• In order to attend a college or university in the United States, international students must first apply for and obtain a student visa. This means completing a series of important steps and filing the appropriate documents within a specific time frame. For students in London seeking to continue their education in the United States, contact the Fulbright Commission Educational Advisory Service for additional help obtaining your visa.
  
  

Choose a College/University

• The first step toward attending school in the United States is choosing which universities and/or colleges appeal to you and whether they correspond with your desired course of study. Begin this search at least 18 months before you plan to move to the United States. During this time, complete all necessary college entrance exams. Specifically, you must complete the SAT, which is a standardized test that measures the math, literacy and writing skills required for academic success at the college level. Also, you must complete the TOEFL, which is a test of English as a foreign language. This test gauges your ability to use and understand English in an educational setting.
  
  After completing the tests, narrow down your list of desired schools. Visit the colleges' or universities' websites and request all required information. Send in your completed application packet at least 10 months prior to your arrival in the United States.
  
  

After Notification of Acceptance

• When you are accepted to a college or university, begin the student visa application process and complete the application. This should be done at least three months before you plan on moving to the United States. The college or university will send you an I-20 form, which is the document required for a student visa. You also need to schedule an appointment with the consulate. Students in London should visit http://london.usembassy.gov. You need to appear before an officer of the consulate before your visa application can be approved.
  
  

Prior to the Consulate Appointment

• Pay all fees and complete all necessary documentation before visiting the consulate. First, pay the student visa fee. This can be paid at a local bank, but be sure to get a receipt. Next, pay the SEVIS fee. This can be done quickly online, or by money order or check that is drawn from a United States bank. After all of this, you can begin gathering the forms and documents you will need for your visit to the consulate. The majority of students also have to complete a personal interview.