VISA PROCESS
Payment Information
Although fees are listed in U.S. dollars, payment must be made using local currency. More information about payment options is here.
Restrictions
Your visa application fee is non-refundable and you cannot transfer it to another person. You will receive a receipt after paying the application fee. This receipt is valid for one year from the date of payment and allows you to schedule your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You must schedule your interview while the receipt is valid, which means your interview must be booked within one year of paying your fee. If you do not schedule an interview within a year of payment then your receipt will expire, you will not be able to schedule an interview, and you must pay the fee again and begin the process anew.
Visa Types and Application Fee Amounts
The application fees are listed below and apply to one visa application. The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is $160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190. K visas cost US$240 and the fee amount for E visas is US$270. The tables below are a more comprehensive list of visa types and fee amounts.
| Fee Amount (in USD) | Fee Amount (in INR) | Visa Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| $160 | B | Business/Tourist | |
| $160 | C-1 | Transit | |
| $160 | D | Ship/Airline Crew | |
| $160 | F | Student (academic) | |
| $160 | I | Journalist and Media | |
| $160 | J | Exchange Visitors | |
| $160 | M | Student (vocational) | |
| $160 | T | Victim of Human Trafficking | |
| $160 | TN/TD | NAFTA Professionals | |
| $160 | U | Victim of Criminal Activity | |
| $190 | H | Temporary/Seasonal Workers and Employment, Trainees | |
| $190 | L | Intracompany Transferees | |
| $190 | O | Persons with Extraordinary Ability | |
| $190 | P | Athletes. Artists & Entertainers | |
| $190 | Q | International Cultural Exchange | |
| $190 | R | Religious Worker | |
| $240 | K | Fiancé(e) or Spouse of U.S. Citizen | |
| $270 | E | Treaty Trader/Investor, Australian Professional Specialty |
| Visa Type | Description | Fee Amount (in USD) | Fee Amount (in INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B | Business/Tourist | $160 | |
| C-1 | Transit | $160 | |
| D | Ship/Airline Crew | $160 | |
| E | Treaty Trader/Investor, Australian Professional Specialty | $270 | |
| F | Student (academic) | $160 | |
| H | Temporary/Seasonal Workers and Employment, Trainees | $190 | |
| I | Journalist and Media | $160 | |
| J | Exchange Visitor | $160 | |
| K | Fiancé(e) or Spouse of U.S. Citizen | $240 | |
| L | Intracompany Transferees | $190 | |
| M | Student (vocational) | $160 | |
| O | Persons with Extraordinary Ability | $190 | |
| P | Athletes. Artists & Entertainers | $190 | |
| Q | International Cultural Exchange | $190 | |
| R | Religious Worker | $190 | |
| T | Victim of Human Trafficking | $160 | |
| TN/TD | NAFTA Professionals | $160 | |
| U | Victim of Criminal Activity | $160 |
Visa Types and Conditions with No Fee Required
- Applicants for A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO, and diplomatic visas (as defined in 22 CFR 41.26)
- Applicants holding J visas and who are participating in certain official U.S. Government-sponsored educational and cultural exchanges
- Replacement of a machine-readable visa within one year of visa issuance, when the original visa was not properly affixed or the visa needs to be reissued through no fault of the applicant
- Applicants exempted by international agreement, including members and staff of an observer mission to United Nations Headquarters recognized by the UN General Assembly, and their immediate families
- Applicants traveling to provide certain charitable services
- U.S. Government employees traveling on official business
- A parent, sibling, spouse or child of a U.S. Government employee killed in the line of duty who is traveling to attend the employee's funeral and/or burial; or a parent, sibling, spouse, son or daughter of a U.S. Government employee critically injured in the line of duty for visitation during urgent treatment and convalescence
Other Fees
In some cases, additional visa fees are paid directly to the National Visa Center, to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or to the Department of Homeland Security,
- Nonimmigrant Visa Issuance ("Reciprocity") Fees
Applicants from certain countries may be required to pay a visa issuance fee after their application is approved. These fees are based on "reciprocity" (what another country charges a U.S. citizen for a similar-type of visa). The United States strives to eliminate visa issuance fees whenever possible, however, when a foreign government imposes these fees on U.S. citizens for certain types of visas, the United States will impose a "reciprocal" fee on citizens of that country for similar types of visas. The Department of State's website has more information about visa issuance fees and can help you determine if an issuance fee applies to your nationality. - SEVIS Fees
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an Internet-based system that tracks F, M and J visa participants (and their family members) from the time they receive their initial documentation (either an I-20 or a DS-2019) until they graduate/leave school or conclude/leave program.F, M and J visa principal applicants: Check with your U.S. school to make sure your information has been entered into SEVIS. You will need to pay a separate SEVIS fee in addition to the visa application fee. For nonimmigrant students with Form I-20, the SEVIS fee is US$200. For most exchange visitors with Form DS-2019, the SEVIS fee is US$180. Proof of payment is required before your student or exchange visitor visa will be issued. Please bring your I-901 SEVIS fee receipt to your interview at the Embassy. Payment cannot be made at the Embassy or Consulate. Instructions for paying the SEVIS fee can be found here.SEVIS Fee Exception
Applicants participating in a U.S. Government sponsored program (programs whose codes begin with G-1, G-2, G-3, G-7) are not required to pay the SEVIS fee. - Blanket L Fees (Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee and Border Security Act Fee)
The principal applicant of a blanket L petition must pay a Fraud Prevention and Detection fee and a public law fee for H&L category, either of US$500, as well as a Border Security Act fee of US$2,250 in certain circumstances. The U.S. petitioner pays the Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee and Border Security fee for individual L and H-1B and H-2B petitions when the petition is filed with USCIS. These fees are to be paid at the Embassy/Consulates with a demand draft/cashier’s check.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
On this page:
- How long does my passport have to be valid in order to apply for a U. S. visa?
- Do I qualify for the Visa Waiver Program?
- What is the fee for ESTA and who has to pay it?
- If I travel to the United States without ESTA, what happens?
- If I am a third-country national living in the India can I apply for a nonimmigrant visa in New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata or Hyderabad?
- Do all nonimmigrant visa applicants have to come to the Embassy for an interview?
- I have a nonimmigrant visa that will expire soon and I would like to renew it. Do I need to go through the whole visa application process again?
- My passport has expired, but the U.S. visa in it is still valid. Do I need to apply for a new visa?
- I have dual citizenship. Which passport should I use to travel to the United States?
- How can I extend my visa?
- Must I submit my visa application form electronically?
- What is "administrative processing?"
- How do I read and understand my visa?
- My visa will expire while I am in the United States. Is there a problem with that?
- What will happen when I enter the U.S.?
- I did not turn in my I-94 when I left the United States. What should I do?
- I have questions on submitting my DS-160 and printing the confirmation page. Where can I go for more information?
You must possess a passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions).
You qualify for the Visa Waiver Program if you are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country, possess a machine-readable passport, are traveling for temporary business or a visit of less than 90 days, meet other program requirements, and have obtained an authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
You must be a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program-eligible country in order to use this program. Permanent residents of VWP-eligible countries do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program unless they are also citizens of VWP-eligible countries. We recommend you visit the Visa Waiver Program website before any travel to the U.S. to determine if you are eligible for the VWP.
