During this time of year many prospective international students are working to complete and submit their applications to enroll in Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified colleges or universities. If you are one of these prospective students, you may be wondering about the next steps in the U.S. international student process.

Once you submit your applications, it may take several weeks, or months, to hear back from the SEVP-certified school(s) you want to attend. Once you do and if you are accepted, you will receive a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” from each school’s designated school official. After you receive your Form I-20 and choose one school, you must then pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee.

You will need your Form I-20 and the I-901 SEVIS Fee receipt for many steps of the international student process, including to apply for your international student visa from a U.S. consulate or embassy, as well as to enter the United States at a U.S. port of entry. Failure to have these documents can have negative effects on your ability to study in the United States, so it is important to keep them safe and secure.

Have additional questions about what to expect now that your U.S. college application is submitted? Communicate with a school official, print our International Student Life Cycle infographic and visit our Study Guide to the States to learn more about each step of the international student process.