As a non-US citizen or permanent resident enrolled in a degree granting program with a residential component, international GMAP students may need to obtain a visa in order to enter the US to participate in the GMAP residency. Most GMAP international students obtain an F-1 student visa. In order to begin the F-1 student visa process, you will need to apply for a Form I-20 visa certificate from the Tufts International Center. We encourage you to start the I-20 application process as early as possible because visa application and waiting times can be lengthy, depending on your country and location.
Form I-20 and the F-1 visa may not be needed if you have another type of US visa that allows you to enter the US and participate in the GMAP program as a degree-seeking student. DO NOT enter the United States on a B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa. The B-1/B-2 Visa does not permit full-time degree study.
If you have any questions about the student visa process, please contact the International Center at internationalcenter@tufts.edu.
I-20 Visa Certificate
To apply for a Form I-20, you must submit a request to the International Center through their online International Center Portal.
To get started, go to the International Center’s website where you can find instructions on how to request your I-20.
Note: GMAP students may present proof of payment of their deposit as acceptable financial documentation, showing that you have sufficient funds to meet the required GMAP residency fee.
I-901 (SEVIS) Fee
After receiving your I-20, you will be required to pay a one-time US government fee called the I-901 SEVIS fee. The current fee is US $350. This fee should be paid at least three days before your visa appointment at the US consulate. You can pay the fee using your SEVIS ID number (printed on your I-20) at the I-901 SEVIS Fee website.
Visa Appointment at U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Visa Application – Online
You need to start the visa application online prior to making the visa appointment:
- Form DS-160 “Non-Immigrant Visa Application”(fill out online at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv)
- Visa Application Fee of $160
- Photograph
Visa Appointment at U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Please ensure you have ready the following for your visa appointment:
- Your passport (valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States)
- Receipt from paid SEVIS fee
- Copies of financial documentation
- Evidence of intent to depart the U.S. after completionof studies
- Form DS-160 “Non-Immigrant Visa Application”(available online at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv)
- Photograph
- Visa Application Fee of $160
Please be aware that other fees may apply in your home country. Please check the U.S. Embassy website in your country for more information.