F-1 Students: Applying for a Visa and Entering the U.S.

Getting a U.S. Visa and entering the United States does not have to be challenging. Please review the steps outlined on this page for guidance and links to appropriate resources.

Step 1: Receive Your I-20 Form

What is Form I-20 and how do I get it?

Receiving a Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, is your first step to coming to the United States to study. 

Click here for more information on Form I-20 and its uses.

Students should first contact either the Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate Admissions, or Law Admissions office. When you have completed the enrollment process, the appropriate Admissions office will contact RWU's International Student Services office. Within five (5) business days of receiving all of your documentation, International Student Services will issue you an initial I-20 form via email.

Upon receiving your I-20 form, please do the following:

  • Check your form for errors and print and sign in black ink. 
  • If there are any problems with your personal information, please contact International Student Services immediately at international@zlmmc8.com. 
  • There is no need to return your signed I-20 to International Student Services. 
  • Keep your I-20 form safe. It is wise to keep your I-20 form in a safe folder with your passport and other immigration documents.

What other documents do I need to submit to receive my I-20 form?

  • A clear, scanned color image of the information page of your passport
  • Scans of any current or past U.S. visa stamps
  • Verification of financial forms (must be current, within 12 months of admission to RWU)
    • A prospective student must have financial evidence showing that they or a sponsor has sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses during the period of intended study. Evidence of financial ability includes but is not limited to:
      • Family bank statements
      • Documentation from a sponsor
      • Financial aid letters
      • Scholarship letters
    • Please view the following page at StudyintheStatesfor further information.

After you receive your I-20 form, you are eligible to apply for a U.S. visa. Once approved, you may enter the United States within 30 days of the program start date. Please review the following tabs for further information regarding the visa application process as well as guidance on entering the U.S. and traveling to Bristol, Rhode Island.

Step 5: Attend RWU New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation

Roger Williams University routinely hosts five orientation sessions, four of which are in June and one in August. August orientation includes the Global Scholars Track, intended for international students coming to the U.S. for the purposes of studying. Attendance at Roger Williams University's New Student Orientation is mandatory. F-1 students and J-1 scholars will attend required sessions on immigration responsibilities that must be upheld for the duration of study. 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires you to check in at RWU, which occurs during these sessions. RWU's Immigration Check-In occurs ONLY during the August orientation, prior to the start of classes.

There should be no reason why you cannot attend this orientation. The only exceptions are events out of your control such as flight cancellations or medical emergencies. Please contact the International Student and Scholar Services office at international@zlmmc8.com if you know you will be unable to attend the New Student Orientation.