Visa & Immigration Process
Concordia University Texas | Austin, Texas
International students planning to study at Concordia University Texas must obtain an F‑1 student visa before beginning their academic program in the United States.
Once you receive academic acceptance (contingent admission) and begin submitting required documentation, our international admissions team and Designated School Officials (DSOs) will guide you through each step of the visa and immigration process.
Concordia University Texas is authorized under U.S. federal law to enroll nonimmigrant international students through the F‑1 student visa program.
Who This Process Applies To
International students admitted to Concordia University Texas typically fall into one of two categories:
Initial F‑1 Students
Students applying for a new F‑1 student visa from outside the United States.
SEVIS Transfer Students
Students who are already studying in the United States on an active F‑1 visa and transferring their SEVIS record from another institution to Concordia Texas.
While many parts of the admissions and immigration process are similar, some steps differ depending on whether you are an Initial F‑1 student or a Transfer student.
Visa Process at a Glance
Initial F-1 Students vs. Transfer Students
Step 1: Submit Your Application
Begin the admissions process by completing the online application.
Students may submit unofficial or officially evaluated transcripts (from a NACES member such as WES) to start the academic review process.
If students already have additional materials—such as proof of English proficiency, financial support documentation, or a passport copy—they are welcome to include them with the application. However, these materials are not required for academic admission and will be requested later as part of the immigration document review.
Step 2: Receive Academic Acceptance (Contingent Admission)
Our admissions team reviews your application and notifies you of your academic admission decision.
Students who meet the academic requirements for admission will receive academic acceptance (contingent admission) from Concordia University Texas. Contingent admission allows the university to begin collecting required immigration and financial documentation needed to issue a Form I‑20 and proceed with the visa process; however, contingent admission does not confirm enrollment.
Your admission status remains contingent until:
- All required academic, financial, and immigration documentation is received and verified
- The required enrollment deposit is submitted after visa approval or transfer I‑20 issuance
Students may not register for classes until their status is updated to Officially Accepted and the required enrollment fee has been paid.
Step 3: Submit Required Documentation
After receiving contingent admission, students must submit required documentation before an immigration document can be issued.
Depending on the student's situation, documentation may include:
- Officially evaluated academic transcripts
- Proof of financial support showing the ability to cover one academic year of study
- Notarized Sponsor Affidavit (if financial support is provided by a sponsor)
- Copy of passport identification page
- Additional immigration documentation for transfer students (such as current I-20, visa, and I-94)
- Proof of English proficiency
All documentation must be reviewed and verified before Concordia Texas can issue a Form I-20.
For details about acceptable English proficiency tests and score requirements, see the information below.
Step 4: Receive Your Form I‑20
Once required documentation has been verified, a Designated School Official (DSO) will issue your Form I‑20.
For initial F‑1 students, this will be an Initial I‑20 used to apply for a student visa.
For transfer students, Concordia Texas will coordinate the SEVIS transfer and issue a Transfer I‑20 once your SEVIS record is released from your current institution.
Your I‑20 includes:
- Your SEVIS ID number
- Program information
- Estimated cost of attendance
- Your program start date
This document allows you to proceed with the next steps of the immigration process.
Step 5: Pay the SEVIS I‑901 Fee (Initial F‑1 Students Only)
Before scheduling your visa interview, you must pay the SEVIS I‑901 fee required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The SEVIS fee supports the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which tracks international student status in the United States.
You must bring proof of payment to your visa interview.
Step 6: Schedule Your Visa Interview (Initial F‑1 Students Only)
After receiving your I‑20 and paying the SEVIS fee, schedule your F‑1 visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.
You should bring the following documents:
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Form I‑20 issued by Concordia Texas
- SEVIS fee receipt
- Financial support documentation
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
Visa approval is determined by the U.S. Department of State.
Step 7: Pay Your Enrollment Deposit
After your visa is approved (for initial F‑1 students) or after your Concordia Texas transfer I‑20 is issued (for SEVIS transfer students), you will be required to submit an international enrollment deposit.
