1. Read and sign the Form I-20.

• Once you are accepted, IHOPU will issue you an I-20 and send it to you via international express carrier
• When the I-20 arrives in the mail, please read it thoroughly to check for accuracy and then sign and date the bottom of the first page in blue ink.
• If you are under the age of 18, your parent/guardian must also sign in blue ink.
• The form should arrive already signed by a Designated School Official (DSO) at IHOPU. Email [email protected] immediately about any errors.

Read more about the Form I-20, on the Important International Student Documents page.

2. Pay SEVIS fee and print your receipt.

“SEVIS” stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System and is an online system the U.S. Department of Homeland Security uses to maintain information regarding international students and the schools they are attending.

• Upon receiving your I-20 in the mail, you need to pay your SEVIS fee. This is a $350 fee assessed by the government; IHOPU does not collect any portion of the fee.
• For acceptable payment methods, please visit Homeland Security’s “Study in the States” website.
• As soon as you finish paying the SEVIS fee, please print the receipt that is generated. You will need it at your visa interview and when you enter the US.

Pay the SEVIS fee »

• You do not need an M-1 visa in your passport to study in the US.
• You must, however, present your I-20 and SEVIS fee receipt at the border when you enter the US. This will allow you to be admitted as an M-1 student.
• It is also recommended that you bring your proof of your finances with you when you cross the border, in case the officer requests it.
• When you cross the US border, you will be issued an I-94 arrival number and an I-94 stamp in your passport. Read more about I-94 on the Important International Student Documents page.
• Your I-94 stamp should say “M-1.” The expiration date should be 30 days after the program end date listed on your Form I-20.