Minimum Required Score for English

·         TOEFL - 71   

·         IELTS - 6.0   

·         Duolingo English Test (DET) - 105

·         PTE - 48

·         EIKEN - Pre-1

Average of 4 in at least 6 subjects

Documents needed for I-20 Issuance 

• Copy of Picture Page in Valid Passport (should be valid 6 months into the future) 
• I-20 Eligibility Form 
• Recent bank statement (no more than 3 months old) of student OR sponsor, indicating enough funding for one year of tuition plus living expenses.  
• Proof of income of sponsor (either recent pay stubs, recent tax statement, or letter from employer) 
• Affidavit of support, signed by the student’s sponsor 

Once received, your documents will be reviewed by ISS within 48 hours. If anything additional is needed, International Student Services will inform you via email. Otherwise, your Form I-20 will be issued within 1-2 business days of receiving all documents. Once the I-20 is issued, ISS will send you a confirmation email with the Form I-20 attached and all relevant information on the next steps. The Department of Homeland Security allows the issuance of electronic I-20s.

Obtain your F-1 Visa

• Obtain the Form I-20: This form is issued by the educational institution. You will receive this form by email from Mercy University once you have satisfied all requirements for eligibility.
• Pay MANDATORY $350 SEVIS fee: You must pay the SEVIS Fee prior to the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in your country. In order to do so, you must have your I-20 Form to complete Form I-901 (online) and obtain the receipt or Form l-797. Please note that this process requires the use of a credit card.
• Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160). This requires you to upload one (1) passport picture. Please make sure to carefully review the instructions prior starting the process.
• Prepare documents for visa interview: You must have a valid passport, letter of admission from the school, evidence of financial ability to meet expenses (original documents, no older than 3 months), and evidence of intent to depart the United States after completion of studies.  During your interview, you will need to speak about (1) Who you are, (2) What your intent is in the U.S.,(3) your plans to return home after completion of study, and (4) how you will cover the costs of studying and living in the U.S. You will be charged with a Machine Readable Visa fee and you will complete an ink-free finger print process during your F1 visa interview.

Please note that the Music Production and Recording, Nursing, Pre-Occupational Therapy Assistant and Veterinary Technology programs require supplemental documents