The following procedures must be followed to enter the United States in valid F-1 student status:

1. Read page two of the Form I-20AB carefully and complete section 11 on page one as instructed.
2. Take Form I-20AB to the American Consulate nearest you along with your passport, letter of admission, and proof of financial support. At the Consulate, you will be asked to complete an application for a visa.
3. Upon presentation of the Form I-20AB to the American Consulate, a F-1 visa will be stamped into your passport, and your Form I-20AB will be returned to you. If you are interviewed by a consular official, you should be prepared to answer a few questions about why you chose Cedarville University (mention unique interests) and what you plan to do after completing your degree. Your visa is likely to be rejected if the consular official believes you wish to stay in the U.S. permanently after graduating. Intentions to stay for temporary purposes/programs (like practical training, etc.) are acceptable, but you should be able to explain how the practical training would help you when you return to your home country.
4. At the port-of-entry, the immigration official will request your passport and Form I-20AB. The official will issue a Form I-94 (white card) to you. The official will return the I-20 with a stamp to you. This is your I-20ID copy and must be kept throughout your entire stay in the US.
5. Upon arrival at Cedarville University, please bring your passport, I-94, and I-20ID to the office of international student services located in Founders Hall, Room 305.

For more information, visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs.