Visa Guide
Visa Guide for International Students
Studying at Butler opens the door to exciting opportunities in the United States, and we’re here to help you navigate the details.
As a Butler student, you will need to obtain an F-1 student visa. This visa allows you to enter the U.S. to study. For general requirements information, see our Enrollment and Deadlines and Forms pages.
Steps to Obtain a Visa
After you are admitted, a Form I-20 and acceptance letter will be emailed to you.
Use the scanned copies of your acceptance letter and Form I-20 to pay the required $350 SEVIS fee online at https://www.fmjfee.com/. A printed receipt from this fee is needed to schedule a visa interview appointment.
Using your SEVIS fee receipt, you will schedule an appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you live. Some countries may have a long wait time for a visa appointment. We recommend being aware of the visa wait time in your country and planning accordingly. Current visa wait times can be looked up here: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html.
The visa application fee may be paid at this point in the process (this varies from country to country).
Complete a DS-160 Application For a Nonimmigrant Visa online. The process for this may vary from country to country. You will need to upload a photo during this step (see application for details).
Go to the embassy or consulate for your interview. You must have printed versions of your Form I-20 and acceptance letter, as well as your documentation of financial support, academic transcripts, and any evidence showing that you intend to return to your home country after your studies in the U.S. The consular office will inform you if you have been approved for an F-1 student visa or not. The visa application fee may be paid at this point in the process (this varies from country to country).
If you are approved for an F-1 Student visa, you can begin making plans to travel to Butler Community College. You must arrive at least one week before classes begin, but no more than 30 days before your initial session start date. You should plan travel to Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (code ICT). Inform the International Student Office before traveling.
If the consular officers find that you do not meet the requirements for a student visa, your application for a visa may be denied. If you are denied, you will be given information on which section of the law the officer found you ineligible. Depending on the reason, you may be able to gather further evidence and attempt the interview again, or you may be unable to obtain a visa.
Informational Videos
Preparing For Your F-1 Student Visa Interview
Here are 10 Quick Tips to help you prepare for your F-1 student visa interview.
Understanding College in the U.S.
Here is a brief overview over how college degrees work in the United States.