Incoming F1 Students

How to Apply for F1 Visa Status

** Please note the change in estimated cost of attendance for one academic year for Undergraduate, Graduate, Law School, and ESL Programs for 2025/2026 academic year**

In order to apply for F-1 status, a student must obtain the Form I-20, issued by the Office of International Programs. Form I-20 certifies to the U.S. embassy abroad that a student has been accepted to a SEVP-approved university and has provided enough finances to pay for the cost of their education and living expenses. Please note, processing time to issue the I-20 is within 5 business days once our office receives a complete application (i.e. no missing documents).  This does not include weekends. 

Here is an overview of the process:

1. Apply to a program at Seton Hall and receive offer of admission (Undergraduate & ESL, Graduate)
   
   
2. Complete an I-20 application through the OIP International Student and Scholar Portal.  An email with login instructions is sent to students who are admitted to the program so that students can access the Portal for the first time.
   
   
   • For admitted students who already have PirateNet login credentials, students should check Seton Hall University email inbox for instructions.  
   • For admitted students who need to apply for an I-20 but have not received a log in instructions, please reach out to [email protected].  
   • International Students must demonstrate financial proof that they have sufficient funds readily available to cover tuition and fees, living expenses, and health insurance for at least one academic year of study to get an immigration document from SHU. The Financial Support Form shows the amounts that each student needs to meet for each program.
   • The Office of International Programs has recently implemented the new OIP International Student and Scholar Portal. For students who have already started the PDF version of the I-20 application, OIP will continue to accept and process PDF I-20 application. To submit the PDF I-20 application and required documents, please upload the documents through the Secure Web Portal.  

Please allow our office within 5  business days once we receive a complete application (i.e. no missing documents) to review your application once submitted. This does not include weekends or holidays. Our office will contact you if we require additional information. Once we have determined that your application is complete, we will process your request. Review times may vary depending on the nature of your application including times of additional verification and missing information. 

1. Receive your Form I-20 - ESL students must submit a tuition deposit before receiving their I-20 
2. Schedule your F-1 Visa Appointment - You will need the information on the Form I-20 to schedule your F-1 visa appointment. As part of the visa application process, you will need to complete Form DS-160 and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. Check visa appointment wait times below.  
3. Arrive in the U.S. The earliest new F1 students can arrive is 30 days before the program start date on your Form I-20. The latest day any student may arrive is the last day of the add/drop period.  

Please plan to submit your I-20 Application as soon as you are admitted and decide to attend Seton Hall. We encourage students submit the I-20 applications at least three to four months before their program start date.

• Canadian and Bermuda Students  only need the Form I-20 to enter the U.S., and do not need to apply for the F-1 visa. Please follow the I-20 Application guidelines above.
• F1 Transfer students traveling abroad and who need to renew their visa - Please follow the I-20 Application guidelines above. 

Important Notice Regarding Visa Appointments

Please check the  visa appointment wait time for the U.S. Embassy location where you intend to apply for the F-1 visa. Many locations will not be able to offer appointments before the start of the semester. If you believe that these delays may impact your ability to begin classes on time, you are advised to contact your admissions director to discuss your options, including deferral of your application. 

Questions?

Book an F1/J1 Advising Session for specific questions about your pending I-20 Application, F-1 or other visa status.

For Admissions and Program Information:

Prospective undergraduate students may contact the Office of Admissions at [email protected].

Prospective graduate students may contact the appropriate Graduate Director for their desired program, or e-mail [email protected]. 

Helpful Links

Check Visa Appointment Wait Times - Due to COVID-19, some countries require several months wait time for visa appointment. Students may request emergency appointment, however it is not guaranteed.

Find a U.S. Embassy