International Policies for Incoming Students

1. Once the student is accepted and has received an I-20, student must pay the $200 SEVIS I-901 fee.

  • To see if you are required to pay the $200 SEVIS I-901 fee, go to the ICE website.
  • If you are required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, the fee must be paid before going to the United States embassy or consulate for your visa interview.
  • If you are required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and do not pay it, your visa application will be denied by DOS.


2. Once SEVIS fee is paid, immediate contact should be made with the local U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to set up visa request appointment.

  • U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate may be very busy and it could take up to three months to set an appointment.


3. At time of visit to the Embassy, student must take all admissions materials, I-20, and financial records.


The SEVIS fee can be paid in one of three forms:

  • Payment in U.S. Dollars by credit card over the internet;
  • payment in U.S. Dollars by check or bank draft, drawn on a U.S. bank;
  • or payment via Western Union. To pay by Western Union, please follow instructions on the SEVIS fee website.

Please be aware that there may be other fees involved during the process.

If you are denied a visa, please contact the International Admissions Office at Defiance College to assist you with your future steps.


International Student Insurance Policy (PDF)
All international students will be required to have and show proof of medical insurance that meets the "minimum essential coverage" requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
International students will be required to show proof of coverage to the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) by the 1st day of the semester. The proof of coverage must meet the guidelines listed in the policy above. Students will be required to show proof of coverage throughout the semester as requested by the PDSO. Failure to maintain adequate medical insurance may result in registration holds placed on student accounts.