Applying for a Visa

A U.S. visa is an entry document issued by the U.S. government, typically at an embassy or consulate outside the United States. It is affixed to a page in your passport and certifies that a consular officer has found you eligible to apply for admission to the U.S. at a port of entry in a specific classification — such as F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor.

Exceptions

  • Citizens of Canada or Bermuda are not required to obtain an entry visa. You are still required to apply for an I-20/DS-2019. 

  • If you have an unexpired visa, you are not required to apply for a new one. You are still required to apply for an I-20/DS-2019.

Updates

There have been recent updates to visa reciprocity tables, which updates the duration of a visa for many countries. There have also been updates from the US Department of State which now require that all non-immigrants apply through their country of citizenship or country of residency for a US visa.

Please read our travel information page for details. 

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How to Apply for a Visa

 

Receive your I-20/DS-2019 form and Pay the SEVIS Fee

Complete the DS-160 Visa Application

  • You are required to submit the DS-160.
  • Review frequently asked questions about the DS-160.
  • Answer truthfully to the best of your knowledge. The ISS cannot provide advice on completing the DS-160.
  • Contact your local embassy or consulate with any questions.

Prepare Documents

  • Passport (valid for at least six months beyond the date of travel to the U.S.)
  • DS-160 confirmation page
  • Valid I-20/DS-2019
  • KU admission letter/email (if F-1/J-1 student)
  • KU Offer letter/KU Invitation letter (if J-1 scholar)
  • SEVIS Fee Receipt
  • Financial documents (issued within the previous 3 months)
  • Any other documents listed on embassy/consulate website

Dependents should have these documents ready as well.

  • Passport (valid for at least six months beyond the date of travel to the U.S.)
  • DS-160 confirmation page
  • Dependent I-20/DS-2019

Schedule Your Visa Interview

  • Follow the instructions for your embassy or consulate.
  • The earliest you can interview for your visa is 365 days before your start date.
  • It is generally recommended that you apply for a visa in your home country rather than a third country if possible.
  • Each embassy has its own visa processing times.

Expedite Interview Request

  • Once you schedule your interview with the embassy, if you will not be able to arrive on time before your DS-2019/I-20 start date, then it may be possible to request an expedited/emergency interview.

Attend Interview

Review 10 points to remember when applying for a non-immigrant visa from NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the leading organization committed to international education and exchange.

  • Copy of student’s I-20/DS-2019
  • Copy of student’s KU admission letter/email
  • Financial documents
  • Proof of relationship to student (marriage or birth certificate)
    • Copy of student’s visa page and copy of student’s I-94 Arrival Record (only if the student is already in the U.S. and dependent(s) will follow later)

Receive and Review Your Entry Visa

  • Your visa issuance will take several days/weeks.
  • Check the visa in your passport to make sure that all the information on it is correct.
  • Your I-20/DS-2019 should be returned to you. You will need it to enter the U.S.

J-1 Exchange Visitors

Many J-1 Exchange Visitors become subject to the INA 212(e) two-year home country physical presence requirement. The consular officer makes a preliminary determination at the time of your interview if you will be subject to this requirement upon entering the U.S. in J-1 status. It should be marked on both your J-1 visa and your DS-2019. (Note: sometimes these initial determinations are incorrect.)

You can learn more about why and if you are subject, and the specific limitations set forth by the two-year home residency requirement.

Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens do not need a U.S. visa, but they must present a valid passport, proof of finances, I-20 or DS-2019, and SEVIS fee receipt at the U.S. port of entry.

Tips for a Successful Visa Interview

The following are tips to help you succeed in your visa interview.

  • Include all Social Media Handles in your DS-160 form. Use actual link.
  • Be honest, friendly, and have a good attitude.
  • Be on time and prepared.
  • Be prepared to do the interview in English.
  • Keep your answers simple, and to the point.
  • If asked, share information about your academic background and what you expect to get out of your education in the U.S.
  • Be prepared to show strong ties to your home country.
  • Organize your documentation so is can be presented without hesitation, if asked.
  • Be prepared to show sufficient financial proof that a sum at least equal to the amount indicated on the I-20 is readily available.
  • If you are married, and your family is remaining in your home country, be prepared to explain how they will support themselves in your absence.
  • Mention any family member who has complete higher education in the U.S. who has now returned to your country.
  • Be prepared to address a mandatory military service if your country has one.

The following are things you should not do during the visa interview.

  • Do not bring family, friends, electronics (including cellphones), glass, food, lighters, cigarettes, makeup, or belt buckles.
  • Do not state that you intend to work in the U.S., even temporarily, after completing your studies.

Please remember to show sufficient finances to support any dependents. If your visa is denied, politely request the reason for the denial in writing.

Visa Renewal

If your visa expires while you are maintaining status and in the U.S., nothing happens because it is a travel document only. Please learn more about visa expiration. However, if you are traveling internationally, you will need an unexpired visa to request entry into the U.S. (with the potential exception when traveling from Canada, Mexico, or certain Adjacent Caribbean Islands).

The visa renewal process is similar to the initial F-1 or J-1 student visa application outlined above. You must obtain the visa from a US consulate or embassy abroad, ideally in your home country where you were last successful, and you will need to establish your non-immigrant intent and ties to your home country.

Documents Required

Generally these are the documents you need, but each consulate may require additional application materials so check with the consulate at which you will apply. 

  1. your passport (valid at least 6 months into the future)
  2. most recent I-20/DS-2019 form with valid travel signature, and updated proof of funding.
  3. a copy of your transcripts and a certificate of enrollment from the Registrar, if applying for a visa during your academic program.
  4. funding documentation
  5. your EAD card and proof of employment, if you are on OPT or STEM OPT Extension