ESTA registration is required for all travelers to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. There is a US$14 fee for ESTA registration. The fee can be paid online using a debit card or any of the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. Third parties (travel agents, family members, etc.) can pay your ESTA fee for you if you do not have the correct type of credit card. If the ESTA registration is denied, the fee is only US$4.
Visa Waiver Program travelers who have not obtained approval through ESTA should expect to be denied boarding on any air carrier bound for the United States. If you are allowed to board, you can expect to encounter significant delays and possible denial of admission at the U.S. port of entry (i.e., arrival airport). ESTA registration usually only takes a few minutes to complete, authorization often arrives in seconds, and it is valid for two years, unless the traveler’s passport expires within that two-year period. In those cases, ESTA validity is limited to the passport’s validity.
Q.5 If I am a third-country national living in the India, can I apply for a nonimmigrant visa in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata?
Applicants are generally advised to apply in their country of nationality or residence. Any person who is legally present in India may apply for a visa in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata. However, applicants should decide where to apply based on more than just convenience or delay in getting an appointment in their home district. One thing to consider, for example, is in which consular district the applicant can demonstrate the strongest ties.
There is no guarantee that a visa will be issued, nor is there a guarantee of processing time. If refused, there is no refund of the application fee.
Yes, for most applicants. There are only a few exceptions to the interview requirement. The following applicants generally do not have to appear in person:
- Applicants who are renewing their visa may be eligible for the Interview Waiver Program. Please visit the page http://cdn.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-visarenew.asp for more information about interview waiver eligibility.
- Applicants for A1, A2 (official travelers on central government business), C2, C3 (central government officials in transit on central government business) or G1, G2, G3, G4 (central government officials traveling in connection with an international organization, or employees of an international organization)
- Children under the age of 14 years of age at the date of the initial visa interview in the Embassy or Consulate if either of the parents have a valid nonimmigrant visa.
- Applicants over 80.
Q.7 I have a nonimmigrant visa that will expire soon and I would like to renew it. Do I need to go through the whole visa application process again?
Yes, unless you are eligible to apply using the Interview Waiver Program. Please visit the pagehttp://cdn.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-visarenew.asp for further information.
Q.8 My passport has expired, but the U.S. visa in it is still valid. Do I need to apply for a new visa?
No. If your visa is valid and unmarked or undamaged, you can travel with your two passports together (old and new), if the purpose of your travel matches your current nonimmigrant visa. Also, the name and other personal data must be the same in both passports (unless the name change was due to marriage), and both passports must be from the same country and of the same type (i.e., both tourist passports and both diplomatic passports).
If your name changed due to marriage, you can travel to the United States with both passports as well as your marriage certificate.
If one of your nationalities is not U.S., you can apply using whichever nationality you prefer, but you must disclose all nationalities to the Embassy on your application form. U.S. citizens, even dual citizens/nationals, must enter and depart the United States using a U.S. passport.
The validity of a visa cannot be extended regardless of its type. You will need to apply for a new visa.
Yes, you must complete the DS-160 and bring a printed copy of the the DS-160 confirmation page with you when you go for your interview at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate and at Visa Application Centre for Biometric.
Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after your interview with a consular officer. You are advised of this possibility when they apply. Most administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of the visa interview. This web page on the Consular Affairs website has more information about administrative processing.
As soon as you receive your visa, check to make sure all your personal information printed on the visa is correct. If any of the information on your visa does not match the information in your passport or is otherwise incorrect, please contact the issuing authority (i.e. the U.S. Embassy) immediately.
The expiration date of your visa is the last day you may use the visa to enter the United States. It does not indicate how long you may stay in the United States. Your stay is determined by the Department of Homeland Security at your port of entry. As long as you comply with the Department of Homeland Security decision on the conditions of your stay, you should have no problem.
Further information about interpreting your visa can be found at the Department of State's Consular Affairs website.
No. You may stay in the U.S. for the period of time and conditions authorized by the Department of Homeland Security officer when you arrived in the U.S., which will be noted on the I-94, even if your visa expires during your stay. You can find more information here
A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States, but allows a foreign citizen coming from abroad to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request permission to enter the United States. The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States, and determine how long a traveler may stay. At the port of entry, upon granting entry to the United States, the Customs and Border Protection officer will stamp the travel document of each arriving non-immigrant traveller.The admission stamp will show the date of admission,class of admission, and the date the traveller is admitted until.Travelers will also receive on arrival a flier alerting them to go to www.cbp.gov/I94 for their admission record information.This online record replaces the paper I-94 form. Visa Waiver Program travelers receive Form 1-94W. On this form , the officer records either a date or "D/S" (duration of status). If your I-94 record a specific date, then that is the date by which you must leave the united states.You can review information about admission on the CBP Website .The Department of State's Consular Affairs website has more information about duration of stay.
On April 30, 2013, U.S. Customs and Border Protection stopped issuing paper I-94 forms in lieu of a digital record. If you received a paper I-94 form and did not surrender it upon leaving the United States, please follow the directions at https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/752/kw/i94 .
If you entered the U.S. after April 30, 2013, you do not need to take any action, as your departure from the U.S. is automatically recorded.
Q.17 I have questions on submitting my DS-160 and printing the confirmation page. Where can I go for more information?
Our call center is unable to provide assistance on the application form. Any inquiries on completing the DS-160 can be addressed on the following website, http://travel.state.gov/visa/forms/forms_4401.html.
- What is Section 214(b)?
- How can an applicant prove "strong ties?"
- Is a denial under Section 214(b) permanent?
- Who can influence the consular officer to reverse a decision?
The United States is an open society. Unlike many other countries, the United States does not impose internal controls on most visitors, such as registration with local authorities. Our immigration law requires consular officers to view every visa applicant as an intending immigrant until the applicant proves otherwise. In order to enjoy the privilege of unencumbered travel in the United States, you have a responsibility to prove you are going to return abroad before a visitor or student visa is issued.
Section 214(b) is part of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It states:
Every alien shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for admission, that he is entitled to a nonimmigrant status.
Our consular officers have a difficult job. They must decide in a very short time if someone is qualified to receive a temporary visa. Most cases are decided after a brief interview and review of whatever evidence of ties an applicant presents. To qualify for a visitor or student visa, an applicant must meet the requirements of sections 101(a)(15)(B) or (F) of the INA respectively. Failure to do so will result in a refusal of a visa under INA 214(b). The most frequent basis for such a refusal concerns the requirement that the prospective visitor or student possess a residence abroad he/she has no intention of abandoning. Applicants prove the existence of such residence by demonstrating that they have ties abroad that would compel them to leave the United States at the end of the temporary stay. The law places this burden of proof on the applicant.
Strong ties differ from country to country, city to city, and individual to individual. Some examples of ties can be a job, a house, a family, a bank account. "Ties" are the various aspects of your life that bind you to your country of residence: your possessions, employment, social and family relationships.
Imagine your own ties in the country where you live. Would a consular office of another country consider that you have a residence there that you do not intend to abandon? It is likely that the answer would be "yes" if you have a job, a family, if you own or rent a house or apartment, or if you have other commitments that would require you to return to your country at the conclusion of a visit abroad. Each person's situation is different.
