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Secure Your Visa

Start your SHSU journey as a new international student with I-20 guidance, visa info, pre-arrival steps, and campus resources.
​​SHSU student working on laptop.​

Welcome to SHSU

Congratulations on your acceptance to Sam Houston State University! Shortly after you receive your official SHSU acceptance email or letter, students will log back into their application portal to upload the necessary documents required to create the immigration documents needed for your visa interview. Review the additional instructions below on the documents required and cost breakdown pertaining to your visa type.

Receive your Immigration Documents

To receive your Initial I-20, all students are required to submit: 

  • Affidavit of Support Form 
  • Funding evidence (Bank Statements, Financial Guarantee, Scholarship Letter, GA/TA Letter) 
  • Copy of Passport 

Students transferring from a USA based institution must submit the following documents as well: 

To receive your Initial DS-2019, all students are required to submit: 
  • Affidavit of Support Form 
  • Funding evidence (Bank Statements, Financial Guarantee, Scholarship Letter, GA/TA Letter) 
  • Copy of Passport 

To receive your Initial DS-2019, all exchange visitors must submit: 

Cost of Attendance

After receiving the accepted email, students will log back into their application portal to upload the necessary documents required to create the immigration documents needed for your visa interview. Review the additional instructions below on the documents required and cost breakdown pertaining to your visa type.

Undergraduate Programs  

Estimated Student Expenses: Non-Resident 

Estimated Student Expenses: Resident 

 

To qualify for resident cost of attendance, you must have a scholarship of at least $1,000. You must show proof of scholarship award when submitting proof founding documentation. 

Tuition and Fees 

$23,610 

Tuition and Fees 

$11,370 

Living Expenses 

$11,500 

Living Expenses 

$11,500 

Insurance, books, fees, etc. 

$4,000 

Insurance, books, fees, etc. 

$4,000 

Total Estimated Expenses* 

*Subject to change* 

$39,110 

Total Estimated Expenses* 

*Subject to change* 

$26,870 

Dependents 

$4,000 each 

Dependents 

$4,000 each 

Undergraduate Programs  

Estimated Student Expenses: Non-Resident 

Estimated Student Expenses: Resident 

To qualify for resident cost of attendance, you must have a scholarship of at least $1,000. You must show proof of scholarship award when submitting proof founding documentation. 

Tuition and Fees 

$18,048 

Tuition and Fees 

$9,888 

Living Expenses 

$11,500 

Living Expenses 

$11,500 

Insurance, books, fees, etc. 

$4,000 

Insurance, books, fees, etc. 

$4,000 

Total Estimated Expenses* 

*Subject to change* 

$33,548 

Total Estimated Expenses* 

*Subject to change* 

$25,388 

Dependents 

$4,000 each 

Dependents 

$4,000 each 

Undergraduate Programs  

Estimated Student Expenses 

(One Semester Fall OR Spring) 

Estimated Student Expenses 

(Two Semesters – Fall AND Spring) 

Tuition is paid at home institution. 

Living Expenses 

$5,750 

Living Expenses 

$11,500 

Insurance, books, fees, etc. 

$4,000 

Insurance, books, fees, etc. 

$4,000 

Total Estimated Expenses* 

*Subject to change* 

$7,750 

Total Estimated Expenses* 

*Subject to change* 

$15,500 

SHSU requires proof of at least $1,800 per month minimum to cover living expenses and an additional $500 per month per dependent. 

Once you have received your immigration documents, you are ready to prepare for your student visa interview after you confirm that the documents are correct and accurate and have a valid, up-to-date passport. The availability of non-immigrant visa appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates vary by country. As such, we recommend that you schedule your visa appointment as early as possible. To do this, following the simple steps below: 

Prepare for visa Appointment

You can pay your SEVIS I-901 Fee online with a credit card [Visa, MasterCard, or American Express] or a debit card with a Visa or MasterCard logo. Make sure you print a receipt and take it with you to your visa interview and your entry into the USA. 

The first step in applying for a U.S. non-immigrant visa is to complete your DS-160 Application. Then, find your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and schedule your non-immigrant visa appointment. Follow the instructions on the embassy or consulate website to submit your visa application, supporting documents, and visa fee. Refer to the U.S. Department of State’s website for complete instructions as each embassy/consulate have different procedures on the visa process. Plan for this as early as possible as Visa Appointment Wait Times can vary.

You should bring the following documents to your visa interview: 

  • Valid and current passport
  • SHSU immigration documents (F1: I-20 or J1: DS-2019)
  • Visa appointment confirmation
  • SEVIS fee (form I-901) receipt. Always keep this receipt even after your visa appointment as it may be required when you arrive to the U.S.
  • Proof of funds
  • SHSU class schedule (if you have already registered)
  • Any additional documentation of ties to your home country.
  • Need help? See 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Student Visa

Note: If your visa application is denied, please notify the Global Engagement Center at gec@shsu.edu