Skip to main content

Student Visa Information

F-1 Visa Process

In most cases, international students study at Boise State University on an F-1 student visa. If you are on an official study abroad exchange between your university and Boise State University, or are on a specific J-1 program funded by the government, you will study on a J-1 exchange visitor visa. For more information on your visa process please visit our J-1 Exchange Visa Information page.

Now that you’ve been accepted to Boise State, the next step is to create your I-20 form. Your I-20 is the form that you will use to apply for your F-1 student visa. To receive an I-20 from Boise State, you must show that you have the financial resources to pay for one full year of study. Your I-20 form contains important information—please read it carefully after receiving it, particularly the instructions to students on Page 2. Please also verify that all information is listed correctly and notify us immediately if there is an error.

How we create your I-20 depends on whether you are already in the U.S. on a student visa or outside of the U.S. applying for a student visa. If your spouse or children are coming with you to the United States, they will also need I-20 forms to apply for their F-2 visas.

There are two steps to providing us the information necessary to issue you an I-20:

  1. Complete and submit your Financial Documentation Form.
  2. Submit financial support documents that are less than six months old. All documents must be issued in English or have an official English translation. Documents should be on the official agency’s letterhead, or with the official agency’s signature or official seal.

Once Boise State has received all necessary documentation, we will review your submission and issue your I-20. For security reasons, Boise State sends I-20s only to student email addresses, so be sure that you can access your student email account through my.BoiseState.edu.

Important Information for Canadian Citizens

Canadian Flag flying in a bue clear sky

Canadian citizens do not require an F-1 visa, but still must have an I-20 to study in the United States. Upon entering the U.S., you will be required to show your valid passport, proof of financial resources to support your study, and SEVIS fee payment receipt. Please use the SEVIS ID number on your I-20 to pay your SEVIS fee online before you enter the United States. Since most Canadians crossing the border enter as visitors, it is important to tell the immigration officer that you are entering as a student.

If you enter the U.S. via land, the immigration office at your port of entry will give you an I-94 card to complete, and your portion will be returned to you. Keep this I-94 in a safe place as it confirms your F-1 status in the United States. If you enter the U.S. via air, you will have an electronic I-94. You will be able to print this document to show evidence of your student status in the U.S. In both cases, there is a small fee (currently $10) associated with receiving the I-94 document.

Even though you will not have an F-1 visa in their passport, you are still bound to follow all F-1 regulations, including those related to employment and full-time study.

Frequently Asked Questions

Submitting Supporting Documents

Is there a deadline for submitting the Financial Documentation Form and supporting documents?

There is no specific deadline for submitting these documents. However, please allow 7 – 10 business days for issuance of your I-20 once your documents have been submitted.

Have my financial documents been received? Are they being processed?

One you submit your financial documents and any other necessary paperwork, you can check on their status in your “To-Do List” in your myBoiseState student center.

Can I submit financial documents before I am admitted to Boise State?

Yes. This is not required, but you may submit your financial documentation at any time after submitting your application for admission.

What counts as “liquid assets?”

Liquid assets are funds that are immediately available, without loss to their value. Some examples of liquid assets include: checking accounts, savings accounts, fixed deposits. We do not accept proof of income, real estate, or investment accounts such as stocks.

I-20 Questions

When will I receive my I-20?

Allow 1-2 weeks for processing the I-20 once your documents have been submitted. Boise State is currently issuing electronic I-20s. Upon issuance, your I-20 will be sent to your Boise State student email address, which you can access through myBoiseState.edu.

How will I receive my I-20?

We are currently issuing I-20s electronically. Once issued, your document will be sent to your Boise State student email address. You can access your student email account through my.BoiseState.edu.

Visa Application and Visa Appointment

Will my visa be granted?

Unfortunately, Boise State cannot advise on this. We recommend that you contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your area for more information.

My passport is expiring soon. What should I do?

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months in order for you to enter the U.S. You may be required to extend your passport.

What is the SEVIS school code for Boise State University?

The SEVIS school code for Boise State University is HEL214F00101000.