Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS)

CCC International Student Programs

Before You Arrive in the United States

Clackamas Community College will notify you by letter that you have been admitted as an international student. Accompanying this letter in a separate sealed envelope will be a BCIS document called an I-20 A/B. It is very important that the I-20 A/B remain sealed in the envelope. This I-20 A/B is the official paperwork that you will be presenting to the American Consulate or Embassy and Immigration officers at the port of entry.

1. All international students entering the United States are subject to a $100 SEVIS fee. Applicants must pay this fee before going to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for their visa interview. This fee can by paid online by credit card or through the mail. Please go to the SEVIS fee website at: www.fmjfee.com for more information.
2. To prepare for your interview at the American Consulate or Embassy, you can get help from an Education USA Advising Center. Find the nearest center at http://www.educationusa.state.gov/centers/.
3. Take your letter of acceptance to CCC along with the sealed I-20 A/B to the American Consulate or Embassy nearest to your home.

• Other items that you will need to take with you to the American Consulate or Embassy include:
• Passport (Expiration date must indicate that you are eligible to stay in the U.S. for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.)
  
• Financial documents (bank statement and sponsor ’s statement of support)
  
• Visa application (Visa applications can be obtained at the American Consulate or Embassy.)
  
• Form I-901 receipt or payment for SEVIS fee.

4. If your visa is approved, your passport will be stamped accordingly and will reflect your F-1 student status. The Consulate or Embassy will return your I-20 A/B to you in its sealed envelope. Again, do not open this envelope! You will not be allowed to enter the United States if the I-20 A/B envelope has been opened.

Entering the United States

1. You will receive a document called an I-94 form. Fill this out completely (there are 3 sections).

• At the port of entry, you will be asked to present the following items to an Immigration Officer:
  
• Passport with the F-1 Student visa stamp
  
• I-20 A/B in sealed envelope
  
• I-94 form
  
• Financial documents
  
• CCC admission letter

1. An Immigration Officer will open your I-20 A/B, stamp it and return it to you. You will also be given back part of your I-94 form. You must keep your copies of the I-94 and I-20 A/B with you at all times during your entire stay in the United States.

For additional BCIS information please go to http://www.uscis.gov

Back to the International Program Home Page

Last update: May 27, 2009