Obtaining your student visa
1. Complete and return the Financial Supplement Form (FSF). Provide all of the information requested.
2. When we receive your completed FSF, original signed supporting financial statements, and seat deposit, we will prepare and mail to you either:
- Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status (Form I-20); or
- Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status (Form DS-2019).
3. When you receive the I-20 or DS-2019 from Pierce Law, complete Form I-901 and pay the SEVIS fee at www.fmjfee.com. Print a copy of the receipt and bring it with you to the visa interview.
4. Make an appointment with the nearest American Embassy or Consulate and apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa. You must have an F-1 or J-1 visa to enter the United States as a potential student. Present the following documents with your visa application:
a. Proof of financial ability
b. Letter of admission from Franklin Pierce Law Center
c. A valid passport
d. Form I-20 or DS-2019
e. Receipt of SEVIS fee payment
f. Any other requirements stated in the embassy website
You may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days from the start of your program. Hand carry items a-f (above) as well as any documents given to you by the U.S. Consular Office.
5. When you go through U.S. Customs, you will be asked to present your I-20/DS-2019, passport and I-94 card (Arrival-Departure Record that you will get from the airline). This card asks for basic information, such as name, country of citizenship, passport number, address, etc. If you have not yet located an apartment in Concord, use the address of Franklin Pierce Law Center as printed on your I-20 or DS-2019. You will have a short interview with a Customs officer and, if all paperwork is in order, s/he will stamp your passport, I-20/DS-2019 and I-94 card with "F-1/DS or J-1/DS." This reflects the type of visa you hold and the length of authorized stay. "DS" stands for "duration of status." If they do not stamp "DS," ask why.
6. When you arrive at Pierce Law, you are required to check in with International Student Advisor Elizabeth R. Webber who must confirm your arrival, your local address, and telephone number. Bring your passport, I-20 or DS-2019 and those of any dependents traveling with you.
Transferring From Another U.S. School to Pierce Law
If you are already in the United States on F-1 student status and have been attending another educational institution, download and complete the Transfer Verification Form. It has to be signed by you and completed by your current International Student Advisor. Contact Assistant Dean for Students and International Student Advisor Fran Canning to facilitate the transfer of your SEVIS records from your current U.S. school.
Changing to F-1 Status
If you are in the United States on a non-student U.S. visa, you may have to file a Petition to Change Status to F-1 using Form I-539, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Please contact Assistant Dean for Students and International Student Advisor Fran Canning if you have questions.
