Summer Session Students - Step by Step Visa Process
STEP 1: Obtaining your visa stamp
- Complete the online orientation (Summer Session Immigration Orientation)
- Completion of this course will allow Bechtel to release your I-20 for mailing
- Check your I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) for accuracy (date of birth, spelling of name, citizenship)
- Pay your SEVIS fee and print receipt: https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901
- Obtain an F-1 visa stamp (citizens of Canada do not need visa stamps)
STEP 2: Entering the U.S.
Please place the following items in a carry-on bag to be able to present to the border control official at a U.S. port-of-entry (airport) upon arrival:
- I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility)
- Passport with F-1 visa stamp (Canadians do not need visa stamp)
- SEVIS fee payment receipt
- Documents (e.g. bank statement) showing financial support listed on your I-20
- Admission Letter from the Summer Session Program
Warning: Do not enter as a tourist (B-2 or WT – visa waiver tourist) to study at Stanford. Immigration regulations prohibit students from studying full-time on a tourist visa.
STEP 3: Arrival at Stanford
- Access or Print your I-94 https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/
- “Class of Admission” must be “F-1”
- “Admit Until Date” must “D/S” (i.e. “Duration of Status”)
STEP 4: Maintain Legal Status
- Never fall below enrollment of 8 units
- Passport must remain valid
- Report any address change in Axess within 10 days
- Do not engage in any form of employment off-campus
Inform the Summer Session or the Bechtel International Center advisors IMMEDIATELY if your I-94 record does not show “F-1” or “D/S”
Contact us:
Bechtel International Center
548 Capistrano Way, Stanford, CA
Business Hours: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Walk-in Advising: Monday-Thursday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., or By Appointment https://bechtel.stanford.edu/about-us/appointments
Email: internationalstudents@stanford.edu (response time is 2 to 3 business days
