Studying in the United States

We are proud of the world-class colleges and universities and the diversity of educational options available in the U.S. They include big public universities and small private colleges; some are located in large cities, others in small towns or rural areas. Between them, they offer hundreds of diverse degree program options -- and they all want Lebanese students to study with them.

Lebanese students in the U.S. benefit from the most modern and up-to-date facilities, well-equipped laboratories, huge inter-linked university libraries and cutting-edge information technology systems. Student life in America is dynamic, with a wide range of extra-curricular activities, housing options to meet a variety of requirements, and strong support services for international students.

Lebanese students in the United States receive an education that prepares them to adapt to a lifetime of challenges and change. Our education system emphasizes life-long learning with an emphasis on independent thinking, intellectual integrity and interdisciplinary study.

International students of all faiths are welcome in American college and universities. Furthermore, American students are eager to learn about the history and politics of the Middle East, and about the ethnic and religious diversity of the region. Lebanese students in the U.S. will be their country's best ambassadors, educating their classmates and colleagues about the rich traditions and diversity in their own country.

Once the student has been accepted into a university, the student will need an I-20 document from the school.  After receiving this form and paying the SEVIS fee, the student can make an appointment for an interview at the Embassy and pay the application fee at any Credit Libanais Bank branch.  Please note:  student visas cannot be issued earlier than four months prior to the start date of the school, and students cannot enter the U.S. on a student visa earlier than 30 days prior to the start date. More info on timing.

Applicants for student visas (F and M) must bring to the interview all of the following:

• Valid I-20 Form
• TOEFL results, if available
• Proof of financial support -- a letter from the bank is not acceptable. Only a savings account bank book or an original computer-generated statement showing at least six-twelve months of transactions will be accepted.
• Transcripts of last most recent year in school or university.
• Proof that SEVIS fee has been paid. 

Applicants for exchange visas (J) must bring to the interview all of the following:

• Valid DS-2019 Form
• Proof that SEVIS fee has been paid. 

SEVIS Payments for Student and Exchange Visitors

The Department of Homeland Security has provided students and exchange visitors (F-1, M-1, J-1) with three different methods for paying the SEVIS fee:

• With a Credit Card (VISA, MasterCard or American Express) via the Internet Site www.fmjfee.com
• A. U.S. Dollar check or international money order sent to the following addresses:

                       By mail:      I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor  
                                         Processing Fee
                                         P.O.Box 970020
                                         St. Louis, MO 63197-0020 USA

                       By DHL, etc.:I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor
                                         Processing Fee
                                         1005 Convention Plaza
                                         St. Louis, MO 63101 USA

• Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee locally via the use of the Western Union Quick Pay service.  The Consular Section will accept the Western Union receipt as proof of I-901 SEVIS fee payment.  The "Company name" line under the "Pay to" section should read US Bank DHS.  The "Company code" line under the "Pay to" section should read MSEVISFEE, MO OR JSEVISFEE, MO.  The "Country" line under the "Pay to" section should read USA.  The receipt will also include the first and last name, address, telephone number, and account number (the SEVIS number, combined with the applicant's date of birth) to identify the applicant.
• You may also pay the fee at the AMIDEAST office, Nijmeh Square, next to Parliament, Bazerkan Bldg., first floor, Tel. 01-989901

Please note that students and exchange visitors must pay the SEVIS fee before applying for the visa.   

Further information about SEVIS payment for Students and Exchange Visitors can be found at the DHS SEVIS webpage www.ice.gov/sevis or the SEVIS I-901 fee payment website www.fmjfee.com.

The Consular Section of the American Embassy in Beirut is always ready to facilitate student and exchange visa interviews. If there is ever a backlog in appointment dates, students can e-mail BeirutNIV@state.gov. Student Visas to request an earlier visa interview date. Click here for more information about about