Disclaimer: This information is accurate as of August 9, 2011. CBIE will attempt to maintain this content updated on a regular basis. However, if there are any discrepancies between the information presented here and the United States official government websites, please give the official United States government websites priority.
1. Visa Application
In order to be granted entry into the United States, you must first gain admission to an English Language Program (or Academic Program if you already satisfy the English requirements of the university). You may contact CBIE while in Libya to request assistance in securing admission to an English Language Program/Academic Institution.
After gaining acceptance to a program the following steps must be followed:
Step 1: Obtain an I-20 for Intensive English Language or Academic Study
Step 2: Complete the DS-160 online application
Step 3: Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
Step 4: Schedule a visa interview
Step 5: Attend the visa interview appointment
Step 1 – Obtaining an I-20 for Intensive English Language or Academic Study
Once accepted into an Intensive English Program or academic program, the university will mail you a Form I-20 to your address in Libya. Complete the form.
Step 2 – Complete the DS-160 online application
Complete the DS-160 online application form for each person traveling and upload a digital photo (according to US Embassy standards) of each applicant. Print the confirmation sheet with the barcode.
Step 3 – Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
You must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online at: https://www.fmjfee.com/ Be sure the personal information on the I-20 and DS-160 is correct - particularly your name and birth date. If this information is not correct do not continue to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee,; contact your school or program for a corrected I-20.
Step 4 – Scheduling a visa interview
Schedule a visa interview appointment through the embassy’s online appointment system (you will need the barcode from your DS-160 confirmation sheet). http://evisaforms.state.gov/schedulingsystem.asp
Step 5 – Attending the visa interview appointment
On the day of your appointment, go to the Embassy at the Ben Ashour location in Tripoli no earlier than 30 minutes prior to your appointment time. Applicants will be allowed into the consular section according to their appointment time. Do not be late or you risk losing your appointment slot.
Bring the following documents:
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Passport valid for the intended duration of travel to the U.S. with at least one blank page.
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$131 U.S. dollars (or Libyan Dinar equivalent) for the non-refundable visa application fee. Bring exact change in one currency only. This is the application fee per traveler.
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DS-160 application confirmation sheet (which has the bar code printed on it)
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A photograph according to the photo requirements
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Appointment confirmation sheet
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The original I-20
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SEVIS fees (I-901) proof of payment must be submitted to the Consular staff. (For more information about the SEVIS fees contact the Public affairs Office or the SEVIS payment website: www.fmjfee.com)
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Bring the Letter of Financial Support issued to you by the Libyan government for Visa applications.
Applicants should be prepared to clearly demonstrate their economic, family and social ties to Libya. All applicants must convince the interviewing officer of their ability to travel to the United States to study and their intention to return to Libya following their studies in United States.
ALL APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A DS-160 CONFIRMATION SHEET, AN APPOINTMENT, AND MUST APPEAR FOR A VISA INTERVIEW (EVEN INFANTS AND CHILDREN). PREPARE TO SPEND SEVERAL HOURS AT THE CONSULAR SECTION FOR VISA PROCESSING AND INTERVIEWING.
Immigration information for Dependents
Your spouse or unmarried children (under age 21) are allowed to come with you to the United States under an F-2 dependent visa. They can apply for this visa at the same time as you, or can apply after you have already arrived in the United States. You will need to receive a new I-20 for each dependent, and each dependent will need to go through the visa process before being able to travel.
Please note that dependents in the United States on F-2 visas are not allowed to accept employment under any circumstances.
Dependents on an F-2 visa are permitted by immigration law to take recreational courses, including English language training, but may not take any courses leading to a degree. If your spouse wishes to study English, you must consult with your CBIE Academic Manager. You will be required to submit an application and letters in English and Arabic for review. The processing time for these requests can take up to 6 months. Children on F-2 visas are eligible to enroll in elementary and secondary education (up to and including the 12th grade).
2. Entering the United States
Once granted a visa you may arrive at any United States port-of-entry and request permission to enter the United States. You may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days in advance of the date listed on your I-20, and you may be restricted entry if you arrive after the date listed on your I-20. Please consider this date when making travel plans.
Please follow these steps when entering the United States:
Step 1: Complete the Arrival-Departure Record (I-94 Form)
Step 2: Present your passport and credentials
Step 3: Participate in US-VISIT & NSEERS
Step 4: Confirm your arrival with CBIE
Step 1 – The Arrival-Departure Record
In flight, before landing, the flight attendants will distribute the I-94 Form, the Arrival-Departure Record. The top portion of this form will be kept by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the bottom section is stapled in your passport. This document records your arrival in the United States and, upon leaving the country, your departure. Each time you exit the United States you must give the I-94 card from your passport to airline officials and complete a new Arrival-Departure record upon return. You must write your name on the I-94 card exactly as it appears on your passport, visa, and I-20. Do not lose this card – a financial fine will be charged if you lose this card.
