Applying for a Visa

First Steps Towards Applying for a U.S. Visa

After receiving a Form DS-2019, you must obtain a visa to enter the U.S. Before, you begin the process, make sure that your information is true and accurate on the Form DS-2019. If you find an error, please contact your International Services Representative.

Find your local U.S. Consulate or Embassy to ask about how to get an F-1 visa. Follow their instructions to schedule an interview. It is important to apply for your visa as far in advance as possible. Many consulates recommend that appointments be made no more than 120 days in advance of the intended date of travel. Note that not all visa appointment can be done on the same day so it is best to check what the visa appointment wait times are for your local U.S. Consulate or Embassy.

Pay the visa application fee by following instructions on your local U.S. embassy’s or consulate’s website. You will also need to have paid the SEVIS fee.

Complete the following:

  • DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, as well as any other forms indicated on the website  (You should print out a copy of this form before you hit the ‘submit’ button, and keep this for your records as evidence of what you submitted.)
    Note: The U.S. Department of State requires that nonimmigrant visa applicants provide their username for all social media accounts that have been used within the last five years at the time of application for the visa.

Helpful Links

Administrative Processing

If your visa request requires additional screening, commonly referred to as Administrative Processing, please inform your International Services Representative and department.

Email OIS

SEVIS Fee

What is SEVIS?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a web-based system for maintaining information on international students and exchange visitors in the United States, administered by the Department of Homeland Security.

What is the SEVIS fee?

The SEVIS fee is required of all foreign nationals who come to the U.S. for the purpose of pursuing a full course of study in institutions such as colleges, universities, language training programs and research-based programs.

How does one pay the fee?

Follow the instructions on the following website. This fee is separate from and in addition to the visa application fee. The SEVIS fee must be paid online or by mail. It cannot be paid at a U.S. embassy or consulate, or port of entry.

Payment instructions:

  1. Visit I-901 SEVIS Fee Processing
  2. Complete the form online and provide the required payment information. Be sure to write your name exactly as it appears on the Form DS-2019.
  3. Print a copy of the online receipt.
  4. Be sure to make copies of your receipt, and keep it with your other important immigration documents.

(A third party such as a friend, family member, or other interested party can pay the fee on your behalf through the same means described above.)

Electronic payments must be submitted at least 3 business days in advance of the interview.

Once paid, the SEVIS fee is non-refundable, unless paid by mistake, even if your visa is denied or if subsequent to issuance of the visa you choose not to come to the United States.

For those immigrants who are Canadian citizens and do not need a visa to enter the U.S. as a student or exchange visitor, the fee must be paid and fully processed before applying for entry at a U.S. Port of Entry.

Preparation for Interview

Prepare and bring the following to your visa interview:

  • A passport valid for at least six months beyond the end date indicated on your Form DS-2019
  • Form DS-2019
  • Offer letter
  • Copies of completed visa applications (including DS-160, and any other forms required by the embassy or consulate)
  • Two passport-style photographs. You should follow the format requirements described on the U.S. State Department.
  • A receipt for the visa application fee
  • A receipt for the SEVIS fee
  • Financial evidence that shows you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period you intend to stay in the U.S.
  • Any information that proves that you will return to your home country after finishing your program in the United States (This may include proof of property, family, or other ties to your community.)
  • All other documents required as indicated on the website of the U.S. consulate or embassy

Visa Interview

When you apply for your visa, the consular officer will ask you some questions and review your documentation.

Pointers to remember when applying for a nonimmigrant visa:

  1. Ties to your Home Country: Explain why you intend to return home after your activities in the U.S. Emphasize ties to your home country such as family obligations, property or investments that you own or will inherit and clear explanations of how you plan to use your education to help your country or pursue a career when you return home.
  2. English: Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English.
  3. Speak for Yourself: The consular officer wants to interview the person applying for the visa. A negative impression is created if you are not prepared to speak on your own behalf.
  4. Know the Program: You should be able to articulate the reasons why you will study and/or conduct research in a particular program in the U.S.
  5. Focus: Because of the volume of applications received, all consular officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision, for the most part, on the impressions they form during the first minutes of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you create are critical to your success. Keep your answers to the officer’s questions short and to the point. Officials try to detect an applicant’s intentions that may be different than those of a potential student who is to return to their home country after training. Keep your answers short and to the point.

Financial Documentation: Be prepared to prove financial ability to pay for your living expenses. You must show the consular officer that you have available the amount in U.S. dollars listed in your Form DS-2019. Your financial evidence should be in the form of bank statements, affidavits of support, scholarship award letters, employment letter, etc…