Obtaining a Visa

To enter the United States for educational purposes, most full-time students must enter the country with an F-1 (student) visa.

In order to obtain a student visa, admitted students will be required to submit a completed Declaration and Certification of Finances (DEC) [pdf] form. Upon admission into Babson, a DEC form will be sent to you. Once your completed DEC form, your enrollment form, and deposit are received, Babson will send you a Form I-20. This is needed in order to apply for the F-1 visa. Since visa processing times vary greatly across the world, students should contact the nearest United States embassy or consulate to learn about current procedure. Students should then make appointments with the embassy/consulate appropriately.

Please note:

Admitted students who are attending other U.S. schools and currently hold F-1 visas must complete a DEC form and a Transfer Release Form [pdf] in order to obtain a Form I-20 issued by Babson.

Canadian citizens must submit a Declaration and Certification of Finances form in order to obtain a Form I-20, but they are not required to obtain an F-1 visa. Canadian Citizens are able to enter the United States with a completed Form I-20 and their original Declaration and Certification of Finances form.

More information about International Student and Scholar Services and on obtaining student visas can be found on the Office of International Programs Web site.