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The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a web-based system for maintaining information on nonimmigrant students in the United States. It is the core technology for the DHS in this critical mission. SEVIS collects current information from nonimmigrant students continually during their course of stay in the United States. 
If accepted by an SEVP-certified school, foreign students may be admitted to the United States with the F nonimmigrant status. Records of these nonimmigrant admissions and continued participation in these educational programs are maintained in SEVIS. Furthermore, SEVIS enables SEVP to assure proper reporting and record keeping by schools and exchange visitor programs, thereby ensuring data currency and integrity. SEVIS also provides a mechanism for student and exchange visitor status violators to be identified so that appropriate enforcement is taken (i.e., denial of admission, denial of benefits or removal from the United States).

The Form I-20 is an official document issued by a U.S. school that is authorized to enroll international students. It certifies that a student has been accepted into a full-time academic program and is eligible to apply for an F-1 student visa.
The Form I-20 is used to:

• Apply for a student visa (F-1) at a U.S. embassy or consulate
• Enter the United States as an international student
• Show proof of student status in the U.S.
• Maintain legal student status during the course of study

Students must keep their Form I-20 valid, accurate, and accessible at all times, especially when traveling.

An F-1 student visa allows a student from a foreign country to temporarily live in the United States for a defined period while studying at a school, college, seminary, or conservatory, which is authorized by the U.S. government to accept international students.
Applicants may be eligible to apply for an F-1 visa if they meet the following criteria:

• The applicant must be enrolled in an “academic” educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program.
• he school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).
• he student must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution.
• he student must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency.
• The student must have sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study.
• he student must maintain a residence abroad.

• All applicants must be 18 years old.
• All future student visa holders must register for an Intensive English Program and a Conversation course, which amounts to a mandatory 18.5 hours of study per week.
• Students are required to study full-time while on a student visa to maintain active legal status in the US.
• All future visa holders ARE REQUIRED TO PAY FOR THE STARTING 2 SESSIONS.
• Quarter and/or private courses do not qualify for F-1 student visa status.
• Students who do not study at least 18 hours per week risk forfeiting their student visa.

Please keep in mind that the purpose of the proof of income, which you must provide to the U.S. government for your visa, is to confirm that you have the resources to meet any financial responsibilities related to your purpose for being in the country. If you hold an F1 visa, your purpose for staying in the U.S. is to be a student. This means that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) expects you to already have a budget in place to cover all financial obligations to the school before you arrive. It is expected that you will consider this your first financial priority.
ALL APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE NECESSARY CRITERIA FOR LEARNING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES TO BE ADMITTED TO UNAM-SAN ANTONIO, WHICH MEANS THE CONTINUATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

Students interested in applying for a student visa or transferring their active student visa, must follow the instructions at:
How to apply – UNAM SAN ANTONIO TEXAS . 
Note: all applications must be done online; any other form will be disregarded.
UNAM-SAN ANTONIO RESERVES THE RIGHT OF ADMISSION, ENSURING THAT ALL APPLICANTS MEET THE NECESSARY CRITERIA FOR LEARNING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES.

Applicants who are approved by the Acceptance Committee to study at UNAM – San Antonio with an F-1 student visa must pay the non-refundable $120.00 application fee. Other required documents are the Affidavit of Financial Support accompanied by a bank statement or other evidence of funds, and a copy of the photo page of the passport. 
Once these documents have been received, UNAM – San Antonio will digitally send the form I-20, the acceptance letter, and a list of the next steps to follow (Broadcast Message 2003-03: New Electronic Form I-20 Issuance Guidance on ICE.gov/COVID19).
UNAM-San Antonio can only reissue the I-20 form only two times for each student. An updated Affidavit of Financial Support and back statements will be required before each issuance.
The student visa application is subject not only to each country’s embassy processing times, but also to the processing times for the UNAM institution.
UNAM-San Antonio reserves the right to change the program start dates from your application, as it deems necessary.
It will take up to 15-20 business days to process the I-20 form after all required documents have been received. Please check our website www.unamsa.edu for holidays, vacation breaks, and registration week, which could affect processing times.
Keep in mind that the F-1 student visa issuance does not guarantee approval nor entry to the United States.
Note: Any communication concerning the F-1 student visa application and/or any other documents, must be done directly with the student applying to UNAM-San Antonio.

If the USCIS approves the student visa application to study in the U.S., UNAM-San Antonio will send a welcome email with the follow-up instructions. Upon arrival the student will start the registration process, tuition payment of the courses mentioned in your Acceptance Letter, as well as testing (placement exam) to determine the English level.

