Apply Overseas - What To Know Before Moving
Updated: Apr 18, 2021
Visas
The process of applying for a visa only begins once your college application is complete. This means you must have…
Been accepted into the university
Obtained your Form I-20 from your school
Pay the SEVIS (Student and exchange visitor information system fee) at FMJFee.com
Then begin by going to Travel.State.Gov and complete the visa application
Application fee is around 160 USD
Complete the DS-160 online application form
Find out the wait time, it varies between embassies
You will have to schedule an interview with the embassy
Visa interview tips
You will be asked about the following so make sure you have all your required information with you on the day
*BRING YOUR PASSPORT*
*It is normal for your fingerprints to be collected*
How do you plan to pay for your studies? You must be confident about this in particular
What do you plan to do and where do you plan to go once you have finished your studies?
Timeline Tips
Begin this step no later than 120 days before your planned departure
Do not book your flights until you officially have your visa
If your visa is declined, notify your school of this so a plan such as a later start date can be organised
You can enter the US 30 days before classes start, must depart 60 days after program completion
Types of Visas

These Visas do not come with any health insurance
All colleges will require you to have sufficient health coverage, some will have school-sponsored insurance while others do not.
There are no federal insurance requirements for F1 visa holders, therefore institutions may handle health insurance for these students in a variety of ways: https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/f1student/
Insurance and Laws

Common School Insurance Requirements
Policy maximum of at least $50,000
Relatively Low Deductible
Mental Health Coverage
Maternity Coverage of at least 80%
Pre-existing Condition Coverage
Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage
Repatriation of Remains Coverage
Laws/responsibilities as an international student
Maintain a valid passport
Maintain full-time enrollment
Only accept employment that is officially authorised by the U.S
Do not travel outside the US without proper documentation
Apply to postgrad before graduating the undergrad course
Can be employed in on-campus part-time work as a student assistant for under 20 hours a week AND fill out a JP-11 on the OCC website
Can be employed in practical training to do with students major study