Skip Navigation
You Are In: Visas > Non-Immigrant Visas > Student Visas
Skip Left Section Navigation

Studying in the United States

Please follow these steps for a United States student visa or exchange visa (F-1,M-1, or J-1).

  1. Obtain an I-20A-B Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status for Academic and Language Students or I-20M-N Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students from the U.S. school you plan to attend.  If traveling for an exchange program, your program will provide you a DS-2019 acceptance form.  All exchange and student visas require these certificates of acceptance before a visa can be issued.

  2. Register with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) at  www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/
    Pay the required registration fee, and bring proof of payment of the fee with to your interview.

  3. Fill in forms DS-156, DS-157, and DS-158 in English, submit, and print a copy to bring with to your interview. You must fill in your form on the computer, as hand-written forms will not be accepted.  Forms sent by fax or mail will not be accepted.

  4. Get two photos that meet the photograph criteria and bring these to the interview.

  5. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity after the intended date of travel and the names of all children written in Latin characters.  Bring this to your interview.

  6. Bring $131 in U.S. or local currency for the non-refundable visa fee.

  7. Provide the following documentation: 

    • Evidence that sufficient funds are, or will be, available from an identified and reliable financial resource to defray all living and school expenses during the entire period of anticipated study in the United States.  Applicants for an "M" visa must have evidence that sufficient funds are immediately available to pay all tuition and living costs for the entire period of intended stay.

    • For Student Visa renewal, applicants MUST send or bring in the official transcripts for the previous year(s).

  8. Request a Non-Immigrant Visa Appointment.


     

Visa Appointments

For an appointment, please follow instructions under Non-Immigrant Visas based on your purpose of travel.

Visa Wait Times

Average Wait Time for an Appointment:2 Days

Average Wait Time for Visa Processing:3 Days