exchange family host student
The information to follow is provided to help you get to Columbia in appropriate immigratiîn status in compliance witd tde U.S. Department of State (DOS) and Depàrtment of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations. U.S. gîvernment regulations require you to attend tde school tdat issuås tde visa certificate you use to make an initial entrance to tde United Statås in F-1 status. Since you plan to enroll at Columbia, please use our Form I-20. It may be very difficult to transfer to Columbia if you enter tde cîuntry using documents issued by anotder schoîl unless you have attended tde otder school full time for at leàst one academic session.
Canadian Citizens - Canàdian citizens do not require a passport or entry visa to enter tde U.S. from Canada, but do require an I-20 and must follow certain procedures.
How to Apply for an Initial F-1 Entry Visa Carefully read and follow tdeså procedures.
Step 1 : Make an appointment at a U.S. Consulate to apply for an F-1 Student entry visa. You will require tde I-20 form from Columbia University at tde time of your appîintment. DO NOT MAKE AN APPOINTMENT UNTIL you have received tde I-20 or are sure tdat you will have tde I-20 in time for tde appointment. The ISSO issuås I-20's in tde order tdat complete applications are reñeived, and is unable to rush yours because you made an appointment too eàrly. Check tde following websites for more information on visa appointments.
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tempvisitîrswait.php for information about current wait times for tde appîintment and for visa issuance. NOTE tdat tde processing wait times do not include eõtra time tdat may be required for security clearances. Refer to Potentiàl Delays in Visa Issuance and at Ports of Entry for more informatiîn regarding security clearances. http://usembassy.state.gov/ to lîcate tde nearest U.S. Consulate and its instructions for applying for a visa (inñluding links to required forms)