As a new international undergraduate student, you will receive your Certificate of Eligibility (I-20/DS-2019) after completing your Admissions Process.

If you are transferring a SEVIS record from a U.S. high school or another U.S. university, please visit the the transfer student section for more information about how and when you will receive your I-20.

Before you can apply for visa or enter the U.S., you will need to pay the SEVIS Fee, also known as the I-901 Fee.

After paying the fee, be sure to print out your receipt. You will need the receipt when applying for your visa.

After completing payment for your I-901 fee, you are ready to proceed with your visa application.

To do this, you will need to Complete a DS-160 visa application form on the U.S. Department of State website. You will need information from your I-20 to complete this form. If you do not have your own contact person in the U.S., you can use the following information to complete the section of U.S. Point of Contact Information.

                Name: Becca Duncan

                Address: 2229 Lincoln Way, STE 4530, Ames, IA 50014

                Phone: 515-294-1120

                Email: brduncan@iastate.edu

Once your DS-160 is complete, you can schedule your visa appointment at your nearby U.S. Embassy or Consulate. 

Please note, each Embassy manages the process of scheduling an interview differently, so please read the information on your specific Embassy location’s website carefully.

You will want to gather the required documents listed on your specific Embassy’s website before your visa appointment. Your interview usually lasts about 3 minutes, and the consular officer will ask you questions about your goals in the US and plans after your graduation. The following documents should be carried to your visa appointment, in addition to any other documents listed on your Embassy’s website:

  • I-20
  • DS-160 visa application fee receipt
  • I-901 SEVIS fee receipt
  • Valid passport
  • Passport photograph
  • Transcripts from schools/universities attended and relevant test results such as TOEFL/IELTS, GRE or SAT, etc.
  • Financial documents proving available funds for at least one year of expenses
  • Admission letter to Iowa State University
  • Check your U.S. embassy’s webpage for additional requirements.
     

You must arrive in the U.S. by the program start date listed on page 1 of your I-20, in the Program of Study section.

You may enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to your program start date. Page 1 of your I-20 will list this as your Earliest Admission Date.

We recommend arriving a few days prior to your program start date, giving you time to travel to Ames and get settled prior to your orientation program.

Please Note: Arriving early will likely cause you to incur additional housing and dining costs, so plan your expenses accordingly.

ISSO collaborates with University Transportation Services each entry term to provide new undergraduate students with a free shuttle from the Des Moines International Airport to Ames.

To book the ISSO Airport Shuttle please follow the these instructions.

  • Log into Cystart using your NetID and password.
    • Please omit the @iastate.edu from your NetID when entering your username
  • Select the International Student Orientation option from the left hand menu on the screen.
  • Open the F-1 and J-1 Orientation Checklist
  • Fill and submit the Arrival to Ames form found under the Pre-Arrival Information section.
    • Make sure to read all instructions and follow the link to the booking survey included in the form.

Please submit your shuttle booking no later than 3 days prior to your intended arrival date.