If you plan to study at CMC as an international student, you will likely need to apply for an F-1 student visa. This process should begin several months before your arrival on campus.
Below is a step-by-step guide to help you through the visa application process:
Step-by-Step Visa Application Guide for International Students
1. Receive Your Form I-20
Once you are accepted to Claremont McKenna College (CMC), you will be asked to upload the necessary documents in order for CMC's Designated School Official (DSO) to issue your initial Form I-20.
Important: You will need the SEVIS ID from your I-20 for the next steps in the visa process.
If you have not received your I-20, please contact them at [email protected]
2. Complete the DS-160 Visa Application Form
Access the form here: DS-160 Form
The DS-160 is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application required for most U.S. nonimmigrant visas, including the F-1 student visa.
Before you begin, prepare the following:
Personal background information
A passport-style photo that meets official requirements
Travel itinerary for the U.S. (if available)
Records of previous travel to the U.S.
Your I-20 with SEVIS ID
U.S. contact information
After submission:
Save and print a copy of the DS-160 confirmation page for your visa interview
Make a note of your DS-160 application ID for future reference
3. Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee
Pay the fee here: I-901 SEVIS Fee
The SEVIS fee is required for all initial F-1, M, and J visa applicants to support the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Fee Amount: $350 (for F-1 applicants, as of June 2025)
Transfer students do not need to pay this fee again
Required documents to pay the fee:
I-20 with SEVIS ID (sign and date)
Biographical information
Credit card for payment
After payment:
Save and print the SEVIS fee receipt for your visa interview
4. Schedule a Visa Interview
Please note that each U.S. embassy and consulate section may have guidelines and instructions to apply for F-1/J-1 visa. Please visit this website to locate your nearest U.S. embassy for guidance.
Schedule your appointment with the U.S. embassy or consulate of your choice. You will be required to pay a visa application fee.
Fee Amount: $185 (as of June 2025, non-refundable)
Prepare the following:
Personal background information
Credit card for payment
After scheduling:
Save and print the confirmation page
It's recommended to email a copy to yourself for safekeeping
5. Required Documents for Visa Interview
Bring all of the following documents to your scheduled interview:
Appointment confirmation letter
DS-160 confirmation page
A valid passport (and all previous passports, if available)
If any passports were lost or stolen, provide a Certificate of Entry/Exit and a police report
One recent color photo (5.1 cm x 5.1 cm). Specific requirements visit this website.
Proof of visa fee payment
Form I-20 (or DS-2019 for J-1 applicants)
Financial documentation (same documents used for I-20 issuance)
Academic transcripts
Resume or CV (for applicants with a degree in science, technology, or technical fields)
Police or court records for any prior arrests or convictions (with English translation if applicable)
Proof of abandonment of U.S. lawful permanent resident status, if applicable
Proof of SEVIS fee payment
6. Receive and review your visa
Once you receive your visa, check the visa information in your passport to ensure that all details are correct. If the information is not correct, it can only be changed at the embassy or consulate that issued your visa. If your visa application is denied, please contact the International Student Services Office immediately.
If you have any questions or concerns at any point during the process, please do not hesitate to contact the International Student Services team at [email protected].