International students registered for a Meridian University residential on-site labs as part of their enrollment in a Meridian degree program may have the option to enter the United States on an F-1 student visa. All nonimmigrant students who apply for an F-1 visa must have been issued an I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) to present to the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. Meridian may issue an I-20 to enrolled international students who have shown proof of sufficient financial resources to cover all anticipated expenses for each residential on-site labs.
Below, the international student visa process for Meridian University students is outlined. For more information, current and prospective students can contact the Financial Services Team, who handle visa services, via financialservices@meridianuniversity.edu.
For more information about the Student Exchange & Visitor Program (SEVP) and F-1 visa requirements, visit the Student Exchange & Visitor (SEVP) Program website.
International students in the U.S. on F-1 student visas are required to engage in on-site lab coursework on a full-time basis (scheduled to attend the full weeklong on-site lab).
International F-1 students enrolled in a Meridian degree program and registered for a weeklong on-site lab may enter the United States up to 30 days before the on-site lab begins and remain in the U.S. up to 60 days after the on-site lab has ended. Students are responsible for ensuring they comply with applicable immigration laws and comply with all conditions and terms applicable to their F-1 visa.
Students can reference the Academic Calendar for scheduled residential on-site lab dates and locations. Note that for on-site labs conducted outside of the U.S., no visa services are available from the University.
A Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) is a United States government form on which Meridian University certifies to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that a student is eligible to receive an F-1 visa. This form certifies that the student:
F-1 visa applicants who are seeking to enter the United States in order to attend a Meridian University residential on-site lab need to meet a number of criteria.
Students must:
Note that spouses and minor children of F-1 students may be able to obtain F-2 visa status.
All students, except those coming from Canada or Bermuda, will need to obtain an F-1 visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate in the student’s home country as soon as possible after receiving the I-20 from Meridian’s Financial Services Team. This will involve completing the online DS-160 visa application form and having an in-person visa appointment scheduled. Processing times will vary. Students should contact their local U.S. embassy or consulate for details on current procedures and processing times.
Students will need the following documents to apply for an F-1 visa:
The documents should be brought to a U.S. embassy or consulate in the student’s home country as soon as possible after receiving the I-20 from Meridian’s Financial Services Team, preferably with an appointment to avoid waiting.
Processing times will vary. Students should contact their local U.S. embassy or consulate for details on current procedures and processing times.
The U.S. Consulate will provide immigration documents in a sealed envelope which may not be opened by the student. The U.S. Customs & Border Patrol (CBP) will open the envelope upon the student’s arrival in the U.S.
The I-20 Request Form can be accessed here.
SEVIS Forms and Information:
International students who need to submit any of these forms must contact financialservices@meridianuniversity.edu
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