1. Contact your local U.S. Consulate or Embassy to obtain information regarding student (F-1) visa application.   A list of Consulates and Embassies can be found at http://usembassy.state.gov/.

2. Schedule an interview for your F-1 student visa.

3. Complete all required visa application forms.

4. Pay the $131.00 visa application fee and follow the visa application procedures listed on the website for your local embassy or consulate.

5. Before your interview you will also need to pay the $200.00 I-901 SEVIS fee if you were issued a Form I-20 to study at the Monterey Institute of International Studies.

To Pay By Mail

(a) Complete the Form I-901.
Be sure to write your name exactly the same as it appears on your I-20 form.

(b) Prepare a check, international money order or foreign draft (drawn on US banks only) in the amount of $200 USD, made payable to “The Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”

(c) Mail the completed I-901 and payment to the address listed on Form I-901.

(d) A Form I-797 receipt confirmation letter should be mailed within 3 days of processing the fee. Be sure to make copies of this receipt letter, and keep it with your other important immigration documents

To Pay Online

(a) Go to this website: http://www.FMJfee.com
(b) Complete the form online and supply the necessary Visa, MasterCard or American Express information. 
Be sure to write your name exactly the same as it appears on your I-20 form.
(c) Print a copy of the online receipt.
(d) Be sure to make copies of your receipt, and keep it with your other important immigration documents. You must bring the receipt of fee payment with you to the interview.

6. Prepare the following documents for your visa interview:

(a) A passport valid for at least six months
(b) SEVIS Form I-20 issued from the Monterey Institute (you must sign it)
(c) School admission letter
(d) Completed visa application forms
(e) Two 2”x 2” photographs (see additional info at http://www.travel.state.gov)
(f) A receipt for the visa application fee
(g) A receipt for the $200 I-901 SEVIS fee. If you have not received an official receipt in the mail showing payment and you paid the fee electronically, the consulate will accept the temporary receipt you printed from your computer. If you do not have a receipt, the consulate may be able to see your payment electronically if your fee payment was processed at least 3 business days before your interview.
(h) Financial documents/bank statements that show you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period you intend to study at the Monterey Institute.
(i) Additional information that proves that you will return to your home country after finishing your studies in the US. This may include proof of property, family, or other ties to your community.