Non-Immigrant Visas

Student and Exchange Visitor Visas (F, J and M Visas)

Applicants planning to study in the United States or participate in international exchange programs should make their visa appointments with the Consular Section at least two months before their entry date.  However, please be aware that U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulations state that holders of F, M, or J nonimmigrant visas will not be admitted to the United States more than thirty days prior to the beginning of the program date, or start date, as given on the Form I-20 (for F or M visas) or DS-2019 (for J visas).

The U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) provides two nonimmigrant visa classifications for persons wishing to study in the United States.  At an educational institution approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the "F" visa is for academic studies, and the "M" visa is for nonacademic or vocational studies. 

Student Visa Processing

In addition to all the documents required for regular non-immigrant visa applicants, student visa applicants must bring the following:

• Form DS-157 – Supplementary Form for Non-Immigrant Visa Applications
• Form DS-158 – Contact and Work History Form
• Original SEVIS-generated Form I-20 (Nonimmigrant Student Status for Academic and Language Students) or Original SEVIS-generated Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor) for J applicants
• Proof of SEVIS Fee payment.
• Evidence of the applicant’s or applicant’s parents’, if minor, ties and financial status in Mali.
• Relevant diplomas and degrees obtained in Mali.
• Grades, transcripts from educational institution.
• Financial evidence showing sufficient funds to cover the costs for the first year of intended study and a reasonable source of funds thereafter.  Specifically…

• Exchange visitor (J-1) visa applicants must have sufficient funds to cover all expenses, or funds must be provided by the sponsoring organization in the form of a scholarship or other stipend.

• Academic and Language (F-1) student visa applicants must prove that sufficient funds are or will be available from an identified and reliable source to defray all living and school expenses during the entire period of anticipated study in the United States. Specifically, applicants must prove they have enough readily available funds to meet all expenses for the first year of study, and that adequate funds will be available for each subsequent year of study.

• Nonacademic or vocational (M-1) applicants must have evidence that sufficient funds are immediately available to pay all tuition and livings costs for the entire period of intended stay. 

Additional Information on Student Visas

Being accepted by a U.S. school and being issued a Form I-20 will not by itself result in issuance of a student visa. 
Students must demonstrate that the primary purpose for their travel to the United States is for study. Under Section 214(b) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, applicants still must prove that they will leave the United States upon expiration of their authorized period of stay. A school admission as demonstrated by the Form I-20 is only one of the factors we must consider. 
Student visas cannot be used to circumvent ineligibility for other types of visas. On occasion student visa applications are submitted for children, whose family members have immigrated to the United States, it is often difficult for such applicants to qualify, as it is difficult to prove that the applicant intends to return to Mali.   
For more information on student visa policy and procedures, visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1270.html

Additional Information on Exchange Visitor Visas

Section 212 (e) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act requires that certain "J" exchange visitors meet a two-year residency requirement in their home country prior to leaving to live or work in another. Exchange visitors should return to their home-country or last country of residence immediately after the completion of training/education and take residence in said country for at least two years.

Derivatives

The spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old of the F, J or M visa holder may be given F-2, J-2 or M-2 visas, respectively, if they seek to accompany or "follow to join" the primary visa holder.   Each family member must also present an Original SEVIS generated I-20 or DS-2019 in their own name to be considered.  Civil documents proving the relationship between the derivatives and the primary applicant are also required.

Returning Students

Returning Students should apply for their visas well in advance of their anticipated date of arrival in the United States.  Returning students should bring a valid I-20 as well as transcripts from their previous studies in the U.S.