U.S. consular officers are aware of this diversity. During the visa interview they look at each application individually and 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 the applicants specific intentions, family situations, and long-range plans and prospects within his or her country of residence. Each case is examined individually and is accorded every consideration under the law.
No. The consular officer will reconsider a case if an applicant can show further convincing evidence of ties outside the United States. Unfortunately, some applicants will not qualify for a nonimmigrant visa, regardless of how many times they reapply, until their personal, professional, and financial circumstances change considerably.
An applicant refused under Section 214(b) should review carefully their situation and realistically evaluate their ties. They may write down on paper what qualifying ties they think they have which may not have been evaluated at the time of their interview with the consular officer. Also, if they have been refused, they should review what documents were submitted for the consul to consider. Applicants refused visas under section 214(b) may reapply for a visa. When they do, they will have to show further evidence of their ties or how their circumstances have changed since the time of the original application. It may help to answer the following questions before reapplying: (1) Did I explain my situation accurately? (2) Did the consular officer overlook something? (3) Is there any additional information I can present to establish my residence and strong ties abroad?
Applicants should also bear in mind that they will be charged a nonrefundable application fee each time they apply for a visa, regardless of whether a visa is issued and each time they reply, will have to complete new DS160 visa form.
Immigration law delegates the responsibility for issuance or refusal of visas to consular officers overseas. They have the final say on all visa cases. By regulation, the U.S. Department of State has authority to review consular decisions, but this authority is limited to the interpretation of law, as contrasted to determinations of facts. The question at issue in such denials, whether an applicant possesses the required residence abroad, is a factual one. Therefore, it falls exclusively within the authority of consular officers at our Foreign Service Embassies/Consulates to resolve. An applicant can influence the Embassy/Consulate to change a prior visa denial only through the presentation of new convincing evidence of strong ties.
For information about visa ineligibilities other than 214(b), please visit the Department of State's Consular Affairswebsite.
FAQ - Business/Tourist Visa
- How long can I stay in the United States on a tourist or business visa?
- My visitor visa (B-1/B-2) expires after my intended date of arrival in the United States. Do I need to get a new visa before departure?
- My U.S. visa will expire in the next 6 months. Do I need to apply for a new visa after my current visa expires or can I apply in advance?
- I currently hold a valid B-1/B-2 visa, which is in my maiden name, in my old passport. I wish to transfer this visa to my new passport, which is in my married name. What is the procedure?
- My current U.S. visa was issued to me when I was working in my previous job. Now I have changed to a new job at a new company and my new employer wants me to attend a conference in the United States, scheduled for next month. Can I use the same visa or do I have to apply for a new visa?
- My child is studying in the United States. Can I go live with him/her?
- I have a previous B1 visa that is going to expire next month. Can I apply for a B1/B2 visa under Interview Waiver Program ?
Q.1 How long can I stay in the United States on a tourist or business visa?
A U.S. nonimmigrant visa grants you permission to travel to a Port of Entry (airport/seaport) in the United States. When you arrive at your destination Port of Entry, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer who processes your entry will determine the length of time that you may remain in the country. You may travel to the Port of Entry during the validity of your nonimmigrant visa up to and including the last day the visa is valid. The visa duration does not determine the length of time that you may legally remain in the United States; only the Customs and Border Protection officer can decide this upon your arrival in the United States.
Q.2 My visitor visa (B-1/B-2) expires after my intended date of arrival in the United States. Do I need to get a new visa before departure?
You can arrive in the United States right up to the last date of validity indicated on the visa. The Customs and Border Protection officer on arrival determines the duration of your stay in the United States. Your visa can expire while you are still in the United States – just be sure that you do not overstay the period of time the officer grants.
Q.3 My U.S. visa will expire in the next 6 months. Do I need to apply for a new visa after my current visa expires or can I apply in advance?
You do not have to wait until your current visa expires. You can apply for a new visa even if your current visa is valid.
Q.4 I currently hold a valid B-1/B-2 visa, which is in my maiden name, in my old passport. I wish to transfer this visa to my new passport, which is in my married name. What is the procedure?
U.S. visas cannot be transferred from one passport to another. You can travel to the United States with both passports as well as your marriage certificate, or you can apply for a new visa.
Q.5 My current U.S. visa was issued to me when I was working in my previous job. Now I have changed to a new job at a new company and my new employer wants me to attend a conference in the United States, scheduled for next month. Can I use the same visa or do I have to apply for a new visa?
You can travel to the United States on the same visa as long as your visa is valid for business or pleasure.If your Visa is annoted with your previous company name then you cannot travel on the same visa and need to apply fresh.
While you can use your own B-1/B-2 visa (or travel under the Visa Waiver Program, if eligible) to visit your child, you may not live with your child unless you have your own immigrant, work, or student visa.
Q.7 I have a previous B1 visa that is going to expire next month. Can I apply for a B1/B2 visa under Interview Waiver Program ?
You can check your qualifications for the Interview Waiver Program at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-visarenew.asp.
- What is a petition?
- Can I get a visa to do casual work?
- Is there an age limit for applying for a temporary work visa?
- Can my U.S.-based relative sponsor me for a work visa?
- When can I enter the United States?
- Who pays the Fraud Prevention and Detection fee and when do they pay it?
- I am applying to renew my L1 Blanket visa. Do I need to pay the Fraud Prevention and Detection fee?
- I would like to renew my H1B/L1 visa. Do I qualify for the Interview Waiver Program?
- When I was last in the US, I changed my status from one classification [e.g. Student (F1) or Temporary Worker (H1B)] to another. Do I need a new non-immigrant visa?
- My H1B Employment Petition (USCIS Form I-797) shows an employment start date. How early can I apply for an H1B visa at the Consulate?
- I am applying for an H1B/L1 visa and would like my spouse to travel with me. Can he or she apply for a dependant visa (H4/L2) at the same time as me or should they wait until my visa has been issued?
- Can a person on a dependent visa work in the US?
- I have a valid H1B visa which contains my previous petitioner’s details. I have changed my employer with valid I-797 and am back in India for a short trip. Can I travel back to US on the same visa or do I need to apply for a new visa?Can a person on a dependent visa work in the US?
- I currently have a valid B1/B2 visa. If my H1B visa is stamped, will my B1/B2 visa be cancelled?
- The Consular Officer did not return my petition or other documents back at the end of the interview. What should I do?
- I have a valid H1B or L1 petition, but the visa in my passport is expired. I am currently in India and need to urgently travel back to US to continue my work. What should I do?
- What form is required for an L-1 Blanket visa?
Before applying for a temporary worker visa at the U.S. Embassy, you must have an approved Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, from USCIS. This petition must be submitted by your prospective employer no earlier than 6 months prior to your proposed employment start date. Your employer should file the petition as soon as possible within the 6-month period to allow adequate time for processing. Once approved, your employer will be sent Form I-797, Notice of Action. For more information, visit the USCIS Temporary Workers webpage.
Note: To verify your petition's approval the Embassy or Consulate needs your I-129 petition receipt number, along with a copy of your approved Form I-797. Please bring both of these to your interview.
No. There is no visa that covers casual work. All applicants who plan to work in the United States must have an approved petition prior to their visa appointment.
