Admitted International Student

Proof of enough financial resources to cover the cost of study at Saginaw Valley State University and living in the United States for at least one full year (e.g. bank letter). The exact amount to demonstrate was emailed to you from our office with your admission and scholarship letters. Bank letters must be dated within 30 days of submission.

Sponsor letter, if the financial documents you provide are not in your name.

I-20:

• The I-20 is a “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” which is needed to apply for the F-1 visa at the U.S. Consulate.
• Once received, the student must print out the I-20, then sign and date in the appropriate place at bottom of Page 1.

DS-2019:

• The DS-2019 is a “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status”. 
• Students must receive the original version of the DS-2019 by mail before applying for the J-1 visa.

The U.S. government requires students to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee before applying for the F-1 or J-1 visa. 

• I-901 Fee for F visa:  $350
• I-901 Fee for J visa:  $220

Submit the DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) to apply for the F or J visa. Most students will need to visit a U.S. Consulate to attend a visa interview.

• Students should view the U.S. Department of State visa website to check the Visa Appointment Wait Time at the nearest U.S. Consulate.

Read this Study in the States article for advice on how to prepare for your student visa interview.

Please use the Visa Update Form to inform us about the outcome of your visa interview (approved or denied).

Activate your SVSU account using the first-time login details from your Decision Letter.

Submit your on-campus housing contract, if you plan to live on-campus.

Book your flight to MBS Airport on the appropriate dates (see table below) and fill out the Pre-Arrival Form. New F-1 students can arrive in the U.S. no more than 30 days before the program start date listed on the I-20.

Fall 2026

• Suggested Arrival - Monday, August 24, 2026
• Orientation - August 25-26, 2026
• First Day of Classes - August 31, 2026

Student Important Dates Calendar

Housing Move-In Information