Obtaining I-20 Form
The following Documents are required To Obtain
SEVIS Form I-20 (Letter of eligibility to acquire student visa)
Admission steps:
1. Admissions application and required documents such as: school records, final grades and/or high school certificate in English and must be submitted to the Admissions Office. For more information, contact New Students Relations at: larissa.guijosa@utb.edu , or visit the Admissions Office in Tandy 115 or call 956-544-8295 (APPLYUTB/TSC) www.utb.edu
a. Register and take English Proficiency Exam (when necessary), the THEA Exam or the alternative test. For more information visit: http://blue.utb.edu/testingoffice/ (Note: you may take this exam up on arrival with prior approval). As an alternative, you may take SAT (1070 with 500 and 500) or ACT (Comp.23, and 19 & 19 in Engl & math section) test in your home country. These scores will exempt you from the T.H.E.A. test.
2.
a. Contact testing office director Dr. McGehee at: pmcgehee@utb.edu (956-544-8875 for testing arrangements.
b. Contact International students’ counselor at: thelma.sullivan@utb.edu (956) 544-8292 (Tandy 205) for academic advisement and degree plan.
3. TOEFL exam www.toefl.org is not required, but recommended – it will help with visa interview.
4. Obtain a passport with a validity of at least 5 years.
5. Obtain a notarized “Affidavit of Financial Support” form. For more information contact
isidoro.sanchez@utb.edu & Jessica.cantu02@utb.edu (956)-983-7811 (Tandy Building, Office 115).
6. Provide an original bank statement “Financial Resources” (should not be older than 90 days as of the first class day) or an original signed letter with the bank’s letterhead indicating the minimum financial funds available: (send both documents (5&6) to Admissions Office, Tandy #115, 80 Fort Brown, Brownsville, Texas 78520)
Required Financial Resources: (the following are estimated costs for two semesters)
The approximate cost for 15 credit hours is $5,500.00 dollars
a) Tuition:..................................... $11,000
b) Books/supplies:.............................. $400
c) Health Insurance:.......................... $600
d) Student Housing:......................... $3,000
· http://www.sa.utb.edu/housing/ (see details for reservation)
e) Living Expenses:......................... $2,000
________
*Total amount required: $17,000
7. After steps 2, 5 and 6 (a-e) have been met, an I-20 will be issued as well as a letter of completion with ID # and PIN. Contact Admissions Office via e-mail iasanchez@utb.edu or jcantu02@utb.edu with a complete physical address (no P.O. Box) I-20 will be sent via Airborne Express.
Additional Procedures
Make payment for the SEVIS I-20 form (www.FMJfee.com) on line with a credit card or by Western Union money order. Submit form I-901 and a check payable in U.S. currency for $100.00 and wait for receipt (FORM I-797).
Make appointment with the American Embassy/Consulate after receiving the I-20 form (Letter of Eligibility). Please visit the following website for details and requirements: Links to United States Embassies and Consulates Worldwide: http://travel.state.gov/links.html#n and take SEVIS payment receipt to the visa interview.
Plan Your Arrival
* You may be refused entry into the United States if you attempted to arrive more than 30 days before the program start date listed on your SEVIS I-20 form.
Always Hand-Carry Your Documents
Do not check the following documents in your baggage. If your baggage is lost or delayed, you will be unable to present the documents at your port of entry. As a result, you may not be able to enter the United States.
1. Your passport, valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected stay;
2. With the attached envelope; When you receive your nonimmigrant student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, the consular officer will seal your I-20 form in an envelope and attach it to your passport. You should not open this envelope! The Customs and Border Protection Officer at the U.S. Port of Entry will open the envelope and process the SEVIS Form I-20 and issue the I-94 form for $6.00 dollars.
In addition, it is strongly recommended that you also hand carry the following documentation:
1. Evidence of financial resources;
2. Evidence of student status, such as recent tuition receipts, transcripts and/or degree plans.
3. Paper receipt for the SEVIS fee, Form I-797
4. Name and contact information for your “Designated School Official” (DSO), including a 24-hour emergency contact number (956) 544-8232 at the school.
For comprehensive information on procedures for traveling and arriving in the United States, visit:
http://educationusa.state.gov/predeparture/travel/customs.htm
- Upon arrival to Brownsville, Texas, please report to the Counselor, Thelma Gonzalez-Sullivan (956-544-8292). She is located in Tandy #205. Present results of THEA or alternative tests. Here you will receive academic advisement, a degree plan if this has not been previously completed, and assistance to register for classes.
- Present passport with all the immigration documentation to the Admissions Office – Tandy Building #115. In turn, copies of these documents will be made and records will be updated on SEVIS (Homeland Security).
- Attend a UTB/TSC Freshman Orientation ($20.00). Contact Dean of students at: aragelia@utb.edu for “Orientation” information and registration.
- Attend a Mandatory Session for International Students. For more information, contact Thelma Sullivan: 956-544-8292 or thelma@utb.edu / Tandy Building #205.
- Pay for classes and health insurance at the Business Office Tandy #107. Please consult the deadlines, Tuition and Fees section of the Student’s Course Schedule → http://pubs.utb.edu/course-schedule/
- Obtain student school Identification card with statement of charges (receipt for payment of classes) at the Library.
Important information and links
Brownsville, Texas, (http://www.ci.brownsville.tx.us/)
Other near airports: Harlingen, Texas (20 minutes distance) and McAllen, Texas (1.2 hour distance)