F1 STUDENT VISA DENIAL BY THE U.S. CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES (USCIS)
There are many reasons why a student visa applicant could be denied, after relevant information is reviewed, and based on the standards established by U.S. law. In some cases, the applicant is informed about the reason for denial or illegibility. No refund should be expected of any fee you paid (non-refundable application processing fee).
UNAM-San Antonio does not have control over any decision taken by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  UNAM-San Antonio allows reapplication after a period of 6 months, from the date of denial. The applicant will be asked to re-submit all updated documentation. 

As a student’s status is related to the purpose, or reason why they want to come to the United States. The U.S. Department of State issues the visa based on your intended purpose – coming to the United States to study.
All student visa holders are required to:

• Be enrolled full-time (18.5 hours per week).
• Pay all financial obligations on time.
• Purchase all mandatory class books.
• Make academic progress from level to level toward completing the English Studies program and achieving the required English proficiency necessary for admission to a college or university.
• Maintain a passing grade of 85 or higher in the Core Courses (Grammar, TOEFL, and/or Business English), as well as in English Practice and Complementary classes.
• Maintain a mandatory minimum of 90% attendance in each class.
• Maintain a valid F-1 student visa and regularly check the program end date on your I-20 form.

The U.S. Department of State requires all student visas to have a valid U.S. address. You must inform the Designated School Official (DSO) of any changes in your address within 10 days (even if temporary).
A violation of the F-1 student visa immigration status will result in the termination of the SEVIS record. If this happens the student will not be in legal status and could have negative consequences.
If the student fails to maintain status, they no longer have legal immigration status in the U.S. which could compromise the ability to get any U.S. visa or apply for a change of status. You will have to depart immediately and can be denied future re-entry to the U.S.

Since our English language courses are fundamentally intensive and taught in a fast-paced manner, it is important to note that one absence can affect a student’s overall grade and/or the quality of their learning experience. In addition to this, students must keep in mind that they are required to attend 90% of their class sessions.  F-1 visa holders can only miss 10% of any of their classes. If a student misses more than 10% of any class, the student will be expelled from UNAM-San Antonio and their F-1 student visa will be terminated  this Handbook.
FOR MORE DETAIL INFORMATION ABOUT STUDENT ATTENDANCE, ABSENCE AND TARDINESS POLICY

Please follow the first steps of HOW TO APPLY TO UNAM – SAN ANTONIO
If approved by The UNAM – San Antonio Acceptance Committee to transfer the SEVIS record, the following will be required:

• A Transfer-In form
• An affidavit for financial support
• Copy of transcripts 
• Copy of your current I-20 Form
• Copy of student visa located in your passport
• Pay the non-refundable $120.00 application fee

Note: other documents may be required.
Benefits:

• You do not have to pay the $350 SEVIS fee again
• You maintain the same SEVIS ID number

Transfer-In Registration Procedure:

• The student will receive a welcome email with detailed instructions and the Student Handbook.
• The student MUST REGISTER IN PERSON during the registration dates and times advertised in our Academic Catalog. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE.
• Once the student has registered and paid the tuition fee for the two required sessions (1 academic semester), a two-part placement exam will be administered.
• Once the registration process is complete, the DSO will print the new I-20 form.

Important Note: All new students must complete the required placement exam, regardless of their English language background.

A student can request a SEVIS record transfer to another Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified academic institution, during the 60-day grace period following your program completion. 
The student must be accepted by another SEVP-certified school or academic institution, before the transfer can take place. 
The student must request their SEVIS record transfer 30 days before the intended transfer date, and submit the following information to the UNAM’s DSO:

• Written confirmation of the acceptance (New school Acceptance Letter)
• Contact information for the new school’s DSO
• The SEVIS school code and the transfer-in form from the new school to ensure a correct school transfer.

Note: you must allow UNAM-San Antonio 5 to 10 business days to process your transfer request. Once your SEVIS record is transferred, UNAM-San Antonio no longer has access to your SEVIS record.
Important information: If an F-1 student accumulates one (1) failure in any level, the student must gain permission from the English Department Chair in order to have another attempt at any level. If the student does not pass any level after accumulating two (2) failures in the program, the student is no longer eligible to register for the next session and will be dismissed from UNAM-San Antonio due to unsatisfactory progress. The student will only have 15 days from the start of the new session to transfer the SEVIS record. After that, the record will be terminated on the grounds of failing to maintain status.