Deposit amounts
- Initial F‑1 visa students: $3,000 enrollment deposit (due within 7 days of visa issuance)
- SEVIS transfer students: $1,000 enrollment deposit (due within 7 days of receiving the Concordia Texas transfer I‑20)
The enrollment deposit:
- Confirms your intent to enroll at Concordia Texas a
- Reserves your place in the incoming class
- Is applied directly to your tuition bill for your first semester
The enrollment deposit is nonrefundable
Payment timeline
- Initial F‑1 students: Deposit is due within 7 days of visa issuance
- Transfer (SEVIS) students: Deposit is due within 7 days of receiving your Concordia Texas transfer I‑20
Failure to submit the enrollment deposit within the required timeframe may result in cancellation of the issued I‑20 at the discretion of the University.
Step 8: Travel to the United States
Once your visa is approved and your enrollment deposit is submitted, you may travel to the United States.
F‑1 students may enter the country up to 30 days before the program start date listed on the I‑20.
Upon arrival, you will participate in international student orientation and complete final enrollment steps.
Special Instructions for Transfer Students
Students currently studying in the United States on an F‑1 visa must complete a SEVIS transfer to Concordia Texas.
The process includes:
- Apply and receive admission to Concordia Texas
- Complete the Transfer‑In Form
- Ask your current school's DSO to release your SEVIS record
- Concordia Texas will issue a new I‑20
Transfer students must maintain valid F‑1 status throughout the transfer process.
Maintaining Your F‑1 Status
While studying at Concordia University Texas, international students must maintain F‑1 visa status.
This includes:
Full‑time enrollment
- Undergraduate students: 12 credit hours per semester
- Graduate students: 6 credit hours per semester
Valid documentation
Students must maintain a valid:
- Passport
- Visa
- Form I‑20
Health Insurance Requirement
International students studying on an F-1 visa are required to maintain valid health insurance for the duration of their studies at Concordia University Texas.
Students must either:
- Enroll in the university’s approved international student health insurance plan, or
- Submit proof of comparable coverage through the university’s insurance waiver process before the start of classes.
If proof of insurance and the completed waiver are not submitted prior to the beginning of the semester, students will automatically be enrolled in the university’s international student insurance plan, currently administered through Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions (formerly GeoBlue).
Maintaining active health insurance coverage is required for the duration of your enrollment at Concordia Texas.
Employment
F‑1 students may:
- Work up to 19 hours per week on campus
- Apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) if eligible
Eligibility for CPT or OPT is determined in consultation with a Designated School Official (DSO).
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long does the F‑1 visa process take?
The timeline varies by country and embassy availability. In most cases, students should begin the visa process three to five months before the start of the semester to allow time for document processing, visa scheduling, and travel planning.
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What is a Form I‑20?
A Form I‑20 is the official immigration document issued by a U.S. university that confirms a student’s eligibility to apply for an F‑1 student visa. It contains your SEVIS ID, program information, and estimated cost of attendance.
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When do I pay the enrollment deposit?
Initial F‑1 students submit the $3,000 enrollment deposit within 7 days of visa issuance. Transfer students submit the $1,000 enrollment deposit within 7 days of receiving the Concordia Texas transfer I‑20.
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Can I work while studying in the United States?
F‑1 students may work up to 19 hours per week on campus while classes are in session. Students may also be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) depending on program requirements and immigration eligibility.
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When can I arrive in the United States?
F‑1 students may enter the United States up to 30 days before the program start date listed on the Form I‑20.
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Do international students need health insurance?
International students studying at Concordia University Texas on an F-1 visa are required to maintain valid health insurance coverage for the duration of their studies.
Students must either enroll in the university’s approved international student health insurance plan or submit proof of comparable coverage through the university’s insurance waiver process prior to the start of classes.
If proof of insurance and the completed waiver are not received before the semester begins, students will automatically be enrolled in the university’s international student health insurance plan, currently administered through Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions (formerly GeoBlue).
Maintaining active health insurance coverage is required for the duration of enrollment at Concordia Texas.
Helpful Visa Resources
Students preparing for their visa interview may find these resources helpful:
U.S. Department of State Student Visa Overview
Study in the States SEVIS Fee Information
NAFSA Visa Preparation Resources
Need Help With the Visa Process?
Our international admissions team is here to support you throughout the process. If you have questions about the visa process or your application status, please contact our admissions team.