deposit, on a rolling basis
Exchange: After nominations are confirmed & exchange application submitted

Steps to Obtain Your F-1 or J-1 Student Visa

Click below to jump directly to a step in the process.

Step 1: Gather Supporting Documentation

Below are recommended documents to have ready electronically before requesting your Form I-20 in order to expedite the amount of time it takes you to complete the online request.

  • Passport identification and expiration page(s)
  • Evidence of Funding
    • Review this important page to determine what types of financial documents are accepted. The exact amount you will need to document for your program will display once starting the Form I-20 request. 
  • Optional documents (dependent on your situation):
    • Students with spouse/children: passport identification page(s) for dependent family member(s)
    • Students on an F-1 visa who will transfer their immigration record to Babson: current entry visa (even if expired) and Form I-20
    • Individuals in the U.S. in a visa category other than F-1 or J-1: current entry visa or proof of change of status approval

Step 2: Request & Obtain Babson Form I-20/Form DS-2019

  • All undergraduate and graduate degree students should use the link above. Exchange students receive separate instructions about requesting their Form DS-2019 for J-1 status.
  • Once a request is considered complete, the Form I-20/Form DS-2019 will be issued to students electronically within two weeks and emailed to their Babson email. Please do not contact ISSS within the two-week processing window. If more information is needed, you will receive an email. Make sure your Babson email account has been activated and is accessible to prevent delays.
  • Upon receipt of your immigration document, it should be reviewed for any errors. Notify isss@babson.edu with any concerns. 
  • Students must print and sign on page 1 to present their document for the student visa process and entry to the U.S. 

Step 3: Pay I-901 SEVIS Fee

This is a mandatory fee to the U.S. government for F-1 & J-1 students.

NOTE: This is a separate fee from the DS-160 visa application fee(s).

The SEVIS fee must be paid online before starting the visa application process or entering the U.S.  Follow the detailed instructions on paying the SEVIS fee

  • Make sure to keep proof of payment for your records.
  • The SEVIS fee does not need to be paid for F2/J2 dependents.
  • Security note: Be aware of scams and fraud sites. The SEVIS fee should only be paid through the FMJfee.com site. 

Step 4: Complete Visa Application & Schedule Visa Interview

  • Apply for your visa as early as possible after receiving your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019. 
  • Review specific instructions for the F-1 student visa or J-1 exchange visitor visa process. Below are a few additional planning considerations:
    • Some individuals may qualify for a waiver of the visa interview. A visa application (DS-160) is still required and procedures should be followed based on local embassy/consulate instructions.
    • Dedicate an uninterrupted 1-2 hours to complete the visa application (DS-160)
    • Be cautious of scams and claims from agents or facilitators to secure appointments. Only follow procedures outlined on your local embassy webpage.
    • If needed, follow local office procedures for scheduling an emergency appointment after scheduling an initial interview date (based on your program start date listed on your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019)
    • You may consider exploring the option to apply in another country as a "third national" but will need to explore eligibility and procedures at that specific U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
  • Prepare for your appointment/interview using the information and videos found on the Prepare For Your Visa Interview page.
Canadian or Bermudian citizens do not require an F-1/J-1 entry visa but must still pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and request entry in F-1 or J-1 status (as applicable) and show documentation upon arrival to the U.S. Port of Entry (land or air).

Step 5: Prepare For & Attend Visa Interview

Prepare for your interview using the information and videos found on the Prepare For Your Visa Interview page.

Confirm with your specific consulate/embassy for any required documentation. Below is a general checklist:

    • Passport valid at least six months into the future
    • Printed Babson Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 (with your signature on page 1)
    • Proof of admission to Babson (letter demonstrating your full admission without conditions)
    • Completed and signed DS-160 visa application form(s)
    • Photograph(s) in the prescribed digital format
    • Receipt for the SEVIS I-901 fee payment
    • Receipt of visa fee(s) payment
    • Evidence of funding sufficient to cover your tuition and living expenses during the first year of your program
    • Any information that proves that you will return to your home country after finishing your studies in the U.S (non-immigrant intent). This may include proof of property, family, or other ties to your community.
Note: An entry visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request permission from the U.S. immigration officer to enter the U.S. It does not automatically guarantee entry into the U.S.

Step 6: Enter the U.S. in F-1/J-1 status

  • Review detailed instructions about procedures at the U.S. border
  • Review U.S. Customs & Border Protection's "Know Before You Go" about money declaration and prohibited items.
  • Enter no earlier than 30 days before the start date on your Form I-20/Form DS-2019 in F-1/J-1 status. Entering the U.S. in another status (including VWP) before this time period will require departure/re-entry prior to the start of your program.
  • If you are unable to arrive by the start date on your Form I-20/Form DS-2019, email isss@babson.edu as soon as possible for guidance.

Note: F-1 students who had their immigration record transferred from another U.S. school are not required to depart/re-enter the U.S. between programs but if traveling, must present a valid F-1 visa stamp & use Babson's Form I-20 for re-entry.

Step 7: Check in with the Glavin Office

*New international students = students who are new to Babson, transferring in from another U.S. school, pursuing a second degree at Babson or who are returning from a leave of absence.
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Prepare for Your Visa Interview

It is extremely important to dedicate time to prepare for the U.S. visa application and interview process.

Visa Delay

Visa Delays & Denials

Become familiar with reasons why you may experience delays obtaining your U.S. student visa.

Access the User Experience Survey