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Eligibility & visa8 min

F-1 / I-20 visa (document prep)

Sequence I-20 → SEVIS → DS-160 → MRV → interview. For golf, proof of funds covers the non-scholarship part.

Guidance only — not legal advice nor an eligibility guarantee. Binding decisions rest with the NCAA Eligibility Center and US authorities.

Not immigration advice. Authority: US Dept. of State + the I-20-issuing university. Sequence: I-20 (issued by the school's DSO) → pay SEVIS I-901 ($350, 2026) → complete DS-160 → pay MRV ($185) → consulate interview in Spain. Bring: DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS & MRV receipts, passport, photos, proof of funds, transcript, proof of ties to Spain. Proof of funds typically covers the non-scholarship part (in many sports, athletic aid is partial).

Sources

Last reviewed: June 2026

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