It is the responsibility of the student visa holder to remain compliant with USCIS and UNAM-San Antonio’s policies.
UNAM-San Antonio will terminate a student’s visa status in the event that a student becomes out of compliance according to their F-1 visa academic requirements. 
A notification email will be sent to the student with information regarding the change of status, date, and reason for termination; information stated in UNAM-San Antonio policies and in compliance with SEVP-SEVIS.
Important Note: If the SEVIS record is terminated and the student overstays ANY grace period established by UNAM-San Antonio, the student could be accruing unlawful presence. This can lead to arrest and deportation proceedings. Accruing unlawful presence may result in being barred from the U.S. for many years or even permanently, as determined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 
Reasons for student visa termination:

• Failure to enroll
• Violation of the Attendance Policy
• Failure to pay tuition fees
• Otherwise failing to maintain status
• Violation of immigration status
• Expulsion
• Transfer-no show
• New registration no show
• Unauthorized employment
• Unauthorized withdrawal from classes

The termination of the SEVIS record means that the student is not in legal status according to the Department of Homeland Security, and needs to depart the U.S. immediately and can be denied future re-entry to the U.S. 
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents may investigate to confirm the departure of the student from the country.
Important note: UNAM-San Antonio does not process reinstatements. 
TRANSFERRING A TERMINATED SEVIS RECORD: UNAM-San Antonio does not transfer a terminated record unless the student is accepted by another SEVP-certified school or academic institution that is willing to do a reinstatement and sign a waiver. In this circumstance, UNAM-San Antonio will proceed with the transfer process.
The student must present within 10 business days to the UNAM’s DSO:

• Written confirmation of the acceptance (New school Acceptance Letter)
• Reinstatement waiver letter
• Contact information for the new school’s DSO
• The SEVIS school code and the transfer-in form from the new school to ensure a correct school transfer.

The student has a 60 days grace period to leave the U.S and go back to their home country. If the student departs the United States before the end of the grace period, the rest of the grace period is lost. If the student you fails to depart during the post-completion grace period, this could adversely impact their ability to re-enter the United States under a different nonimmigrant or immigrant classification in the future Students: Understand your Post-completion Grace Period | Study in the States (dhs.gov).
Important Note: If you overstay your 60-day grace period established by USCIS, you could be accruing unlawful presence. This can lead to arrest and deportation proceedings. Accruing unlawful presence may result in being barred from the U.S. for many years or even permanently, determine by the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security.SEVIS auto-completes the student’s record after the appropriate grace period has passed. However, the student may not depart and return to the United States during the grace period. If the student departs the United States before the end of this grace period, the rest of the grace period is lost.

UNAM-San Antonio will send an email 30 days before the Program End Date printed on the form I-20, with follow-up instructions on how to extend the student SEVIS record.
A student may be able to extend their I-20 form to continue studies at UNAM-San Antonio.

• The length of the extension will depend on the level that you are currently studying. 
• The maximum extension is up to six months depending on what level you are currently studying. 

Important Note: UNAM San Antonio is only allowed to extend the I-20 form a maximum of three (3) times. Therefore, we ask that you plan accordingly.
Extension Eligibility Criteria and Requirements. Students must:

• Have properly maintained active immigration status.
• Maintain good academic standing and 90% attendance, as required by the English Department’s attendance policy.
• Have a passing grade of 85 or higher in the Core Courses (Grammar, TOEFL, and/or Business English), as well as in English Practice and Complementary classes.
• Have sufficient funds to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for the duration of their stay (including dependents, if applicable).
• Submit current and up-to-date financial statements and an Affidavit of Financial Support.
• Maintain positive code of conduct with peers, instructors, and department administrators, as outlined in the Student Handbook.
• Comply with the U.S. government regulations as well as school policies, rules, and procedures.
• Pay the non-refundable $120.00 extension fee.
• Pay for the tuition of the next academic session before UNAM-San Antonio issues a new I-20 Form.

The new I-20 will be processed during the expiration week of your current I-20 and will be sent digitally (Broadcast Message 2003-03: New Electronic Form I-20 Issuance Guidance on ICE.gov/COVID19).
Important Note: If the student does not plan to continue their studies at UNAM-San Antonio, they must contact the DSO so that the SEVIS record can be completed or transferred. Failure to communicate with the DSO will result in automatic action by SEVP-SEVIS on the SEVIS record.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has not authorized UNAM-San Antonio to grant any student visa holder permission to work either on-campus or off-campus. 
If the student is found to be working part-time or full time, without government approval, the employment will be considered “unauthorized”. This will result in immediate termination of the SEVIS Record. No refunds should be expected, and the student must leave the U.S. immediately.
As an F-1 student, the primary purpose for staying in the U.S. must be reserved for full-time study, so that academic and career goals can be achieved.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents may investigate to confirm your departure. STUDENT VISA HOLDERS AND SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER Students who have an F-1 visa are NOT permitted to work and therefore are NOT eligible to have a Social Security number.

Students who will be studying in the U.S. for more than 4 weeks (30 days) and want to obtain a Texas Driver’s License, please visit the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) at: Driver License | Department of Public Safety (texas.gov) for more information.
U.S. agencies may need to verify the immigration status to process any application. If you need an immigration status verification for the DPS, visit the SAVE CaseCheck | USCIS
Other documents that you may need are proof of enrollment, like your payment receipt at the time of registration.  Important Note: UNAM-San Antonio does not give proof of enrollment (like letters or any other document) and is not responsible for any student involvement or outcome with any Federal and State agencies, other than USCIS and the DHS.

