Visas and Immigration
Students coming to the United States for the express purpose of study and expecting to return to their respective countries of citizenship upon graduation should apply for the F-1 Student Visa.
Applying for an F-1 visa involves four important steps.
Step 1: Submit $200 Deposit and Copy of Passport
Submit your $200 deposit via the Admissions Status Page, scan your Passport and upload to our secure site. Please email international@messiah.edu for the link.
Step 2: Obtain a Form I-20
The Form I-20 certifies your eligibility to apply for an F-1 student visa.
Once you have submitted your deposit, your Form I-20 will be emailed to you. After you receive the Form I-20, verify all information is accurate, then sign your I-20 and store with your other important immigration documents (passport, visa, etc.).
Step 3: Pay I-901 SEVIS Fee
Please go to
To pay the I-901 SEVIS fee online, you will need to supply credit card information.
Be sure to type your name exactly as it appears on your Form I-20.
Print a copy of your online payment receipt. This will be required at your visa interview.
Make copies of your receipt (as you will surrender the original at your visa interview) and keep them with your other immigration documents.
Step 4: Apply for F-1 Visa
Contact the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your country/region to inquire about applying for an F-1 student visa. Locate your nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy at .
After receiving your acceptance letter and Form I-20 from Messiah, follow your U.S. Embassy/Consulate’s instructions to schedule an F-1 Student Visa interview. Be aware that you may have to wait weeks or even months for an available appointment, so request an appointment as early as possible.
Pay I-901 SEVIS fee
Complete the DS-160 Online .
Pay the visa application fee according to the instructions on your local U.S. Embassy/Consulate’s website.
Prepare for your interview.
If you can, to get advice prior to your interview. At the interview, you will need the following:
Passport (must be valid for at least six months after your proposed U.S. entry date)
Signed Form I-20
Letter of admission to Messiah University
Messiah University's tuition information, as well as test scores and academic transcripts from all secondary or high schools you’ve attended
Completed visa application (DS-160 Form)
Two 2” x 2” photographs in the required format (see )
Receipt for the visa application fee
Receipt for the I-901 fee
Financial documents, dated within a few months of your interview, demonstrating that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses throughout your time at Messiah
Any other information demonstrating your intent to return to your home country upon completion of your studies in the U.S. (proof of property, family, ties to the community, etc.)
Be sure you understand the financial situation of your parents and any others committing to sponsor you, as listed on your Affidavit of Support. You will often be asked questions such as:
What savings do your parents/sponsors have and what will they give to you?
How will they cover their other family expenses and still support you in the U.S.?
Remember that officials are looking for evidence that you have strong ties to your own country. They want to verify that your time in the U.S. will be temporary—to study—and that you do plan to return to your own country when your education is complete. Additional questions may include:
Why did you choose Messiah University?
Why did you choose your major area of study?
Can you demonstrate your awareness of the Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania area?
What are your career goals?
Remain calm and answer all interview questions openly and honestly.