Skip to main content
International Student Services

New International Student FAQs

Admissions Checklist

New International Student Frequently Asked Questions

  • You should have received instructions to complete your "Intent to Enroll". After completing that and paying your IPF, you must send a color copy of your passport to internationalstudent@byuh.edu.

    From there, we will process your form I-20 or DS-2019, depending on which visa status you will enter the United States.
  • 1. Make sure you have sent a colored copy of your passport and receipt of IPF to the ISS email.

    2. ISS will process, generate and mail your Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019).

    *Please allow sufficient time for us to process these forms. We recognize that many of you have deadlines and we are working to moderate these delays as much as possible. Know that we are committed to processing your forms as quickly as we are able. You can help by reducing the number of inquiries being made about the status of your forms. Each call and email about application status takes time away from processing. If you would like to ask about the status of your request, please wait until it has been pending at least three weeks.

    3. Once you receive your I-20 or DS-2019, you must apply for the DS-160, or

    Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. Instructions and more information on the DS-160 can be found on the DS-160: Frequently Asked Questions website.

    4. Pay your I-901 SEVIS Fee. This is required for your visa interview.

    *Note: You may pay your SEVIS fee after scheduling an interview with the U.S. Embassy; However, we recommend you do this step before scheduling. Please make sure it is paid at least three days before you attend your visa appointment.

    5. Schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy in the country where you live. Here is the list of embassies, by country. Be aware of wait times for interview appointments and schedule your interview accordingly.

    6. Attend your visa interview with all supporting documentation. Make sure you prepare the following documents before your interview:
    • Passport.
    • DS-160 confirmation page.
    • Application fee payment (if applicable).
    • Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019).
    • Receipt of SEVIS fee.

    For more information, please see the following pages:
  • The SEVIS fee is a mandated fee for all nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors; This fee funds the SEVP and SEVIS and is separate from any visa fees and school SEVIS administration fees.
  • The SEVIS fee is also known as the I-901 Fee. It is necessary to be paid for, prior to receiving the visa. Go to the Pay I-901 Fee website to enter your information and submit payment.
  • Some student's SEVIS fee is covered by the school. If this is the case for you, please see the steps below on how to check the status of your SEVIS fee:

    1. Go to the I-901 Fee website.
    2. Click on "CHECK I-901 STATUS" in the top right.
    3. Enter the information required. Your SEVIS ID is at the top right corner of your DS-2019, starting with the letter 'N'. 
    4. Click on the top green button that directs you to view the receipt/confirmation of payment. 
    5. From there, you will be directed to a pdf file, which you can print for the visa appointment. 
  • If you are coming in with a dependent, you will need to notify Admissions that you intend to attend school with your spouse and children (if applicable). When you send us your passports, please make sure to send us theirs as well, with their relationship to you specify. Then we will create SEVIS records for all those entering the United States and you all will need to apply for a visa. Please note that you will be responsible for additional school fees when coming with a spouse and children. For example, you will need to pay the IPF for each individual you plan to come with.

    For information on traveling to the United States with dependents, please see the following website:

    Dependent Visas:
  • You must arrive within 30 days prior to the start date listed on your form. This means that if your start date is December 27, you must come in between November 27 and December 27.

    For information on traveling to the United States, please see the following websites:

    Student Visa Travel Information

    Exchange Visitor Travel Information
  • No. You must arrive within 30 days before the program start date listed on your Certificate of Eligibility.
  • Yes. The place where you enter the United States is known as the “Port of Entry”. You may come into the U.S. at any port of entry, but please make sure to check in with our office once you arrive on campus at BYU–Hawaii.
  • If you need a ride from the airport to campus, please view our shuttle options.

  • The I-94 is the official arrival/departure record for any foreign visitor entering the United States. Our office needs a scanned copy of this form when you check in upon arrival to campus. If there are any difficulties in accessing your form, or if you believe there is a mistake on your form, you may contact CBP at your most recent port of entry. 

    See here for a list for a list of the deferred inspection sites.

    Honolulu Port of Entry is under the San Francisco-Portland Deferred Inspection Sites.
  • You may access your most recent I-94 through the I-94 CBP Website. Click on "Get Most Recent I-94" at the top and proceed to follow the instructions and fill out the required fields.
  • For International Student Services, you will need to do the following. For Housing check-in, receiving an ID card, and other general campus processes, please see their respective sites.

    ISS Post-Arrival Checklist
    1. Complete ISS Online Check-In.
    2. Check-in with ISS and update your contact information and show all relevant documents.
    3. Attend required International Student Orientation.