Once you have been admitted and submit the required housing and tuition deposit (for degree-seeking students), the proper immigration form will be sent to you. For degree-seeking students (F-1 visa) you will be issued a Form I-20 A-B.  For exchange program students (J-1 visa) you will be issued a Form DS 2019. These are the Immigration Service forms indicating that you have been accepted or enrolled to Plymouth State University. You should present your passport, immigration form, acceptance/enrollment letter, and documentation of financial support to an American Embassy or Consulate to aid you in getting a visa to enter the United States as a student. Your document should be kept with your valid passport and the INS Arrival/Departure Card (I-94)** [to be received upon entry into the U.S.] at all times in a secure location. Visas to the United States are categorized by letter.

**IMPORTANT UPDATE TO I-94 Arrival/Departure Form:  The US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) is automating the I-94 form, beginning April 30, 2013.  Foreign visitors arriving in the U.S.—only via air or sea—who need to prove their legal-visitor status—to employers, schools/universities or government agencies—will be able to access their
U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrival/departure record information online.  As of April 30, CBP will no longer require international non-immigrant visitors to fill out a paper Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record upon arrival to the U.S. by  air or sea.  The agency will gather travelers’ arrival/departure information automatically from their
electronic travel records.  See the I-94 Fact Sheet for more information.

F-1:

F-1 visas are student visas, used for degree-seeking individuals studying full-time in the U.S. There are very specific requirements to maintain your visa status. To maintain legal F-1 student status while attending PSU, please enroll in full-time classes, do not work without proper authorization and remit any address change or program change to the International Student Advisor immediately. Remember to have your I-20 signed by your Advisor before traveling outside the United States.  See Maintaining Legal Status as an F-1 Student for detailed information.  Contact the Center for Global Engagement at (603) 535-3372 for more information.

J-1:

J-1 visas are for individuals studying in the U.S. on an exchange program.  They are in the U.S. for either one semester or one full year.  See Maintaining Legal Status as a J-1 Student for detailed information. Contact the Global Education Office at (603) 535-2336 for more information.

Detailed information regarding student visas can be found on the U.S. Department of State Web site.

Additional Resources:  VISA vs STATUS, F-1 student responsibilities