Applying for Your Visa
Students and exchange visitors should plan early for their visa and complete the necessary steps. Once you have secured your visa, prepare to arrive in the U.S. prior to the program start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019.
Non-U.S. citizens seeking to enter the United States for study or exchange must generally first obtain an accurate U.S. visa issued by the to enter the United States. Individual applicants should refer to your local for instructions and plan early to avoid study or exchange interruptions resulting from delays.
Visa Types
Before applying for a visa, you must be accepted by 91吃瓜网 and have received your I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J).
Common visa types:
- F Student Visa: Most common visa status for full-time study.
- J Exchange Visa: For participation in an exchange program.
Learn more: Student I-20 & DS-2019 Requests
Visa Application Steps
Steps may vary by Embassy or Consulate. Always follow local instructions.
Learn more:
- Required before your visa interview.
- Payment is completed online.
Learn more:
- Submit the
- Pay the required
- Follow instructions for your visa photo
- Access the DS-160 via the
- Schedule at your .
- Wait times vary by location, season, and visa type; apply early.
Learn more:
Prepare the following for your visa interview:
- Valid passport
- Visa photo
- Form I-20 or DS-2019
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Application fee payment receipt
- Financial documents
- Additional documents may be requested by the consular officer.
- Consular officers will review applicants鈥� social media and online presence.
- Applicants must disclose all platforms used in the past five years.
- F, and J visa applicants must adjust your privacy settings to public.
Knowing what to expect during your interview and preparing in advance are the best chances for being successful. During the interview, you will be asked questions by the Consular Officer to determine your eligibility for a visa.
Tips for a successful interview:
- Interviews are usually conducted in English and may be brief.
- Be prepared to explain:
- Why you chose 91吃瓜网
- Your field of study
- Your plans after completing your program
- Show ability to pay all educational, living, and travel costs.
- Demonstrate strong ties to your home country.
- Practice potential questions in advance.
- Have academic transcripts, official test scores, or professional experience documents ready.
- Know your I-20 or DS-2019 details.
- Passport
- Visa Photo
- I-20 (F visas) or DS-2019 (J visas)
- 聽DS-160 Confirmation Page
- Receipts for the visa application and SEVIS fee
- Academic records such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended
- Evidence of your intent to depart the United States following your program completion
- Standardized test scores required by your US institution
- Financial documentation proving you have enough funds to cover all expenses associated with your program.
The consular officer will determine if you qualify for a student visa under U.S. law.
Expedited Visa Appointment Requests
Handled solely by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Review embassy/consulate guidance and follow official procedures.
Limited emergency appointment slots are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Provide an I-20 or DS-2019 showing that you would miss program start without an expedited appointment.
- Schedule the earliest available regular appointment online.
- Log in and submit an 鈥淓mergency Request鈥� or similar form with valid reason and supporting documents.
Visa Support Letters
- The Office of International Services cannot provide letters for expedited visa appointments or special visa support.
- We can assist with general visa guidance and documentation for standard visa applications.