No.There is no age limit to apply for a temporary work visa.
No. Only your employer can sponsor you.
You may not enter the United States until 10 days prior to your employment start date, as noted on your Form I-797 or on your offer of employment letter.
An applicant for an L-1 visa traveling on a blanket petition must pay the Fraud Prevention and Detection fee. On individual L, H-1B and H-2B petitions, the U.S. petitioner pays the Fraud Prevention and Detection fee to USCIS when the petition is filed. These fees are to be paid at the Embassy/Consulates with a demand draft/cashier’s check.
Q.7 I am applying to renew my L1 Blanket visa. Do I need to pay the Fraud Prevention and Detection fee?
Yes ,You need to pay the Fraud Prevention and Detection fee again.
You can check your qualification for the Interview Waiver Program at http://cdn.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-visarenew.asp If you do not qualify for the Interview Waiver Program , you will need to make a regular application.
Q.9 When I was last in the US, I changed my status from one classification [e.g. Student (F1) or Temporary Worker (H1B)] to another. Do I need a new non-immigrant visa?
Yes. If you have changed your status, you must also present evidence that you did so lawfully by providing USCIS Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for Change/Adjustment of Status to the Consular Officer at the time of your visa interview.
Q.10 My H1B Employment Petition (USCIS Form I-797) shows an employment start date. How early can I apply for an H1B visa at the Consulate?
You can apply for an H1B visa up to 90 days before the petition start date listed on the form I-797, Notice of Action. However, you cannot enter the US earlier than 10 days prior to the start date listed on the I-797 unless you are already working on an H1B visa for the same petitioner.
Q.11 I am applying for an H1B/L1 visa and would like my spouse to travel with me. Can he or she apply for a dependant visa (H4/L2) at the same time as me or should they wait until my visa has been issued?
We recommend that the spouse and dependent children go for their visa interview at the same time as the principal applicant.
Whether someone on a dependent visa can work in the U.S. depends on the visa category. For instance, H4 dependents cannot work while many L2 dependents can. Please check http://travel.state.gov/visa/
Q.13 I have a valid H1B visa which contains my previous petitioner’s details. I have changed my employer with valid I-797 and am back in India for a short trip. Can I travel back to US on the same visa or do I need to apply for a new visa?Can a person on a dependent visa work in the US?
In general, if you have a new petition with a different employer, you need to apply for a new visa. In certain situations (such as corporate restructuring), it may be possible to travel back with your current I-797 and visa. Further information can be found through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Info Center.
Q.14 I currently have a valid B1/B2 visa. If my H1B visa is stamped, will my B1/B2 visa be cancelled?
Generally, no. It is usually permitted to hold multiple visas as long as they are different visa classifications. However, the final decision rests with the the Consular Officer.
Q.15 The Consular Officer did not return my petition or other documents back at the end of the interview. What should I do?
The Consular Officer generally returns all the documents back to the applicant at the end of the interview. You may remind the Officer about the documents submitted him or her at the end of the interview. If the Officer needs to keep any official documents after they interview, they will be returned with the passport However, be sure to you keep a photocopy of your petition or other important document at home, in case anything is misplaced.
Q.16 I have a valid H1B or L1 petition, but the visa in my passport is expired. I am currently in India and need to urgently travel back to US to continue my work. What should I do?
You will need to apply for a new visa in order to re-enter US. You can check your qualification for the Interview Waiver Program at http://cdn.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-visarenew.asp.
The I-129S form is required to apply for an L-1 Blanket visa. USCIS has recently created a new version of form I-129S
From September 9, 2013, Posts will no longer accept older versions of the form.
- What is an I-20 and how do I get it?
- How early should I apply for my student visa?
- I received my visa, when should I travel?
- Can a person on a visitor visa change his/her status to student while in the United States if he/she gains admission to a school and gets a Form I-20?
- What if I receive an I-20 to a different school?
- I was working as an H-1B and have now been admitted to a university as an F-1. Do I need to return to my country to apply for a student visa?
- Can an F-1 student work in the United States?
- What is the SEVIS system and how does it affect me?
- Can my dependents apply for a tourist visa instead of dependent visa if they only want to visit me and stay in U.S. for a short period of time?
The Form I-20 is an official U.S. Government form, issued by a certified school, which a prospective nonimmigrant student must have in order to get an F-1 or M-1 visa. Form I-20 acts as proof-of-acceptance and contains the information necessary to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, apply for a visa or change visa status, and be admitted into the United States. The Form I-20 has the student's SEVIS identification number, which starts with the letter N and is followed by nine digits, on the upper righthand side directly above the barcode.
You are encouraged to apply for your nonimmigrant student visa as soon as you have your I-20. To ensure you get an early and timely date you may apply at anytime. However, a student visa may be issued no more than 120 days prior to the start date mentioned on your I-20.
You may only enter the United States within 30 days of the beginning of the course of study stated on your I-20, regardless of when your visa was issued.
Q.4 Can a person on a visitor visa change his/her status to student while in the United States if he/she gains admission to a school and gets a Form I-20?
Yes. In general, you may apply to change your nonimmigrant visa status if you were lawfully admitted to the United States with a nonimmigrant visa, if your nonimmigrant status remains valid, if you have not violated the conditions of your status, and you have not committed any actions that would make you ineligible. For more details, please visit the USCIS website.
If you received an I-20 after scheduling your appointment, then you can inform the U.S. consular officer of the new I-20 at the time of the interview.
Q.6 I was working as an H-1B and have now been admitted to a university as an F-1. Do I need to return to my country to apply for a student visa?
No. Once you are in the United States, you do not need to apply for a new visa because the visa is only for entry into the United States. Check with USCIS to determine if you need to adjust status. If you leave the country, however, you'll need to apply for the student visa in order to re-enter the United States.
Full-time students on F visas may seek on-campus employment not to exceed 20 hours per week. After the first year in student status, an applicant may apply for employment off campus with authorization from USCIS. Please contact your student advisor for further information.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) program requires schools and exchange programs to verify the enrollment status of all new and continuing foreign students and exchange visitors. Student visa applicants are required to pay a SEVIS fee before a visa can be issued. Applicants are then required to provide the SEVIS I-901 fee receipt as proof of payment. The SEVIS website has more details.
Q.9 Can my dependents apply for a tourist visa instead of dependent visa if they only want to visit me and stay in U.S. for a short period of time?
Yes,they can apply for a Tourist visa.
- I received my visa, when should I travel?
- What is the SEVIS system and how does it affect me?
- What is the "two-year rule?"
- Can the two-year rule be waived?
Exchange visitors may only enter the United States within 30 days of the beginning of the program, as stated on your Form DS-2019, regardless of when your visa was issued.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) program requires schools and exchange programs to verify the enrollment status of all new and continuing foreign students and exchange visitors. Exchange visitor visa applicants are required to pay a SEVIS fee before a visa can be issued. Applicants are required to provide the SEVIS I-901 fee receipt as proof of payment. The SEVIS website has more details.
The "two-year rule" is the common term used for a section of U.S. immigration law which requires many exchange visitors to return to their home countries and be physically present there for at least two years after the conclusion of their exchange visit before they can return to the United States under certain types of visas, specifically H-1, L-1, K-1 and immigrant visas. It is important to note that only a preliminary finding of whether the two-year rule applies to you is made on your DS-2019 when your J-1 visa is issued. The final decision will be made only if you later choose to apply for an H-1, L-1, K-1, or immigrant visa.
J-1 visa holders subject to the two-year rule are not permitted to remain in the United States and apply for an adjustment/change of status to a prohibited nonimmigrant status (for example, from a J-1 visa to an H-1 visa) or to apply for legal permanent resident status (Green Card) without first returning home for two years or obtaining an approved waiver. Whether you are subject to the two-year rule is determined by a number of factors, including your source of funding and your country's "Skills List."" It is not determined by the amount of time you spend in the United States.
Possibly. Only the Department of State's Visa Office can grant waivers of the two-year rule. The Visa Office is also the final authority on whether you are subject to the rule, regardless of what is annotated in your passport. If you are subject to the two-year rule, you may be able to obtain a waiver. Even if you are subject to the two-year rule, you may still qualify for a tourist visa or any other nonimmigrant visa except those noted above.
- I plan to stop in the United States for a day and take a flight to another country on the next day. Do I need to apply for C-1 visa or a B-1/B-2 visa?
- I wish to apply for a two visas (C1D & B1/B2). What should I do?
- I have a valid C1D visa. During my stay at port, can I enter US for tourism or to visit friends or family without holding a valid B1/B2 visa?
Q.1 I plan to stop in the United States for a day and take a flight to another country on the next day. Do I need to apply for C-1 visa or a B-1/B-2 visa?
If you seek layover privileges for purposes other than transiting through the United States, such as to visit friends or for sightseeing, then you must qualify for and obtain the type of visa required for that purpose, such as a B-2 visa.
You should fill out one DS-160 visa application form and pay one visa fee in order to schedule an appointment for your C1D visa. At the time of the interview, you can request that the Officer also consider your application for a B1/B2 visa. If approved, you will not need to pay an additional fee. Please note that this dual visa arrangement only exists for C1D and B1/B2 visas, not for other visa combinations.
Q.3 I have a valid C1D visa. During my stay at port, can I enter US for tourism or to visit friends or family without holding a valid B1/B2 visa?
You may be allowed to enter the US during your stay; however it is at the sole discretion of the Customs and Border Patrol officials at the Port of Entry.
Q.1 I am applying for a religious worker visa, but do not have an approved petition. I have been to the United States previously with an R-1 visa and was not required to have the petition. Can I apply for an R-1 visa without the petition since I had an R-1 visa in the past?
The requirement for an approved petition went into effect November 28, 2008. All applicants applying for an R-1 nonimmigrant visa are required to have an approved petition from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For more information, please visit the USCIS website.
Q. 1 What to do in case of Lost and Stolen Passports, Visas, and Arrival-Departure Records (Form I-94)
Passports, Visas, and Arrival/Departure Records (Form I-94) are official travel documents that foreign citizens coming to the United States (U.S.) must have in their possession to show their country of citizenship and legal status in the U.S. For details you may refer to the page Lost and Stolen Passports, Visas, and Arrival-Departure Records (Form I-94). http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_2009.html)
- When will I receive my passport after visa is processed ?
- Why only one passport per envelope? Why no family discounts?
- How will I get my passport back after the interview?
- What do I need to show to pick up the passport at the Document Delivery location?
- What happens to my passport if I'm unable to collect it from the Document Delivery location ?
Although visa processing time is typically three working days, processing time for specific cases may vary due to individual circumstances and other special requirements. You may pick up the passport from the location you chose at the time of appointment scheduling or alternatively may opt for Courier delivery.
There is no additional charge for the courier to return your passport to you. All costs are included in your visa application fee. The courier's security and safety rules require separate tracking of every passport.
You must pick up your passport from the document delivery location you selected at the time you scheduled your interview. If you want to change this location you may do so until midnight of the day before your appointment. If you are planning urgent travel, the courier location closest to the location of your interview may result in a faster pick-up time. The cost of the passport pick up from the document delivery location you selected is included in the visa application fee.
In order to ensure that your passport and visa are not given to an unauthorized person,please carry all listed documents as per link :http://cdn.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-loc-passportcollection.asp to collect your passport from selected document delivery location.
Please note that passports not collected within 14 calendar days from 11 service centers or within 7 working days from 22 Blue Dart locations will be RETURNED to the respective U.S. Embassy/Consulate and applicants will need to pick up their passports/documents directly from U.S. Embassy/Consulate. As the Consulates and Embassy have limited hours to return passports, this will be at great delay to you. For more information, please see:http://cdn.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-loc-passportcollection.asp
Important Notice: As part of a regular review of operations, optional courier service will end on November 30, 2013. You will not be able to select courier service after that time. Those who have already submitted their courier slips by November 30, 2013 will still receive delivery at their home or office. Passports will remain available for collection by you or your representative at 33 easily-accessible locations in cities across India. More information on passport collection can be found at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-loc-passportcollection.asp
- Is there an option to have my passport delivered to my home or office address ?
- Where & How can I avail this service?
- What are the charges?
- What happens to my passport if I'm not at home when the courier arrives?
- Does my passport have to be delivered to my house?
- What do I need to show to the courier when they deliver my passport?
- Types of ID are acceptable as proof-of-identity?
You may choose to get your passport couriered to your home / office by paying a nominal charge. Your passport will be delivered by Blue Dart courier if you avail this service (This is subject to the pin codes serviced by Blue Dart Courier). Service can be availed by paying the charges at respective Embassy/Consulate courier counter after your visa interview on the same day.
If you wish to avail the service please request for courier slip at the Visa Application Centre on the day of Biometric appointment. Fill this form and submit to the courier desk at the Cons/Embassy after your visa is approved.
Rs. 300/- for each passport..
The courier will attempt to deliver your passport only at the address you filled on Home/Office Delivery Form. If the courier is unable to deliver, for example, because no one is home, the courier will leave a notice indicating the attempted delivery. If you receive a notice like this, contact the courier immediately. If your passport is not delivered to you within 07 business days, it will be returned to the respective Embassy/Consulate. If this happens contact our call center for assistance.
No. Your passport can be delivered to your office or to a member of your family. If your passport is delivered to someone other than yourself, the recipient must present a government-issued photo ID for identification in order to accept delivery of your passport.
In order to ensure that your passport and visa are not given to an unauthorized person, you must present a government-issued photo ID for identification when you collect your passport. You must also sign for all documents handed over to you by the courier.
You must present an original government-issued photo ID.
- Why must applicants go to the Visa Application Center?
- May I schedule my Visa Application Center appointment on the same day as my visa interview appointment?
- Do I need to pay an additional fee for the Visa Application Center service?
- Who must go to the Visa Application Center?
Applicants for U.S. visas are required to appear in person for an appointment at the Visa Application Centre. Biometric information including fingerprints and digital photographs will be collected. Child below 14years of age is not required to attend the interview at Visa Application Center . Accompany/Guardians/Parents can carry the child documents with one hard copy photograph as per US Visa Specification. For photo specification follow link :http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/visaphotoreq/visaphotoreq_5334.html
Q.2 May I schedule my Visa Application Center appointment on the same day as my visa interview appointment?
You must schedule your Visa Application Centre appointment at least one day before the visa interview appointment date at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. For L1 Blanket visa applicant may schedule Visa Application Centre and Consulate appointment on the same day
No, the visa fee includes the Visa Application Centre service.
All applicants are required to schedule an appointment at the Visa Application Centre unless they qualify for theInterview Waiver Program.
Note : Child below 14yrs is not required to be present at Visa Application Center on the day of appointment. Parents/Guardians can carry child application with them along with one hardcopy photograph as per US visa specification. For photo specification follow link :http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/visaphotoreq/visaphotoreq_5334.html
- What is the process to schedule group appointment?
- My group request is denied can I submit a new request?
- How do you pay a bulk payment for a group appointment?
- My group appointment request for 50 applicants is approved by the Embassy/Consulate, can I add more applicants on the same request?
- Why am I able to see the VAC appointments dates but not the Embassy/Consulate requested date?
- I have cancelled my current group appointment date. Can I schedule a new appointment date?
- Why do I receive an error when I add new applicant details to the approved group applicant count?
You may refer to the How to Apply section on the group appointment page.
There are no restrictions on how many requests you can submit, however it is suggested that new requests are only submitted if there is a change in circumstances.
It is possible to make a bulk payment using the National Electronics Fund Transfer (NEFT) platform on the group appointment page. Please choose the appropriate visa type and quantity; your browser will automatically be redirected to the page containing payment instructions. You can also make a payment at a Citibank/Axis bank location. See the payment page for instructions.
Q.4 My group appointment request for 50 applicants is approved by the Embassy/Consulate, can I add more applicants on the same request?
You cannot exceed the allocated applicant count that is approved. You need to submit a new group request to the Embassy/Consulate for the additional count.
Interview slots may not be available on the requested date. We recommend you immediately schedule the group appointment once you receive the approval from the Embassy/Consulate else the slots will be utilized and the desired appointment slots will not available.
You need to submit a new group request to schedule an appointment date at the Embassy or Consulate.
Q.7 Why do I receive an error when I add new applicant details to the approved group applicant count?
Please make sure if the below points are checked before you contact the call center
- Make sure the profile of the same applicant is not entered twice.
- Check the total number of applicants added to the approved count.
- Check if any applicant receipt is untagged to the profile.
Q.1 How do I reset my password?
Click the Forgot Your Password? link at the bottom of this web page. Enter your email address in the Usernamefield and click Submit. The email address you type must match the email address you used when you began your visa application. A new password will be sent to your email address.
Note: The email with your new password will come from no-reply@ustraveldocs.com. Some email applications have rules which filter unknown senders into a spam or junk mail folder. If you have not received your email notification, please look for the message in your junk and spam email folders.
Step 1
For Nonimmigrant Visa applicants:Determine your visa type by reading Common Nonimmigrant Visas. Each visa type explains the qualifications and application items. Choose the visa type that applies to your situation.
For Nonimmigrant Visa applicants:Determine your visa type by reading Common Nonimmigrant Visas. Each visa type explains the qualifications and application items. Choose the visa type that applies to your situation.
Be sure to also review the Visa Waiver Program. If your country participates in the Visa Waiver Program, you do not need to apply for a visa if you are travelling for business or pleasure and will only be staying in the Unites States for 90 days or less.
Note: If you are under 14 or over 79 years old, or if you previously received a U.S. visa that expired within the last 48 months or 12 months and you are returning to the United States for the same purpose of travel, you may be able to obtain a visa without coming to the consulate for an interview. Click here to learn more
Step 2
The next step is to complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.Be sure to read theGuidelines for Completing the DS-160 Form carefully. All information must be correct and accurate. Once the form is submitted, you cannot make any changes. If you need assistance, please consult an immigration lawyer or translator. The call center cannot help you complete your DS-160. You will need your DS-160 number to book your appointment.
The next step is to complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.Be sure to read theGuidelines for Completing the DS-160 Form carefully. All information must be correct and accurate. Once the form is submitted, you cannot make any changes. If you need assistance, please consult an immigration lawyer or translator. The call center cannot help you complete your DS-160. You will need your DS-160 number to book your appointment.
Note: If denied visa previously please complete a new Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.
Step 3
Once you have determined the correct visa type and completed the DS-160, you must pay the visa fee. The visa fee page lists the visa types and correlating visa fee in US dollars and native currency.
To pay your visa fee, read the Bank and Payment Options page. This page explains how to make your visa fee payment. You will create a profile and must keep your receipt number to book your visa appointment
Step 4
You are almost ready to schedule your visa appointment! Now you will need to login to your profile with the same credentials you used to pay your visa fee. Once you are in the system, you will see your dashboard.Click on Schedule Appointment on the left-hand side menu. This will start the process for scheduling your appointment.
You must schedule two appointments, one for the Visa Application Center (VAC) and one for the visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate.
First, schedule your visa interview appointment at the Embassy or Consulate.
Second, schedule your appointment at a Visa Application Centre. This appointment will allow you to go to one of the five Visa Application Centre locations to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This appointment must be at least 1 day before your visa interview appointment at the Embassy or Consulate.You will need three pieces of information in order to schedule your appointment:
- Your passport number
- The date you paid your fee
- The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page
As you go through the process you will be able to select your visa type, enter personal data, add dependents, select your document delivery location, confirm visa payment, and schedule your appointment.
Step 5
For your Visa Application Centre appointment, you will need to bring:
- A passport valid for travel to the United States with validity dates at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application.
- Your DS-160 confirmation page.
- Your appointment confirmation page.
- One photograph as per U.S. visa specifications if the applicant is under 14 years of age. See the Photos and Fingerprints page for more details.
Step 6
Following your visit to the Visa Application Centre to have your photo and fingerprints taken,you will then visit theU.S. Embassy or Consulate on the date and time of your visa interview. You must bring :
Following your visit to the Visa Application Centre to have your photo and fingerprints taken,you will then visit theU.S. Embassy or Consulate on the date and time of your visa interview. You must bring :
- A printed copy of your appointment letter,
- Your DS-160 confirmation page
- Your current and all old passports
- A Form I-901 SEVIS fee receipt indicating the SEVIS fee. The SEVIS website has more details
- Supporting Documents as per your visa type
Applications without all of these items will not be accepted.
Note: Children under 14 years of age are not required to attend the appointment at the Visa Application Centre or visa interview at the Embassy/Consulate. Accompany/Guardians/Parents can carry the above documents.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents are only one of many factors a consular officer will consider in your interview. Consular officers look at each application individually and consider professional, social, cultural and other factors during adjudication. Consular officers may look at your specific intentions, family situation, and your long-range plans and prospects within your country of residence. Each case is examined individually and is accorded every consideration under the law.
Caution: Do not present false documents. Fraud or misrepresentation can result in permanent visa ineligibility. If confidentiality is a concern, you should bring your documents to the Embassy or Consulate in a sealed envelope. The Embassy or Consulate will not make your information available to anyone and will respect the confidentiality of your information.
You should bring the following documents to your interview:
- Documents demonstrating strong financial, social, and family ties to your home country that will compel you to return to your country after your program of study in the United States ends.