Students who have been admitted to UNAM-San Antonio on an F-1 visa may request an F-2 dependent visa for children (under 21 years of age) and/or a spouse. Pay the non-refundable $50.00 fee per dependent.
Restrictions of F-2 dependents: 

• Are NOT allowed to work.
• F-2 dependents are not allowed to study as full-time students. An F-2 status that wishes to pursue a full-time academic program, must apply for an F-1 visa status.
• F-2 visa holders lose their status once the F-1 student completes and/or finishes their course of study.
• Children under the age of 21 with F-2 status may enroll in elementary, middle school or high school. 
• Dependents lose their F-2 status once they turn 21.

2025

Fall 1
Last Date for Application Submission June 13, 2025
Last Date for Transfer Visa Submission July 11, 2025

Fall 2
Last Date for Application Submission July 11, 2025
Last Date for Transfer Visa Submission September 5, 2025

2026

Spring I
Last Date for Application Submission November 7, 2025
Last Date for Transfer Visa Submission December 5, 2025

Spring II
Last Date for Application Submission December 5, 2025
Last Date for Transfer Visa Submission February 6, 2026

Summer 2
No classes for F-1 visas

Summer I
Last Date for Application Submission February 20, 2026
Last Date for Transfer Visa Submission April 6, 2026

Fall 1
Last Date for Application Submission June 12, 2026
Last Date for Transfer Visa Submission July 10, 2026

2025

Summer 1
Session May 12 – June 27
Registration May 6 & 7

Fall 1
Session August 18 – October 3
Registration August 12 & 13

Fall 2
Session October 14 – December 4
Registration October 7 & 8

2026

Spring 1
Session January 12 – February 27
Registration January 6 & 7

Spring 2
Session March 9 – April 24
Registration March 3 & 4

Summer 1
Session May 11 – June 26
Registration May 5 & 6

Fall 1
Session August 17 – September 2
Registration August 11 & 1

2025

HOLIDAYS

April 18 – Good Friday
May 26 – Memorial Day
July 4 – Independence Day
September 1 – Labor Day
November 11 – Veterans Day
November 26–28 – Thanksgiving

NO CLASSES

 April 28 – May 2 – Fiesta Week
July 28 – August 8 – Summer Break
December 15, 2025 – January 2, 2026 – Winter Break

2026

HOLIDAYS

January 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
April 3 – Good Friday
May 25 – Memorial Day
July 3 – Independence Day Observance

NO CLASSES

April 20 – 24 – Fiesta Week
July 27 – August 7 – Summer Break

NOTE Classes are subject to change as deemed necessary by UNAM-San Antonio. The school reserves the right to close, cancel or change the start or end date of any session during the academic year.

The US government requires proof of income to confirm that you have the resources to follow through on any financial responsibilities involved in accomplishing your purpose for being here with an F-1 student visa. If you hold an F1 Visa, your purpose for being allowed to stay in the country is to be a student. This means that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services expects you to already have a budget set aside for taking care of all financial obligations to the school before you even arrive. It is expected that you would consider this your first financial priority.

UNAM – SAN ANTONIO 2025 ACADEMIC YEAR FEES

SEVIS – Estimated Expenses (2 Sessions) For New & Transfer Students

• Tuition and Fees $3,500.00
• Living Expenses $9,000.00
• Total per Student $12,500.00
(estimated; varies per session & level)

Dependents Expenses

• Per Dependent $4,000.00
• Total w/ Dependent $16,500.00
(estimated; varies per session & level)

Other expenses not included: application fee, health insurance, travel, recreational, etc.

Full Year Cost Estimates

• 3 Sessions
Tuition & Fees $5,250.00
Living Expenses $13,500.00
Total $18,750.00

• 4 Sessions
Tuition & Fees $7,000.00
Living Expenses $18,000.00
Total $25,000.00

• 5 Sessions
Tuition & Fees $8,750.00
Living Expenses $22,500.00
Total $31,250.00

• 6 Sessions
Tuition & Fees $10,500.00
Living Expenses $27,000.00
Total $37,500.00

❖ Each session consists of seven (7) weeks. Two (2) sessions equal one academic semester.

Prospective students will be notified of the UNAM-San Antonio Evaluation Committee’s decision—acceptance or denial—within 10 business days of the date the application is received. Please note that acceptance by the institution does not guarantee approval of F-1 student visa status.
To begin the application process and for frequently asked questions, please contact:
Laura Carreon

• Executive Assistant to the Director
• International Student Advisor & DSO
• UNAM San Antonio
• Office (210) 222.8626 ext. 0222 
• Email: laurac@unam.mx