Just received my I-20, do I need a Visa interview?

[fiduch]

Hi there!

I'm a Canadian citizen, and I just received my I-20 from Georgia Tech, where I'll be attending beginning in the fall. Now, since I'm Canadian, I don't need to schedule an interview at the U.S. consulate in Canada, correct? If I understand things correctly, all I need to do is pay my I-20 fee online, and then take my I-20 and passport to the border when I enter the U.S.

I just want to clarify that I'm understanding everything correctly, because I don't really want to call the consul's ridiculous 900 numbers and pay $2/minute to find out if I can just get the information here from others who have gone through the same (or similar) process.

Thanks in advance!

Tim

[Steven]

Yes, you need the I-20 and the fee receipt, you apply at the POE as a Canadian citizen. You don't even need a passport actually, you can use a NEXUS card instead and have the F-1 status added to it at the NEXUS office next time you re-enter.

[fiduch]

Thanks, that was about what I thought. I don't have a nexus card though, so I'll just use my passport, I guess.

[axolotl]

Don't forget to bring the receipt of payment of your SEVIS fee with you to the border. They won't allow you into the US in F-1 unless you show that.

[fiduch]

Don't forget to bring the receipt of payment of your SEVIS fee with you to the border. They won't allow you into the US in F-1 unless you show that.

Thanks, I had read that. I'll be sure to remember it!