Apply F1
F-1 Visa Application
- Students planning to study in the United States in F-1 status must apply for an F-1 student visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country or region. Accompanying spouses and children must apply for F-2 visas.
- F-2 status is limited to the spouse and unmarried children under age 21 of an F-1 student. Before applying for a visa, you must obtain a Form I-20 issued by the International Student Office at LOGOS Evangelical Seminary. Each eligible F-2 dependent will receive a separate I-20.
- After receiving your I-20, pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee through FMJfee.com and keep the payment confirmation. You may then complete the DS-160, pay the visa application fee, and schedule your F-1 visa interview according to the requirements of the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country or region.
F-1 Visa Application Process
1.
Obtain Form I-20
Verify that your name, program, start date, and financial information are correct.
2.
Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
Pay through FMJfee.com and save your I-901 Fee Payment Confirmation.
3.
Complete the DS-160
Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application accurately and truthfully.
4.
Pay Visa Fee & Schedule Interview
Follow the requirements of the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country or region.
5.
Prepare for Your Visa Interview
Prepare the required documents and review common interview questions.
6.
Enter the United States
You may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your I-20 program start date.
- Canadian citizens generally do not need an F-1 visa from a U.S. consulate. However, students entering the United States in F-1 status must still obtain an I-20, pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee, and request F-1 admission from a U.S. border officer upon entry.
- Before traveling, check the latest requirements from the U.S. government and the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Canada.
Recommended Documents for an F-1 Visa Interview
Check the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country or region for the current F-1 visa requirements. Requirements may vary by location.
The following documents are generally recommended for your visa interview:
A. Personal Documents
- Valid passport
- Visa application photo
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Visa fee payment receipt
B. School & Visa Documents
- Form I-20
- SEVIS I-901 Fee payment confirmation
- LOGOS admission documents
C. Financial & Academic Documents
- Proof of financial support
- Original English transcripts
- Real estate or other property documentation
D. Supporting Documents
- Church, organization, or personal support letter
- Employment or enrollment verification for spouse or children
- Leave of absence or employment verification letter
Visa Interview & Entry Timing
- F-1 visas for new students may be issued up to 365 days before the program start date on the I-20. Interview appointment availability varies by U.S. embassy or consulate, so check wait times and schedule early.
- Even after your visa is issued, new F-1 students may enter the United States no earlier than 30 days before the I-20 program start date. Plan your visa interview, flight, and arrival accordingly.
- If you cannot arrive by the program start date due to visa scheduling, interview results, or travel plans, contact the International Student Office immediately to determine whether your I-20 or SEVIS record needs to be updated.
F-1 Visa Interview Preparation
During the visa interview, the consular officer will assess your eligibility for an F-1 nonimmigrant student visa. Answer honestly based on your circumstances and be prepared to clearly explain these three key areas:
Why Study in the United States
Explain why you chose to study theology in the United States and why you chose LOGOS Evangelical Seminary.
If you are not currently serving in full-time church ministry, be prepared to explain why you decided to pursue theological education and how it relates to your future ministry or career goals.
Sufficient Financial Support
Be prepared to explain how you will cover tuition and living expenses while studying in the United States.
If your financial documentation covers only the first year, be prepared to explain how you will fund subsequent years of study.
Ties to Your Home Country
Because an F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, be prepared to explain your ties to your home country, including family, employment, church involvement, ministry, financial commitments, or other connections, as well as your plans after completing your studies.
Avoid answers that may suggest that immigration is your primary purpose for entering the United States.
Common Visa Interview Questions
The following questions are provided for preparation only. Answer honestly based on your own circumstances rather than memorizing someone else’s answers.
- What did you do for work previously? What does your spouse do?
- Why do you want to study theology now?
- If you have not previously served in full-time church ministry, why have you decided to pursue theological education now?
- Why do you want to study theology in the United States?
- Why did you choose LOGOS Evangelical Seminary?
- Why did you choose a Chinese-language seminary instead of an English-language seminary?
- Your I-20 indicates that your program is primarily taught in Chinese. Why do you still want to study in the United States?
- What program will you study at LOGOS Evangelical Seminary?
- If your financial documentation covers only your first year, how will you fund the remaining years of study?
- What are your plans after completing your studies?
- If your F-1 visa application is denied, please notify the International Student Office first.
- Do not be discouraged. Some students may need a second or third interview before receiving approval. Carefully review the reason or code on your visa refusal notice and prepare accordingly. Avoid scheduling another interview until you have adequately addressed the issues identified.
- If your enrollment date needs to change, notify the International Student Office promptly so they can determine whether your I-20 or SEVIS record needs to be updated. Failure to update your information in a timely manner may affect your SEVIS record and I-20, and your previously paid SEVIS I-901 Fee may not be transferable.
- If you are unable to obtain an F-1 visa in the short term, you may contact the Seminary to determine whether you can enroll in an online program first and plan to begin on-campus study in the following semester.
Official Resources
The following resources are provided for reference only. U.S. government regulations and visa application procedures may change. Please refer to the official websites for the most current information.
Maintaining F-1 Status
After obtaining F-1 status and entering the United States, students must comply with F-1 regulations and Seminary requirements to maintain lawful student status. For detailed requirements, please refer to the Student Resources section or contact the International Student Office.