Step 2 – Presenting your passport and credentials
Upon arrival, you must present your passport (which contains your F-1 nonimmigrant student visa, I-20, and I-94) to a Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) official. These documents must be carried with you on your person at all times, not packed in your checked luggage. It is also recommended that you carry your letter of acceptance from your university and the financial support letter issued by the Ministry of Finance.
The CBP officer may ask you questions regarding the purpose of your visit. You must accurately explain your status as a student, the length of your stay, your academic program, and university location. The CBP officer will then stamp your I-20, passport, and I-94 card and will write “F-1 D/S” on both the I-20 and the I-94 card. This refers to your F-1 nonimmigrant visa and that you are allowed to remain in the United States for the “duration of status” (D/S), referring to the program dates listed on your I-20.
Step 3 – Participate in US-VISIT & NSEERS
Every nonimmigrant visitor to the United States must participate in US-VISIT. This program collects biometric information (fingerprints and photographs) of all nonimmigrant visitors. The CBP officer will guide you through this process.
You may also be required to provide additional information under the National Security Entry-Exit System (NSEERS). As a participant in NSEERS, you will be required to follow special exit procedures when departing the U.S. Failure to do so may negatively impact your ability to return to the U.S. www.ice.gov/pi/specialregistration/index.htm.
Step 4 – Confirming your arrival with CBIE
Within the first few days of your arrival to the U.S., contact CBIE by phone (1-613-237-4820 Ext.261) or by email (jmccallum@cbie.ca). You will be asked to submit copies of stamped immigration documents (passport, visa, I-20, I-94) for you and your family members who traveled with you, along with a copy of your Decree from the Ministry of Education in Libya and your Financial Support Letter from the Ministry of Finance in Libya, as well as a copy of a voided check with showing your bank information here in the U.S.
3. Maintaining Student Status while Studying in the U.S.
All international students entering the United States are recorded in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database. SEVIS tracks and monitors records of international visitors including entry and exit dates, contact information, and field of study information. This information is transmitted to the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security. To ensure active and valid status in SEVIS, you must:
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Attend the International Student Orientation at your University
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Notify your University International Advisor and your CBIE Academic Manager of your current physical address upon arrival so that your SEVIS record can be validated
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Inform your University International Advisor and your CBIE Academic Manager of any changes in your contact information
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Maintain a full-time status with a full course load in your designated field of study
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Timely depart from the United States upon completion of program
Once you are granted entry into the United States, your visa may expire. You are permitted to legally stay in the United States with an expired visa as long as your other immigration documents (passport, I-20/SEVIS, and I-94 card) are properly maintained. If you depart the United States with an expired visa, you will need to obtain a new one before returning to the United States to continue your studies.
Your International Student Advisor will confirm your full-time status each academic term and will then update your registration in SEVIS to ensure your I-20 remains valid. You must also make sure the program of study, degree level, and start/end dates on your I-20 are correct at all times.
If you need to transfer to a new school, you must consult with your CBIE Academic Manager and your International Student Advisor so that your I-20 is transferred properly and you remain in valid F-1 Student status. Once you arrive at the new university, you will be issued a new I-20. Be sure to keep all I-20s stapled together – never discard an I-20.
Immigration Violations
It is important to understand the rules and regulations pertaining to your F-1 student status. If you violate any of these rules, there may be serious consequences. The following are examples of violations. Please note this is not a complete list. If you have questions about being in status, contact the International Student Advisor at your host university.
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Failure to enroll by the date specified by your university
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Unauthorized employment
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Failure to leave the United States following completion of your academic program
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Failure to maintain a full academic course load
It is very important that you keep your International Advisor and CBIE informed of any changes to your U.S. address – in fact, updates are required within 10 days of a move.
4. Traveling outside the U.S.
If you plan to travel home to Libya, or anywhere else outside the United States, there are several requirements you need to be aware of to ensure your ability to reenter the U.S.
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You are required to obtain a travel signature on your I-20 form before your departure. You should contact your International Student Advisor on campus when planning your travel to obtain the required signatures. You may be denied entry If you try to re-enter the U.S. with an invalid signature.
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Your passport must be valid for at least six months into the future.
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Your F-1 visa (stamped in your passport) must remain valid for your return to the United States.
It is very important to be aware of travel and re-entry regulations. You should always speak with your International Advisor on campus before purchasing airline tickets or finalizing travel plans outside the U.S. They will be able to answer any questions you have and anticipate any potential problems. You must also notify your CBIE Academic Manager prior to any travel outside the U.S.
5. Departure from the U.S.
You must depart the U.S. at the end of your academic program. In preparation for your departure, you must be sure to close all bank accounts, terminate any contracts/leases (housing, cell phone, etc.), and arrange for your final transcript and degree confirmation to be mailed to CBIE and to your home address in Libya. You must coordinate your travel/flight details you’re your CBIE Academic Manager. You are eligible to receive a baggage allowance to help cover your costs.
Disclaimer: This information is accurate as of April 1, 2010. CBIE will attempt to maintain this content updated on a regular basis. However, if there are any discrepancies between the information presented here and the United States official government websites, please give the official United States government websites priority.
