In general, for academic students attending a university, college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory or other academic institutions, including a language training program, an F visa is the appropriate category.
For students attending vocational or other recognized nonacademic institutions, other than a language training program, an M visa is generally the appropriate category.
Application Procedures
Please note: appointments can only be made 2 weeks in advance.
If there are no appointments, available, please tray back another time. Individuals with urgent situations may request an expedited visa appointment.
Required Documentation & Application Fees
Each applicant for a student visa must submit these forms and documentation as explained below:
- DS-160 confirmation sheet (this is obtained after completing and submitting the form)
- A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States
- One (1) 2x2 photograph. See the required photo format explained in Nonimmigrant Photograph Requirements.
- BIM receipt showing payment of the NIV application fee.
- The SEVIS I-901 fee receipt.
- SEVIS generated Form, I-20, provided to you by your school. You and your school official must sign the I-20 form.
In addition to all of the documentation requirements explained above, the following original documentation is also suggested:
- Transcripts and diplomas from all institutions attended (including high school);
- Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.;
- Financial evidence (such as bank statements) that shows you or your sponsor has sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study.
- If you have a sponsor, provide a letter from the sponsor indicating they will cover all your costs while in the U.S.
Additional Documentation
Applicants must demonstrate that they are properly classifiable as visitors under U.S. law by:
- Evidence which shows the purpose of the trip, intent to depart the United States, and arrangements made to cover the costs of the trip may be provided. It is impossible to specify the exact form the documentation should take since applicants' circumstances vary greatly.
- Those applicants who do not have sufficient funds to support themselves while in the U.S. must present convincing evidence that an interested person will provide support.
- Evidence to show that the applicant has a residence abroad to which he/she intends to return at the end of the stay in the U.S. This is generally established by evidence of family, professional, property, employment or other ties and commitments to some country other than the U.S. sufficient to cause the applicant to return there at the conclusion of his/her stay.
Do not have supporting documentation faxed, e-mailed, or sent to the Embassy; it will be thrown away. Bring all supporting documentation with you for the interview.
Returning Students
All applicants applying for renewals must:
Returning students enrolled in a program that is starting in the very near future, may request an expedited appointment.
All applicants applying for renewals must submit:
- All items listed in the Required Documentation section
- A new I-20 or an I-20 that has been endorsed on the back by a school official within the past 12 months.
