Congratulations on your acceptance, #FuturePioneer! Carroll University is proud to welcome students from all over the world every year. Whether you plan to be with us for four months, four years, or somewhere in between—we are confident that you will find your home away from home at Carroll University.

Getting Your F-1 Student Visa

Before you begin the visa application process, you must have the following documents:

1. Your Form I-20

You will receive an email titled “Carroll U – I-20 Available” with instructions on how to download your I-20 from your Application Portal. (apply.carrollu.edu/status)

  • Sign your I-20 on the student signature line.
  • Keep it safe and carry it in your hand luggage when traveling to the United States.

2. Your SEVIS I-901 Fee Receipt

All F-1 students must pay the 350 dollar SEVIS fee before scheduling a visa interview.

  • Use the SEVIS ID on your I-20, which begins with the letter N.
  • Pay the fee at the official site: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.htm
  • Save a copy of your receipt and bring it to your visa interview.

Applying for Your Visa

Applying for Your Visa

You should apply for your F-1 visa as early as possible. This step is time-sensitive. Many embassies have long wait times, and in some countries it can take several weeks to secure an interview. You can schedule your visa interview up to 365 days before the program start date listed on your I-20, so there is no need to wait.

When you schedule your visa interview, you will be asked to bring several documents. Requirements can differ slightly depending on the embassy or consulate, but most students will need:

Documents from Carroll University

  • Your signed Form I-20
  • Your SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
  • Your financial support documents, such as a recent bank statement or sponsorship letter

Additional documents required by the U.S. embassy or consulate

  • A valid passport
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Your completed DS-160 visa application
  • The visa application fee
  • Any country-specific forms listed on your local consulate website

Before your interview, check the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will apply. Procedures and requirements are updated regularly.

Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate: https://www.usembassy.gov/

  • Select your country of residence.
  • Open the page for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country.
  • Look for a section labeled “I Need…” or a similar menu.
  • Choose the option that leads to visa information. It may be listed as “A U.S. Visa,” “Non-Immigrant Visa,” “Student Visa,” or something similar.
  • Follow the instructions for applying for an F-1 student visa, which is required to study at Carroll University.

Once You Have Booked Your Visa Interview

After you have scheduled your interview, there are a few important steps to help us support you.

What we need from you

  • Tell us your visa appointment date by updating your Application Portal or replying to our email
  • Watch for our check-in emails at 20 days, 10 days, 5 days, and the day of your interview
  • Keep us updated if your appointment changes

What we do on our end

  • Monitor your SEVIS record
  • Coordinate with campus offices to prepare for your arrival
  • Review any updates you upload to your Application Portal

Stay connected

  • Check your Carroll email
  • Continue working through your Pre-Arrival Portal
  • Reach out if anything changes

We are here to support you from the moment your I-20 is issued until you arrive on campus, and staying in touch helps us guide you through each stage.

Special Notes

Canadian citizens
Canadian citizens do not need an F-1 visa stamp. You still need an I-20, must pay the SEVIS fee, and must enter the United States in F-1 status.

Entering the U.S.
You can enter the United States up to 30 days before the start date on your I-20.

If your visa is delayed or denied
Contact us immediately at international@carrollu.edu or +1 262-524-7067

Consulate Questions, Visa Delays or Denials

In advance of your interview, you are encouraged to review the following:

Visa appointments are very short and questions vary. It is important to come prepared to your interview, ready to answer questions about Carroll University, the major you intend to study, and how campus life is structured at Carroll. We encourage you to review the resource we have sent in your admission package, entitled “Ten Points to Remember When Applying for a Nonimmigrant Visa,” published by the Association of International Educators. While published in 1997, these general points provide good guidance and still are relevant today. Here are some of the facts you may want to prepare for your interview:

  • What is the exact name of my major?
  • How many credits will I need to take to graduate with my intended degree?
  • Which classes will I be taking during my degree?
  • How many students attend Carroll? How many international students?
  • What do I enjoy about Carroll's community and campus? What fits my personality?
  • Why do I want to study in the United States?
  • How will I finance my education?
    • Bring your financial documents to your appointment

Here is a list of important documents to bring to your appointment:

  • Interview appointment letter
  • Passport (make sure it is not expired)
  • Two passport photographs
  • Translations to any documents not in English
  • I-20 document
  • Acceptance letter and financial aid award
  • Bank documents to show finances

If you are looking for more information, visit the Department of State’s Interview Preparation website.

Resources

Access to Your Pre-Arrival Portal

As a now-accepted international student planning to study at Carroll, you have access to a portal page individualized to your degree plan in hopes of helping you navigate your pre-arrival tasks.

Access the Pre-Arrival Portal here (must be logged in to view)

This portal page will have information on the following important pre-arrival tasks:

  • Your arrival checklist
  • Housing application information
  • Access to advising and registration details
  • Purchasing linens
  • Information on International Student Orientation
  • Frequently Asked Questions
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