How to Apply for a Visa

Consulate appointment
As part of the visa application process, an interview at the embassy consular section is required for visa applicants aged 14 through 79. The waiting time for an interview appointment for applicants can vary, so early visa application is strongly encouraged. Visa wait times for interview appointments and visa processing time information for each U.S. Embassy or Consulate worldwide is available at http://usembassy.state.gov/ and on most embassy websites. During the visa application process, a quick two-digit ink-free fingerprint scan will be taken. Some applicants will need additional screening, and will be notified when they apply. Also, because each student’s personal and academic situation varies; different students applying for same visa may be asked different questions and be required to submit different documents. For that reason, the guidelines that follow are general and can be abridged or expanded by consular officers overseas, depending on each student’s situation.

Keep in mind that June, July, and August are the busiest months in most consular sections, and interview appointments are the most difficult to get during that period.To the extent possible, students should bring the documents suggested below, as well as any other documents that might help establish their ties to the local community.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
All student visa applicants must have following documents:

1. Current, valid passport
   
2. Application fees
   
3. Application Forms
   
4. Photograph
   
5. The form I-20 and acceptance letter from school, tuition payment receipt
   
6. Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States
   
7. Evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad
   
8. Evidence of Language Proficiency
   

You can use it as a checklist for preparing your documents. The applicant should provide all of these documents when the consular staff asks for her/his Application Fees’ receipt and DS-Forms.

There is no or single document, certificate, or letter that can guarantee visa issuance. But, sorting documents in the following way is recommended. Our expert’s experience proved that categorization and sorting documents in the above manner might the maximize applicant’s chance for getting a visa.

Besides these documents, applicant should have any additional documents that may be requested. We recommend that you organize the extra documents.

1. Current, valid passport- 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.
   
2. Application fees- Each applicant for a student visa must pay a nonrefundable US$100 application fee to SEVIS. Some applicants, according to nationality and type of visa, must also pay an issuance fee.
   
3. Application Forms- An application Form DS-156, together with a Form DS-158. Both forms must be completed and signed. Some applicants will also be required to complete and sign Form DS-157. A separate form is needed for children, even if they are included in a parent’s passport.
   
4. Photograph. Requirements are strict for photograph size, type and quality. Check with your nearest consulate for specifications before you get your picture taken. Applicants should submit their Nonimmigrant Visa Application, DS-156 with the new photo format, as explained in more details at www.applyadvice.com.
   
5. The form I-20 To apply for an F1 student visa, you must have a valid I-20 form. Your U.S. school will send you the appropriate form after you have been admitted and after you have certified your available finances. You are not required to provide the visa officer your admission letter.

   Your I-20 form shows everything and providing useless extra documents can only make him/her confused. However, these documents should be kept on hand, in case the need for them arises.
   

6. Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States. Every applicant applying for a student visa needs to show sufficient financial resources to study and live in the United States for the time he/she is here. The length of study determines the amount. The estimated cost for tuition, housing and meals for a 12-weeks program is about US$5000. For example, if you plan to study for 24-weeks (6 months), you will need to show at least US$8000 of financial resources; US$14000 for one year. If you are applying for two years, you will only need to show one year of financial support.
   • This info varies. Please refer to the table for required amounts.
   
   
7. Evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad. The conclusion that a student’s proposed education or training would not appear to be useful in the homeland is not, in itself, a basis for refusing an F1. It may, however, be a relevant factor in the overall assessment of the likelihood of the alien’s return. This may be particularly true where F1 coursework is advanced far beyond local needs.
   Generally, there are 3 types of sponsors:
   
   
   
   • Self-Sponsor: If you are supporting yourself, you will need to submit your bank statement.
     
   • US Citizen or Permanent Resident Sponsors: If your sponsor is a US citizen or permanent resident, they will need to complete and notarize an I-134 Affidavit of Support Form and submit a copy along with their financial documents as explained on the form. Contact us for a form if you cannot download it.
     
   • Other Sponsors: All other sponsors (non-US citizens or permanent residents) will need to submit their bank statement along with an affidavit verifying their sponsorship. Some banks will provide an affidavit on the bank statement. If your bank does not provide this service, ask your sponsor to complete a sponsorship certificate and submit it along with a bank statement.
     
   
   
8. Evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad. The fact that a student’s proposed education or training would not appear to be useful in the homeland is not, in itself, a basis for refusing an F-1. It may, however, be a relevant factor in the overall assessment of the likelihood of the alien’s return. This may be particularly true where F-1 coursework is advanced far beyond local needs.

   Strong ties differ from country to country, city to city, individual to individual. Some examples of ties can be a family, a job, a house, and a bank account. “Ties” are the various aspects of your life that bind you to your country of residence: your family and social relationships, employment, and possessions. Each person’s situation is different.

   Consular officers are aware of this diversity. During the visa interview they consider professional, social, cultural and other factors. In cases of younger applicants who may not have had an opportunity to form many ties, consular officers may look at specific intentions, family situations, and long-range plans and prospects within the country of residence.