Applying for a Student Visa

Once you’ve been admitted to Cornell, we need to issue you an I-20 form, which is your certificate of eligibility for entry into the United States. You will use this form to apply for your F-1 student visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Please submit the following information via your student portal: 

• A scanned copy of your passport (contact information page)
• Official financial documents that demonstrate your family's financial contribution for the upcoming academic year. This should be a bank statement that is in English or has been translated into English and dated within the last six months

If you have a current U.S. visa

Please submit the following information via your student portal:

• A legible copy of your current I-20 (all pages)
• A legible copy of your visa (other than an F-1 visa)
• Official financial documents that demonstrate your family's financial contribution for the upcoming academic year. This should be a bank statement that is in English or has been translated into English and dated within the last six months

Get help from EducationUSA

EducationUSA is an advising resource that is a part of the U.S. Department of State that is available in most countries to help you prepare for your education in the U.S. The advising center will offer advice on the Visa process and pre-travel orientation that can be very helpful as you’re planning for your education.

5 steps to US Study  Find an advising Center

Prepare for your Visa interview

Interviewing at the consulate to get your visa is an important step. Remember that this interview is about you and your academic plans, so be prepared to speak on your own behalf (don’t rely on a parent or other family member) in English, and be ready to talk about what your education means to your future. NAFSA has a 10-point plan to help you prepare for your interview. And we have a short checklist document you can print to prepare as well.

Download our Visa Interview Checklist

Questions?

Please contact us at +1 800.747.1112 or email international@cornellcollege.edu. We answer phones from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Central Time for the United States (often labeled as Chicago in time conversion apps) unless other arrangements are made.