Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about the visa application process.
Visa Related Questions and Answers
As you prepare for to travel to the U.S. you will have many questions about the visa application process, and the documentation required to procure your visa. Here is a list of the most common questions we receive about the application. If you have any additional questions not addressed here feel free to contact the Office of Student Services at visas@miis.edu.
What is the SEVIS fee requirement?
U.S. Embassies and Consulates are required to collect a $200 (F-1) or $180 (J-1) SEVIS fee before issuing F-1 or J-1 visas for first-time visa applicants only. For students who need F-1 or J-1 visa renewal while attending the Monterey Institute, this SEVIS fee is not applicable.
The SEVIS fee can be paid either by mail or on-line at www.fmjfee.com.
Please visit the SEVIS website for additional information on fee requirements.
Can I or my financial guarantor send in photo copies of the bank statements?
No. We need to see original documents before an I-20 can be issued. We can return the original documents to you when we mail you the Form I-20. Be sure you notify us beforehand if you need your financial documents mailed back to you.
How much does the bank statement need to show?
The required amount for the 2012-2013 academic year is $51,571.00, for a two year Master's degree program. This amount may differ if pursuing an advanced entry degree.Please visit the Tuition & Fees page for more information.
If you are receiving Merit Scholarships from MIIS or other types of support you will only need to show the remaining required amount. For example: if you are receiving a $10,000 Merit Scholarship from MIIS then you will only need to show $41,571.
If you are bringing a spouse and/or children to the U.S. with you you will need to show additional amounts. The additional estimate for your spouse is $6,500.00 and $3,500.00 per child per academic year.
When should I schedule my flight to the United States?
It is advisable that you schedule your flight to the U.S. after obtaining the F-1 visa and not before. Furthermore, the U.S. federal regulations mandate that you arrive in the U.S. no more than 30 days before the school report date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. Please schedule your trip accordingly.
Can I use copies of my or my guarantor's tax return document (1040) from last year as the substitute for submitting the CFR and/or bank statements?
No. The tax return information from last year only tells us you or your sponsor’s income from last year. We need to know if you have the sufficient funds set aside for your studies at the Monterey Institute.
Is it okay if I send the financial documents written in my native language?
Yes. If you are sending a bank statement from your bank in your home country then that may be acceptable as long as the date of the statement, amount and currency is clear. If it is not clear then you will need to submit new documentation. You may scan/email the document to the Office of Student Services to see if it is acceptable.
What if my employer is the financial guarantor?
If you will continue to receive your same salary while attending the institution this would be considered your own personal funds. If your employer will be paying above your salary or specifically for tuition expenses, you should provide a letter from your employer identifying what he/she will be paying. If this is a small business your employer will need to show a bank statement.
When can I begin the visa application?
The Department of State can issue the visa for your program no more than 120 days prior to the start of your program as indicated on the I-20 or DS-2019. It is recommended that you apply for the visa as soon as possible.
When will I receive the Form I-20 (F-1 student) or DS-2019 (J-1 student)?
Once your Certificate of Financial Responsibility requirement is complete and your tuition deposit is paid, your I-20 or DS-2019 will be created. After your I-20 or DS-2019 has been created you will receive an email with an attached copy of the document along with a request to verify preferred mailing address.
If you would like to have your document sent by express mail you will receive instructions. Express mail instructions are also on the CFR. The scanned copy of the I-20 or DS-2019 can be used to pay your SEVIS fee and make an appointment with the U.S. consulate. You should bring the original I-20 or DS-2019 to the visa appointment.
Do I need to submit any supporting documents with my CFR?
Yes. in addition to completing the CFR, you will need to provide a copy of your passport and evidence of your financial support. You or your financial guarantor needs to provide the Monterey Institute with either original bank statements or other official financial documents issued within the last 6 months for your CFR to be considered complete. You will also need original bank documents to present for your visa interview. If you can only get one set of original bank documents, please submit the originals to OIS with your CFR. You can request to have your original bank documentation sent back with your I-20 or DS-2019.
If you are providing support from a loan or scholarship, we need to see the loan approval notice issued from the lender or your scholarship award letter issued by the sponsoring organization or foundation. Until the loan or scholarship has been issued, we will not be able to issue you the Form I-20.
If you are bringing dependents, you will also need to provide copies of their passports.
Who is considered a dependent? What do I need to do to bring them with me to the U.S.?
A dependent is considered your spouse (wife or husband) and children under the age of 21. Each of your dependents will be issued an I-20 or DS-2019. We must know their names, birth dates, city and country of births, and country of citizenship as they appear on their passports before issuing their Form I-20 or DS-2019. Each dependent will receive a separate Form I-20 or DS-2019 in order to apply for the F-2 or J-2 visa. You can include this information in the CFR.
