Visa and I-20 Process

Andrews University students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents will likely need a student visa to study on the Berrien Springs campus. In most cases, this will mean an F-1 visa, and to obtain an F-1 visa, you must first receive a Form I-20 from a designated school official (DSO) in the Office of International Student Services and Programs. 

Although related, the F-1 visa and I-20 are not the same document. The F-1 visa is what allows you to enter the United States, while the I-20 is what allows you to study in the United States. You will need both to study on the Berrien Springs campus: the F-1 visa will allow you to enter the United States at an airport or border crossing, and the I-20 will allow you to study at Andrews.

After you are on the Berrien Springs campus, it is OK if your F-1 visa expires as long as your I-20 remains valid. If you leave the United States during a school break, however, you will need to make sure you have both a valid F-1 visa and a valid I-20 before you can return.

(Note for students from Canada and Bermuda: you do not need an F-1 visa but you do need an I-20, so please follow these steps to receive your I-20.)

If you already have an F-1 visa, or you already have a visa other than F-1, you may or may not need an I-20. If you already have an I-20 from another school, you may be able to transfer it to Andrews. For more information and to confirm your options, please email or call us.

Finally, please note that visitor visas (B-1 or B-2) will not allow you to study in the United States.

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