Applicants for student visas should apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate closest to their place of permanent residence. First time student visa applicants are required to appear for an in-person interview. Keep in mind that June, July, and August are the busiest months in most consular sections, and interview appointments are the most difficult to get during that period. Students need to plan ahead to avoid having to make repeat visits to the Embassy. Students should consult Embassy websites or call for specific instructions.

When do I Need to Apply for a Student Visa?

What is Needed to Apply for a Student Visa?

Important Additional Information!

Useful links for more information/updates

WHEN DO I NEED TO APPLY FOR MY STUDENT VISA?

• You are encouraged to apply early to provide ample time for visa processing. You may apply for your visa as soon as you have your Form I-20.

• You should note that Embassies and Consulates are able to issue your visa in 90 days or less, in advance of your start date as shown on your Form I-20.

• You are advised of the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) regulation which requires that students enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the start/report date as shown on their Form I-20.

Applying early and providing the requested documents does not guarantee that you will receive a visa. Each student’s personal and academic situation is different. For that reason, the guidelines that follow are general and can be shortened or expanded by consular officers, depending on your situation.

All applicants for a student visa must provide:

• A nonrefundable US$100 application fee with an application Form DS-156 and Form DS-158 (‘e-forms’ available at website link listed on the following page; hard-copy forms available at Embassy Consular Section). Both forms must be completed and signed. Some applicants will also be required submit Form DS-157. A separate form is needed for children, even if they are included in a parent's passport;

• A SEVIS Form I-20 obtained from a U.S. college, school or university. Please be sure to submit all 3 pages of the I-20. The form must also be signed by you and by a school official in the appropriate places;

• A passport valid for at least 6 months after your proposed entry date into the United States;

• One (1) 2x2 photograph. See the photo format explained in nonimmigrant photograph requirements at http://www.travel.state.gov/photorequirements.html;

• A receipt showing payment of the visa application fee for each applicant, including each child listed in a parent’s passport who is also applying for a U.S. visa, is needed.

All applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended;

• Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL;

• Financial evidence (e.g. bank statements) that shows you or your sponsor(s) have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study;

• Explanation for choosing a course of study in the U.S.

I-901 SEVIS Fee

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is now collecting a fee from international students to cover the costs of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

The payment of I-901 fees will be recorded and tracked in SEVIS, the automated system for managing information about nonimmigrant student and exchange visitors in the U.S.

Who pays the fee?

Those who wish to enter the United States either as a student or an exchange visitor with a Form I-20 or DS-2019 dated on or after September 1, 2004, or by a third party such as the student’s relative or sponsor.

Spouses and dependent children (F-2) of students or exchange visitors (J-2) do NOT pay this fee.

How much is the fee?  $100 for F-1 students.

How is the fee paid?

• Through the Internet at www.FMJfee.com by using a credit card and completing the online Form I-901(print and retain online receipt to take with you to your visa interview); or
• Through the mail by submitting a completed Form I-901 and a check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank and payable in U.S. currency t

For urgent questions or problems, call the I-901 Help Desk at (785) 330-1048.

When do prospective students pay the SEVIS fee? 

Applicants who require a visa to enter the United States must pay the SEVIS fee before going to the U.S. embassy or consulate for their visa interviews.

The interviewing consular officer will confirm that the fee has been paid by accessing SEVIS. To allow for adequate processing time the fee must be paid: 

• At least three business days prior to the visa interview date for electronic submissions.
• For regular mail submissions, 15 business days should be allowed before the scheduled visa interview.

Nonimmigrants currently in the United States who apply for student status must pay the fee before filing their change of status application.

Applicants with dependents must also provide:

• Proof of the student’s relationship to his/her spouse and/or children (e.g., marriage and birth certificates) ;

• Families should apply for F-1 and F-2 visas at the same time, but if the spouse and children must apply separately at a later time, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder’s passport and visa, along with all other required documents.

Student visa applicants must establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer that they have strong ties to a residence in their home country which they have no intention of abandoning, and that they will depart the United States when they have completed their studies. Applicants should prepare documents that support this claim.

U.S. Port of Entry

Applicants should be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The immigration inspector has authority to deny admission. Also, the period for which the bearer of a visa is authorized to remain in the United States is determined by the immigration inspector, not the consular officer. At the port of entry, an inspector validates the Forms I-20 and I-94, Record of Arrival-Departure, which notes the length of stay permitted.

Employment

An F-1 student may not accept off-campus employment at any time during the first year of study; however, in special cases, permission to accept off-campus employment may be granted after one year. F-1 students may accept on-campus employment from the school without DHS permission. Spouses and children of students may not accept employment at any time.

Further Inquiries

Questions on how to obtain the SEVIS Form I-20 should be made to the educational institution. Questions on visa application procedures and inquiries on visa cases in progress overseas should be addressed to the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your case.

How long may I stay on my F-1 student visa?

When you enter the United States on a student visa, you will usually be admitted for the duration of your student status. That means you may stay as long as you are a full time student, even if the F-1 visa in your passport expires while you are in the U.S.

http://www.FMJfee.com/ - I-901 SEVIS fee payment online.

http://educationusa.state.gov/usvisa.htm

http://www.dhs.gov/ - U.S. Department of Homeland Security Homepage. For information on immigration and visitor entry to the U.S.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_types_students2.html - For more information on student visas.

http://educationusa.state.gov/ - For general student related information. Learn about educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate study, opportunities for scholars, financial aid, testing, admissions, and much more.

http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/frvi_forms.html - To access visa application Form DS-156. You may also check with the Embassy Consular Section where you will apply to check if the hard-copy blank DS-156 form is available.

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/embassies/embassies_1214.html - Inquiries on visa cases in progress overseas. Contact the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your case.

http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1300.html - For applicants who may have additional processing requirements.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi_denials.html - Reasons for visa denials and how to reapply.