F-1 Visa Guide for University of Miami

This guide walks University of Miami admits through every F-1 visa step from I-20 acceptance to embassy interview.

The University of Miami is SEVP-certified, which means its Designated School Officials can issue the Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. You will need this document to begin your F-1 student visa application. SEVP and ICE set the rules for school certification and I-20 issuance.

After you receive your I-20, you must pay the current SEVIS I-901 fee at fmjfee.com, complete the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application on the US Department of State website, and attend a visa interview at a US embassy or consulate. You should carry your I-20, passport, visa, and evidence of financial support when you travel to the United States.

Your I-20 and the international student office

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at the University of Miami advises enrolled international students on visa maintenance, employment authorization, and travel. You can contact ISSS by email at isss@miami.edu or visit the office in the Whitten University Center, Suite 2275. ISSS processes I-20 requests, OPT and CPT recommendations, and check-in procedures required under SEVP/ICE regulations.

Financial documentation for your I-20

You must show proof that you can cover the school's published cost of attendance for at least your first year of study. This evidence can include bank statements, sponsor letters, or official scholarship awards. The US Department of State and USCIS/SEVP require that financial documents be current, verifiable, and clearly linked to you or your sponsor. Exact requirements vary by embassy, so confirm the format with your local consulate.

Arriving in Coral Gables

Coral Gables sits southwest of downtown Miami and gives you access to both a quiet residential campus and a major international city. Miami has a large Spanish-speaking population and direct ties to Latin America and the Caribbean, so grocery stores, media, and community networks may feel familiar. Public transit includes the Miami Metrorail, which connects Coral Gables to downtown, the airport, and surrounding neighborhoods. Summer heat and humidity are intense, and hurricane season runs from June through November. Plan for evacuation routes and sign up for local alert systems.

Common challenges for University of Miami applicants

• Proving sufficient liquid funds without mixing personal and family assets
• Maintaining full-time enrollment while handling academic probation
• Understanding the difference between CPT, OPT, and on-campus work rules
• Finding affordable housing near campus in the Miami metro area
• Adjusting to hurricane preparedness and seasonal weather disruptions

Working during and after your program

On-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week during academic terms under USCIS/SEVP rules. Curricular Practical Training requires ISSS authorization before you start work, and Optional Practical Training requires ISSS recommendation followed by a USCIS application. You cannot begin off-campus employment until you have the proper authorization. No employment outcome or visa approval is guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions