Before beginning the visa application process, students must have the following documents:

I-20 Form:

• This I-20 is required when applying for an F-1 student visa at an American embassy or consulate and for entry into the United States.
• This I-20 has been produced by Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and is an acknowledgment that the record is in the SEVIS system. 

SEVIS Fee Receipt:

• All new students coming in F-1 status must pay a one-time SEVIS fee prior to applying for a visa and must submit the SEVIS fee receipt as part of their application.
• If students are renewing their F-1 visa it is recommended that have proof of SEVIS fee payment, even though it does not have to be paid again.

Additional I-20 Forms:

• If students have family members traveling with their in F-2 status, Yale will mail an I-20 for their use and each F-2 dependent should have their own I-20 form. 
• Each F-2 dependent I-20 is issued their own SEVIS number but an additional SEVIS fee does not need to be paid for a dependent.