- Financial and any other documents you believe will support your application and which give credible evidence that you have enough readily-available funds to meet all expenses for the first year of study and that you have access to funds sufficient to cover all expenses while you remain in the United States. M-1 applicants must demonstrate the ability to pay all tuition and living costs for the entire period of their intended stay.
- Photocopies of bank statements will not be accepted unless you can also show original copies of bank statements or original bank books.
- If you are financially sponsored by another person, bring proof of your relationship to the sponsor (such as your birth certificate), the sponsor's most recent original tax forms and the sponsor's bankbooks and/or fixed deposit certificates.
- Academic documents that show scholastic preparation. Useful documents include school transcripts (original copies are preferred) with grades, public examination certificates (A-levels, etc.), standardized test scores (SAT, TOEFL, etc.), and diplomas.
Dependents
Spouses, including same-sex spouses, and/or unmarried children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal visa holder in the United States for the duration of his or her stay require derivative F or M visas. There is no derivative visa for the parents of F or M holders.
Family members who do not intend to reside in the United States with the principal visa holder, but wish to visit for vacations only, may be eligible to apply for visitor (B-2) visas.
Spouses and dependents may not work in the United States on a derivative F or M visa. If your spouse/child seeks employment, the spouse must obtain the appropriate work visa.
Supporting Documents for Dependents
Applicants with dependents must also provide:
- Proof of the student's relationship to his or her spouse and/or child (e.g., marriage and birth certificates)
- It is preferred that families apply for their visas at the same time, but if the spouse and/or child must apply separately at a later time, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder's passport and visa, along with all other required documents.
Other Information
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
F-1 visa holders may be eligible for up to 12 months of optional practical training following completion of all course requirements for graduation (not including thesis or equivalent), or after completion of all requirements. OPT is separate from a student's academic work, and time for OPT will not normally be reflected during the student's academic program or in the completed study date. Students applying for an F visa to do OPT may present an I-20 with an original end of study date that may have passed. However, these I-20s must be annotated by the designated school official to reflect approval of an OPT program that extends beyond the end of the regular period of study. In addition, the student must have proof that USCIS has approved their practical training program or that an application is pending, either in the form of an approved Employment Authorization Card or a Form I-797 indicating that s/he has a pending application for an OPT program.
F-1 visa holders may be eligible for up to 12 months of optional practical training following completion of all course requirements for graduation (not including thesis or equivalent), or after completion of all requirements. OPT is separate from a student's academic work, and time for OPT will not normally be reflected during the student's academic program or in the completed study date. Students applying for an F visa to do OPT may present an I-20 with an original end of study date that may have passed. However, these I-20s must be annotated by the designated school official to reflect approval of an OPT program that extends beyond the end of the regular period of study. In addition, the student must have proof that USCIS has approved their practical training program or that an application is pending, either in the form of an approved Employment Authorization Card or a Form I-797 indicating that s/he has a pending application for an OPT program.
Validity of Student Visas After a Break in Studies
Students who are away from classes for more than five months can expect to apply for and receive a new F-1 or M-1 student visa to return to school following travel abroad, as explained below.
Students who are away from classes for more than five months can expect to apply for and receive a new F-1 or M-1 student visa to return to school following travel abroad, as explained below.
Students within the U.S.
A student (F-1 or M-1) may lose that status if they do not resume studies within five months of the date of transferring schools or programs, under immigration law. If a student loses status, unless USCIS reinstates the student's status, the student's F or M visa would also be invalid for future travel returning to the U.S. For more information see the USCIS website, and instructions for Application for Extend/Change of Nonimmigrant Status Form I-539 to request reinstatement of status.
A student (F-1 or M-1) may lose that status if they do not resume studies within five months of the date of transferring schools or programs, under immigration law. If a student loses status, unless USCIS reinstates the student's status, the student's F or M visa would also be invalid for future travel returning to the U.S. For more information see the USCIS website, and instructions for Application for Extend/Change of Nonimmigrant Status Form I-539 to request reinstatement of status.
Students - Returning to the U.S. from Travel Abroad
Students who leave the U.S. for a break in studies of five months or more may lose their F-1 or M-1 status unless their activities overseas are related to their course of study. In advance of travel, students may want to check with their designated school official, if there is a question about whether their activity is related to their course of study.
Students who leave the U.S. for a break in studies of five months or more may lose their F-1 or M-1 status unless their activities overseas are related to their course of study. In advance of travel, students may want to check with their designated school official, if there is a question about whether their activity is related to their course of study.
When the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) immigration inspector at port of entry is presented a previously used, unexpired F-1 or M-1 visa by a returning student who has been outside the U.S. and out of student status for more than five months, a CBP immigration inspector may find the student inadmissible for not possessing a valid nonimmigrant visa. CBP may also cancel the visa after granting the student permission to withdraw the application for admission. Therefore, it is prudent for students to apply for new visas at an Embassy or Consulate abroad prior to traveling to the U.S. to return to their studies, after an absence of more than five months that is not related to their course of study
Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. You must have a student visa to study in the United States. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine whether you need an F-1 visa or an M-1 visa.
| To enter the United States to attend: | You need the following visa category: |
| University or college |
F
|
| High School | |
| Private elementary school | |
| Seminary | |
| Conservatory | |
| Another academic institution, including a language training program | |
| Vocational or other recognized nonacademic institution, other than a language training program |
M
|
Students cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program or with Visitor Visas
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) participating countries who intend to study cannot travel on the VWP or on visitor (B) visas, except to undertake recreational study as part of a tourist visit. Students must travel to the United States with student (F-1 or M-1) visas. For more information on the VWP, see Visa Waiver Program.
For short periods of recreational study, a Visitor (B) visa can be used
Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, which is not for credit toward a degree or academic certificate, is permitted on a visitor (B) visa. Learn more aboutVisitor Visas.
Study leading to a U.S. conferred degree or certificate is not permitted on a visitor (B) visa, even if it is for a short duration. For example, distance learning which requires a period of time on the institution’s U.S. campus requires an F-1 visa.
Student Acceptance at a SEVP Approved School
Before you can apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate for an F or M student visa, you must first apply to and be accepted by a SEVP approved school. Visit the Department of State EducationUSA website to learn about educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate study, opportunities for scholars, admissions, and more.
When you are accepted by the U.S. school you plan to attend, you will be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). You must pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee. The U.S. school will provide you with a Form I-20 to present to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview. If your spouse and/or children intend to reside with you in the United States while you study, they must obtain individual Form I-20s, but they do not pay the SEVIS fee. Visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) website to learn more about SEVIS and the SEVIS I-901 Fee.
How to Apply
There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary at the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply. Please consult the instructions available on the embassy or consulate websitewhere you intend to apply.
Complete the Online Visa Application
- Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – Learn more about completing the DS-160. You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
- Photo –You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.
Schedule an Interview
While interviews are generally not required for applicants of certain ages outlined below, consular officers have the discretion to require an interview of any applicant, regardless of age.
You must schedule an appointment for your visa interview, generally, at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at any U.S. embassy or consulate, but be aware that it may be difficult to qualify for a visa outside of your place of permanent residence.
| If you are age: | Than an interview is: |
| 13 and younger | Generally not required |
| 14-79 | Required (some exceptions for renewals) |
| 80 and older | Generally, not required |
Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait timefor the location where you will apply.
