What Does the Visa Process Look Like for International Students?
When I first opened my acceptance letter from Tufts University, a wave of disbelief washed over me. It was the kind of surreal moment you dream about, where all your hard work suddenly feels validated. But alongside the excitement, reality set in—I needed to navigate the visa process to turn this dream into a tangible experience!
Hi, I’m Khadija, a Master’s student in the MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching) program. As a graduate student representative, I want to share my journey through the visa process as an international student. It’s a path filled with anticipation, paperwork, and a few nervous moments—but also the quiet thrill of knowing you’re on the brink of something extraordinary.
After I received my acceptance letter, the next major step was to secure my visa. The university sent over an I-20 form, which is an official document that confirms your acceptance and outlines how you’ll cover your tuition and living expenses. Holding it in my hands, I knew things were getting real.
After getting my I-20, I paid the SEVIS fee, which is like a registration fee to keep track of international students. I double-checked all the details because I didn’t want to get tripped up later. It felt like a small hurdle, but when dealing with important documents, you learn quickly that everything matters.
Then came the moment of booking the visa appointment, a task that felt like a milestone and a countdown. I made sure to schedule it early, knowing spots fill up fast, especially for students around the world hoping to secure their visas in time. The waiting game began, and in the meantime, I meticulously gathered every document I could think of: financial records, academic transcripts, proof of ties back home. Having it all organized gave me peace of mind before the big day.
The visa interview itself was nerve-wracking but surprisingly straightforward. The officer asked questions about my course, why I chose the university, and how I planned to fund my education. It felt more like a conversation than an interrogation, and when they said, "Your visa is approved," I could barely contain my excitement.
With my visa in hand, the final step was securing my flight. Booking that ticket felt like crossing an invisible threshold—the official start of a new chapter. As I held that ticket, it became real: I was leaving the familiar behind, stepping into an entirely new world of possibilities.
Looking back, the visa process was an essential part of my journey— not just a hurdle, but a necessary bridge to the future I had worked so hard for. If I can offer any advice to others preparing for it, I’d say this: stay organized, keep calm, and trust the process. It may seem overwhelming, but each step brings you closer to the moment you're holding your plane ticket, knowing your dreams are about to take flight!