海角社区

Getting an F-1 Visa

You have been admitted to 海角社区 and received a valid I-20 or DS 2019. You have paid the SEVIS fee and printed the receipt.  You are currently outside the U.S and do not have a valid F-1 visa, and must therefore apply for an F-1 visa. The length of the visa will vary depending upon the country of which you are a citizen and length of your period of study. It is usually, but not always, for five years.

Below you will find general information on applying for a visa. Each  may require additional documents, so be sure to consult the website of the Embassy in your country of origin. You should apply in the country of which you are a citizen. If you apply in another country, the chances of being denied the visa are greater.

After consulting the website of the appropriate , you should make an appointment. Be sure to prepare all required documents before you go for your visa interview. You will have already submitted your visa application form DS-160 online. For instructions on how to complete the DS160, go to .

You should have the following available at your appointment:

  • A passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry
  • One photograph measuring 2鈥 x 2鈥 taken within the last six months
  • A receipt for the visa processing fee and the SEVIS fee
  • All three pages of the I-20 (F-1) or DS 2019 (J-1) Form. This form must bear the signature of 海角社区鈥檚 designated school official (DSO) and you must sign and date it on the appropriate line
  • Original financial documents, such as a current bank statement or a scholarship offer from the university, showing that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses.
  • Transcripts of diplomas and test scores from standardized tests, such as TOEFL, GMAT, ACT, may be required
  • Proof of close ties to your home county to show that you have no intention in immigrating to the United States. U.S. law presumes that all non-immigrant visa applicants have the intent to immigrate and you must convince the consular officer that you will return to your home country upon completion of your studies.
  • Receipt for SEVIS I-901. To pay the (F-1) or (J-1) fee, go to .
  • Visa application form DS-160, submitted online

For questions that may be asked at the visa interview, visit Preparing for Your Visa Interview

 details on applying for a visa.