Obtaining the Visa
If Guilford College will be your first program of study in the United States, you will need to take the I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status which will be sent to you by Guilford College once you have been accepted), a valid passport, and proof of financial responsibility including any financial award letter issued to you by Guilford to the U.S. Consulate in your home country to obtain the F-1 Student Visa. This student visa and I-20 will allow you entrance into the U.S. Remember to sign the bottom of the I-20 and keep all pages together. It is also necessary that you pay the SEVIS fee of a $100, which is seperate from any visa fees. For more information visit the SEVIS website.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an online database implemented by the U.S. government in January of 2003. The system enables the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to maintain updated biographical and programmatic information on F-1 students living in the United States. SEVIS tracks all exits and entries to the United States of F-1 students.
If you are currently in the United States with a visa other than the F-1, you will need to contact the international student advisor to get instructions on how to change status. F-2 and B1/2 visa holders may not enroll in classes until they have changed to F-1 status.