Immigration

You must submit the required documents listed in “How to Apply” to Loyola University Maryland for admission and immigration purposes. Once Loyola has received all of your documents, your application will go through the Exchange Admission Office. Once you have been officially admitted, your file will go to the Office of International Student Services (OISS) and if all is in order, your file will be processed for your Immigration Form I-20. The Form I-20 is required in order for you to be able to apply for your F-1 student visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  The admission and immigration process generally takes 6-8 weeks from the receipt of your completed application.

Once the Form I-20 is processed, we will send you an acceptance letter from Loyola, along with your Form I-20, and instructions on what to do next. If required to mail you your immigration documents, we will mail your Immigration Package to the address that you provide on your application cover sheet, so please be sure that you list the full address where you would like to receive these important documents.  In the event of a change in address after your application is submitted, please notify OISS immediately.

Upon receipt of the Form I-20, you will need to make an appointment with your local U.S. Consulate to apply for your F-1 student visa. You will also need to pay a $350 USD SEVIS fee at least 3 business days prior to your visa appointment. SEVIS is a web-based technology system used by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a database of international students and scholars, as well as their dependents, while in the United States. There will be more information on this in your acceptance packet.

Once you have received your F-1 visa, you will be permitted to enter the U.S. for your semester at Loyola up to 30 days from the start date listed on your Form I-20. However, please note that there is a designated arrival date to Loyola each semester roughly one week prior to the start date of classes (see the International Student Academic Calendar). All exchange students at Loyola University Maryland are required to report to campus on the designated arrival date or you will not be allowed to participate in the exchange program.

Part of your orientation during your first days at Loyola will include an overview from the Office of International Student Services (OISS) on your immigration status and the regulations that apply during your time in the United States.

For more information on the immigration process prior to your arrival and/or visa questions, please contact Ms. Sunanda K. Bhatia at skbhatia@loyola.edu or +1 (410) 617-5245.