F-1 Visa Guide for Arizona State University

This guide covers the exact F-1 visa steps every Arizona State admit needs from I-20 acceptance to embassy interview.

Arizona State University is SEVP-certified, which means it is authorized by the US Department of Homeland Security to enroll nonimmigrant students. Once you are admitted, a Designated School Official in the International Students and Scholars Center will issue your Form I-20. You must pay any required enrollment deposit before the I-20 is released, so confirm the amount and deadline with the admissions office.

After receiving your I-20, pay the current SEVIS I-901 fee at fmjfee.com and keep the receipt. Next, complete the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application on the US Department of State website, pay the visa application fee, and schedule your interview at a US embassy or consulate. Prepare your passport, I-20, financial documents, and admission letter. A consular officer will decide whether to approve your visa.

Your I-20 and the international student office

The International Students and Scholars Center advises ASU's international students on immigration rules, employment authorization, and visa maintenance. Its staff includes Designated School Officials who issue I-20s, approve reduced course loads, and authorize Curricular Practical Training. You must report address changes and academic updates to the ISSC within the time frames set by SEVP/ICE regulations.

Financial documentation for your I-20

You will need to show liquid funds that cover the school's published cost of attendance for at least your first year. Acceptable evidence includes bank statements, sponsor letters, or official scholarship awards. The US Department of State and SEVP/ICE require proof that you can pay tuition and living costs without relying on unauthorized employment. Do not submit outdated documents; issuers usually want statements from the last three to six months.

Arriving in Tempe

Tempe sits in the Phoenix metropolitan area, so summers are extremely hot and dry, with temperatures regularly above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The Valley Metro Rail connects Tempe to downtown Phoenix and Sky Harbor International Airport, which matters because many international students fly into Phoenix. Housing near campus fills quickly before each semester, so start your search early and budget for air conditioning costs.

Common challenges for Arizona State University applicants

• Proving nonimmigrant intent during the visa interview when you have family in the US
• Understanding the difference between visa expiration and F-1 status duration
• Maintaining full-time enrollment while managing unexpected academic difficulties
• Finding affordable housing near campus before the semester starts
• Securing on-campus employment before receiving a Social Security Number

Working during and after your program

On campus, you may work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full time during official breaks, according to SEVP/ICE rules. You must obtain work authorization from the International Students and Scholars Center before starting any job. For off-campus practical training, apply for Curricular Practical Training through the ISSC before your internship begins. After graduation, you may apply for Optional Practical Training through the ISSC and USCIS, but approval is not guaranteed and depends on USCIS discretion.

Frequently asked questions