Pre-Arrival Planning
Essential steps to prepare for your journey to Drury: I-20 processing, visa interview, and travel arrangements.
I-20 and Visa Interview
Drury University is an SEVP-certified school. To study at Drury, you need an F-1 student visa (or J-1 for exchange visitors, if applicable). Drury does not offer M-1 vocational programs. Once Drury accepts you, you will be registered in SEVIS, pay the I-901 fee, and receive your Form I-20 (F-1) or Form DS-2019 (J-1). After that, you may apply for your visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
You cannot study at Drury on a Visitor (B) visa or Visa Waiver Program. Degree or credit-bearing study requires an F-1 student visa (or J-1 for exchange visitors). A Visitor (B) visa may be appropriate only for short recreational courses that are not for credit, not for study at Drury.
Do not make final travel plans or buy non-refundable tickets until you have your visa.
Processing Time: I-20 documents are typically issued within 48 hours after your enrollment deposit and housing application are received.
Receiving Your I-20
Once your admission deposit and housing application are complete, Drury will issue your Form I-20. The document will be sent to you via email as a PDF.
Verify Your Information
Carefully review your name, date of birth, program of study, and program start date on the I-20. Contact iadmissions@drury.edu immediately if you find any errors.
Print Multiple Copies
Print at least 2-3 copies of your I-20. You will need the original for your visa interview, travel, and immigration check-in at Drury.
Sign Your I-20
Sign and date your I-20 in the student certification section (page 1). The signature must match your passport signature.
SEVIS I-901 Fee
Before scheduling your visa interview, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. This fee is required for all F-1 students (and J-1 exchange visitors) and must be paid online before your visa interview.
How to Pay the SEVIS Fee
Important: Bring your SEVIS fee payment receipt to your visa interview. The consular officer will verify that you have paid this fee before issuing your visa.
Visa Interview Preparation
Schedule your F-1 (or J-1, if applicable) visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. The order of steps and requirements may vary by location; consult the embassy or consulate website. Apply early; interview wait times vary by location and season.
How to Apply
Visa Issuance & Entry Timing
- New students: F-1 visas can be issued up to 365 days before your Drury program start date. You may not enter the U.S. more than 30 days before the start date on your I-20.
- Continuing students: Visas may be issued at any time, and you may enter at any time before classes start.
Required Documents for Visa Interview
Additional Documentation May Be Required
The consular officer may request evidence of:
- Your academic preparation (transcripts, diplomas, test scores)
- Your intent to depart the United States upon completion of your studies
- How you will pay all educational, living, and travel costs
Common Interview Questions
Be prepared to answer questions about your academic plans, financial resources, and ties to your home country. Common questions include:
Tip: Be honest, confident, and concise in your answers. The consular officer wants to ensure you are a genuine student with legitimate academic goals.
Official U.S. Department of State guidance. Drury students typically use F-1 visas; the general page covers F and M categories.
Travel Planning
Once your visa is approved, you can begin making travel arrangements. Plan to arrive in the United States no more than 30 days before your program start date listed on your I-20.
Arrival Window: F-1 students can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date on their Drury I-20. Arriving earlier than 30 days is not permitted.
Arrival Preparation
Before You Travel
Book Your Flight
Book flights to Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF). Share your arrival details with iadmissions@drury.edu for airport pickup arrangements.
Prepare Travel Documents
Carry your passport, visa, I-20, SEVIS fee receipt, financial documents, and admission letter in your carry-on luggage. Never pack these in checked baggage.
Arrange Temporary Housing
If arriving before your on-campus housing move-in date, arrange temporary accommodations. Contact iadmissions@drury.edu for recommendations.
Plan Your Arrival Date
Arrive in time for International Student Orientation. Check the academic calendar and orientation arrival information and plan to arrive at least 2-3 days before orientation begins.
What to Pack
Essential Documents
Personal Items
At the Port of Entry
A visa does not guarantee entry. It only allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request permission to enter. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port of entry decide whether to admit you. When you arrive, be prepared to:
Questions?
Email iadmissions@drury.edu or schedule an appointment.