Visa and Travel Information

To help students better understand the procedure of applying for a student visa, we have included links to information about the process. We would be pleased to provide additional information or answer questions that students may have.  Please contact:

Brenda Rousselle
Supervisor of Operations/PDSO
Phone: 802.654.2657
Fax: 802.654.2595
E-mail: brousselle@smcvt.edu 

The Visa Visit

When you have received your letter of admission to your program of studies and your I-20 Form, call the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to make an appointment to obtain your F-1 Student Visa.  Use the Arrival and Enrollment Form (pdf). Ask what fees are required, which are non-refundable and must be paid before your appointment.
 
Review the Visa Visit documents enclosed in your admissions packet, or visit the Visa Application Process page on the SMC web site and click on U.S. Visa Policy and Procedure Information. The web site provides links to Department of State information for prospective international students. You can also go directly to http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/. The eight links on the Visa Application Process page will connect you to U.S. Department of State information about the Visa Application Process for prospective students. This information should be helpful as you prepare for your visa appointment.  The documentation you will need to take to your appointment includes:

  • A valid passport.
  • Appropriate applications. These are enclosed in your admissions packet or can be accessed at the web site for the English Language Programs at Saint Michael's College.
  • Documents to support the application detailing employment, reason for travel, and financial status (a letter of financial support from your sponsor, an official bank statement, or an official letter from the officer of the bank).
  • Proof of payment of fees.

At your appointment, submit your application, passport, and supporting documents to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. In some cases, additional reviews will be required.
 
After you receive your F-1 Visa, complete the attached Health Assessment Form.  Click to download the:

- English application
- Japanese application
- Spanish application

This form must be received prior to your arrival at Saint Michael's College.  Please fax it to the Applied Linguistics Department (ALD) office at 001.802.654.2595.  
 

Traveling to the U.S.A. 

Call to make your airline reservations to travel to Saint Michael’s College. Your point of destination is Burlington, Vermont Airport (BTV). If you wish to be met at the airport, complete the enclosed Enrollment Confirmation & Arrival Information form (pdf) and fax it to the ALD Office (001.802.654.2595). If you are delayed, please e-mail us at nspaziani@smcvt.edu (8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) or phone us at 001.802.734.1747 after 4:30 p.m. our time.
 
On the airplane, before you reach your port of entry, you will be asked to complete a short arrival/departure form. When you deplane, follow directions for non-citizen entry. At the airport, a U.S. official will interview you and verify all of your paperwork. Once admitted, you will receive an immigration stamp and proceed to baggage claim and U.S. Customs.
 

Traveling to Canada 

If you think that you will be traveling to Canada during your stay here, contact the nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate and ask if it is necessary for you to have a Canadian Tourist Visa. If a Visa is necessary, obtain the Visa BEFORE you leave the country.