New Students – F-1 and M-1 student visas can be issued up to 120 days in advance of your course of study start date. However, you will not be allowed to enter the U.S. in F-1 or M-1 status earlier than 30 days before your start date.
Continuing Students - May renew their visas at any time, as long as they have maintained student status and their SEVIS records are current. Continuing students may enter the United States at any time before their classes start.
Prepare for Your Interview
- Fees - Pay the non-refundable visa application fee, if you are required to pay it before your interview. For current fees for Department of State government services select Fees. When your visa is approved, you may also pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee, if applicable to your nationality. Please review the Visa Reciprocity Tables to find out if you must pay a visa issuance fee.
- Review the instructions available on the website of the embassy or consulatewhere you will apply to learn more about fee payment.
Gather Required Documentation
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:
- Passport valid for travel to the U. S. - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the U. S. (unless exempt by country-specific agreements). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person who needs a visa must submit a separate application.
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview
- Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.
- Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students, Form I-20A-B or Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students, Form I-20M-N – Your school will send you a SEVIS-generated Form I-20 once they have entered your information in the SEVIS database. You and your school official must sign the Form I-20. All students, their spouse and minor children if they intend to reside in the United States with the student, must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS). Each person receives an individual Form I-20.
Additional Documentation May Be Required
Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish that you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:
- Your academic preparation
- Your intent to depart the U.S. upon completion of the course of study; and
- How you will pay all educational, living and travel costs.
Attend Your Visa Interview
During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.
After your visa interview, your application may require further administrative processing. You will be informed by the consular officer if further processing is necessary for your application.
When the visa is approved, you may pay a visa issuance fee if applicable to your nationality, and will be informed how your passport with visa will be returned to you. Review the visa processing time, to learn how soon your passport with visa will generally be ready for pick-up or delivery by the courier.
Additional Information
- We cannot guarantee that you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
- For information about employment, review Students and Employment and Form I-765 Work Authorization Instructions on the USCIS website.
- Students who are outside the United States, and who have not been attending classes for five (5) months or more, should apply for a new student visa to reenter the United States. Learn more.
- All visa applicants applying for renewals must submit:
- All items listed in the Required Documentation section and;
- A new I-20 or an I-20 that has been endorsed on the back by a school official within the past 12 months
- Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. Therefore, a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.
Spouse and children
- Your spouse and unmarried, minor children who intend to reside with you during your study may apply for F-2 or M-2 visas. Your school must issue them an individual Form I-20, which is required to apply for their visas. You must provide a copy of your F-1 or M-1 visa and provide proof of relationship
- Effective immediately, U.S. embassies and consulates will adjudicate visa applications that are based on a same-sex marriage in the same way that we adjudicate applications for opposite gender spouses. Please reference the specific guidance on the visa category for which you are applying for more details on documentation required for derivative spouses. For further information about visas for same-sex spouses, please see our FAQ's. .
- Your minor children are permitted to attend school in the United States while accompanying you.
Optional Practical Training
Students who are authorized Optional Practical Training (OPT) must have a Form I-20 endorsed for OPT, and apply to USCIS for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). When authorized, Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to the eligible F-1 student's area of study. To learn more about OPT, please visit the USCIS Website and the ICE International Students webpage.
Attending Public Secondary School
There are restrictions on student F-1 visa holders attending public school in the United States. Select Foreign Students in Public Schools to learn more.
Visa Denial and Ineligibility
Review Visa Denials for detailed information about visa ineligibilities, denials, and waivers.
I was refused a visa, under section 214(b). May I reapply?
Yes, if you feel circumstances have changed regarding your application. ReviewVisa Denials to learn more.
Misrepresentation or Fraud
Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States. Review Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws.
Entering the U.S. - Port of Entry
A visa allows a foreign citizen coming from abroad, to travel to the United States port-of entry and request permission to enter the U.S. Applicants should be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the U.S., the CBP official will determine the length of your visit.
| Notice: New Electronic I-94 Process - A new electronic I-94 process at air and sea ports of entry was fully implemented by May 25, 2013. Under the new CBP process, a CBP officer will provide each admitted nonimmigrant traveler with an admission stamp on their passport. CBP will no longer issue a paper Form I-94 upon entry to the U.S., with some exceptions. Learn more on the CBP website. |
If you are issued a paper Form I-94, this will document your authorized stay and is the official record of your permission to be in the U.S. It is very important to keep inside your passport. In advance of travel, prospective travelers should review important information about Admissions/Entry requirements, as well as information related to restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products or other restricted/prohibited goods explained on the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection website.
How Do I Extend My Stay?
- Visitors who wish to stay beyond the date indicated on their admission stamp or paper Form I-94 are required to have approval by USCIS. See Extend Your Stay on the USCIS website.
- You must depart the United States on or before the date indicated on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94, unless your request to extend your stay is approved by USCIS.
- Failure to depart the United States on time will result in you being out of status, can void your visa, and may make you ineligible for visas you may apply for in the future. Review Visa Denials, Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws, and section222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to learn more.
How can I find out how long I am authorized to stay in the U.S.?
- A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States, but allows a foreign citizen coming from abroad, to travel to the United States port-of entry and request permission to enter the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States, and determine how long a traveler may stay. If you are allowed to enter the U.S., the CBP official will determine the length of your visit.
| Notice: New Electronic I-94 Process - A new electronic I-94 process at air and sea ports of entry was fully implemented by May 25, 2013. Under the new CBP process, a CBP officer will provide each admitted nonimmigrant traveler with an admission stamp on their passport. CBP will no longer issue a paper Form I-94 upon entry to the U.S., with some exceptions. Learn more on the CBP website. |
- On the admission stamp or paper Form I-94, the U.S. immigration inspector records either a date or "D/S" (duration of status). If your admission stamp or paper Form I-94 contains a specific date, then that is the date by which you must leave the United States. If you are issued a paper Form I-94, this will document your authorized stay and is the official record of your permission to be in the U.S. It is very important to keep inside your passport. Review information about Admission on the CBP Website. Also, see Duration of Stay.
I did not turn in my I-94 when I left the United States, what should I do?
If you failed to turn in your paper Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, seeDepartment of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection website for more information. If you did not receive a paper Form I-94 and your record was created electronically, CBP will record your departure using manifest information obtained from the air or sea carrier.
How Do I Change My Status?
Some nonimmigrant visa holders, while present in the U.S., are able to file a request which must be approved by USCIS to change to another nonimmigrant category. See Change My Nonimmigrant Status on the USCIS website.
Important Note: Filing a request with USCIS for approval of change of status before your authorized stay expires, while you remain in the U.S., does not by itself require the visa holder to apply for a new visa. However, if you cannot remain in the U.S. while USCIS processes your change of status request, you will need to apply for a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.
Further Questions
Case-Specific Questions - Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate handling your visa application for status information. Select U.S. Embassy or Consulate for contact information.
Thank you for sharing this Visa processing. This was a great help for me since I have been looking for the best US Visa processing tips and advice all morning. Thank you for sharing this with us!
ReplyDeleteUS Visa Waiver
Thanks for a wonderful share. Your article has proved your hard work and experience you have got in this field. Brilliant .i love it reading. 中美treaty 5000豁免
ReplyDelete