Apply for F-1 Visa

Applying for an F-1 Visa can be a long process, so start your visa application well before you plan to arrive at WSU.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact is@winona.edu.

Apply for a New F-1 Visa

Find your country’s U.S. embassy or consulate to review requirements.

Then, review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply.

You should also review steps 1-3 in the Student Process Steps for Navigating the U.S Immigration System.

This covers questions like:

  • How do I start?
  • How do I pay my I-901 SEVIS fee?
  • How do I get a visa to enter the United States?

The SEVIS I-901 fee is required for all students applying for an F 1 visa, as well as J exchange visitors.

Paying your SEVIS I-901 fee is very important. Without paying this fee, you will not be eligible to apply for a visa.

Below are the steps to help you pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.

  1. Visit the I-901 Fee website and select the option to “Pay I-901 Fee”
  2. Enter your information: SEVIS ID, last name, given name, date of birth and choose “Submit”
  3. Follow the remaining instructions. Keep in mind that WSU school code #SPM214F00304000
  4. Submit payment
  5. Print the payment confirmation

Here are a few resources to help you prepare for the visa interview:

Learn more about how to navigate the U.S. immigration system.

Transfer a SEVIS Record

If you are transferring to WSU from another school in the U.S., you will need to work with your international advisor to complete the transfer recommendation form (PDF) and send it to is@winona.edu.

This will start the process to transfer your SEVIS record to Winona State University. 

Apply for Reinstatement

If you have not maintained your F-1 status, you must meet with the ISSS Office to get your visa reinstated.

It is important to quickly reinstate your F-1 status since it is illegal to remain in the U.S. without a valid visa.

To apply for reinstatement of your F-1 status, complete the I-20 Reinstatement Application Form (PDF). 

Bring this form and the following items with you to your appointment with ISSS. 

  • Certified Bank Check payable to Department of Homeland Security 
  • Copy of I-94 record. Copy of front and back if you have a card or find your most recent I-94 online
  • Copy of new I-20 
  • Completed I-539 form 
  • Personal Letter outlining the following: 
    • The reason that you are asking for reinstatement
    • How long you have been out of status (if longer than 5 months, discuss with the ISSS prior to writing letter)
    • The violation of status resulted from circumstances beyond your control and that failure to be reinstated would result in extreme hardship to you
    • Statement that you are currently pursuing or intending to pursue a full course of study at Winona State University
  • Copy of transcript 
  • Copy of new financial support documents
Contact International Student & Scholar Services
International Student & Scholar Services Office

Maxwell 130
175 West Mark Street
Winona, MN 55987

Phone: 1.507.457.5303
Fax: 1.507.457.2474

Email ISSS
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WeChat: @WSU International

WhatsApp: 1.507.312.3984

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