Apply for U.S. Student Visa

After receiving their Georgetown Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, students are ready to apply for their F-1 or J-1 visa and plan arrival at Georgetown.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) charges the SEVIS I-901 Fee when students begin a new F-1 or J-1 SEVIS record. The SEVIS I-901 Fee is separate from the Form DS-160 visa application fee. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee at least three business days before attending the visa interview or traveling to the United States. Students should print fee payment confirmation to keep for their permanent immigration record and be prepared to present proof of payment at encounters with U.S. immigration officers (e.g. visa application, border arrival).

If unable to pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee online, use Western Union Quick Pay: 1) Print Western Union instructions and the sample form. 2) Complete the Form I-901 online. 3) Take the Western Union instructions and sample form to the nearest Western Union to process the payment. 4) After three business days, confirm payment on the SEVP website and print the confirmation page to use as the payment receipt.

SEVIS Transfer Students

F-1 and J-1 students transferring their SEVIS record from another institution to Georgetown (except J-1 students changing category within the United States or those currently sponsored by the U.S. Government) will retain the SEVIS ID Number on their previous Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 and do not need to pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee again.

F-2 and J-2 Dependents

There is no SEVIS I-901 Fee for F-2 or J-2 dependents.

Change in Admissions Decision

Students may move the SEVIS I-901 Fee from one SEVIS ID to a new SEVIS ID or request a refund if (a) the SEVIS ID has not been used for entry to the United States, and (b) the payment receipt is less than a year old. Students who meet these conditions may transfer their SEVIS I-901 Fee from one institution to another online or request a refund of the fee by emailing fmjfee.SEVIS@dhs.gov or calling I-901 Customer Support at 703.603.3400. Students who paid the SEVIS I-901 Fee using another institution’s unused Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 and have decided to attend Georgetown University instead do not have to wait for their request for SEVIS Fee payment transfer to be processed before attending the visa interview. Simply bring the SEVIS I-901 Fee receipt and the other institution’s unused Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 to the visa interview along with the Georgetown Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 to explain the situation. The SEVIS I-901 Fee must be transferred to the Georgetown Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 prior to U.S. entry.

Together with your Georgetown immigration document, admission to the United States requires an unexpired student visa, except for citizens of Canada and Bermuda.

Each U.S. consular mission provides detailed requirements for students to complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-160 based on their F-1 Form I-20 or J-1 Form DS-2019.


Consider how to Apply for a Student Visa (NAFSA) and prepare to show the consular officer:

  • Georgetown admission letter and F-1 I-20 or J-1 DS-2019
  • Funding evidence to match immigration document
  • Ties to your residence abroad (see linked NAFSA page)
  • Passport valid at least 6 months beyond program start
  • Passport size photograph
  • SEVIS fee payment receipt
  • DS-160 visa application
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • F-2 or J-2 spouse/child dependent documents if applicable


An F-1 visa previously used for admission to the United States is valid together with a Form I-20 issued for study at a new school and/or with a new SEVIS ID.

F-1 visa expiration while physically present in the United States does not prevent lawful status maintenance with a valid Form I-20 and I-94. 

Earliest admission to United States: 30 days before program start date on F-1 Form I-20 or J-1 Form DS-2019. Allow time to settle logistics before academics intensify.

Latest admission to United States: F-1 Form I-20 start of classes or J-1 Form DS-2019 start date. Some academic programs have mandatory in-person activities before classes begin–these details are not communicated by OGS.

Email newinternational@georgetown.edu to request late arrival after the start of classes.

All visitors to the United States are subject to biometric identification through photographs and fingerprints. Prepare to show these documents:

  • Valid passport
  • Unexpired F-1 or J-1 visa photo page in passport (unless exempt)
  • Georgetown Form I-20 or Form DS-2019
  • Georgetown admission letter
  • Financial document(s) matching I-20 or DS-2019
  • SEVIS fee payment receipt


Download your new I-94 proof of status shortly after arrival:

  • Class of Admission = F-1 or J-1
  • Admit Until Date = D/S (duration of status)

Georgetown must notify the U.S. government of each student’s timely arrival on campus:


These requirements apply regardless of previous study in United States.

Visit the Resources page to plan for life at Georgetown and in the DC Metro Area.

Pre-Arrival Checklist

Post-Arrival Checklist

Questions? Email newinternational@georgetown.edu