Student Visas Nancy McCarthy Office of Visa Services Bureau of Consular Affairs Bureau of Consular Affairs US Department of State
Topics Overview of Visa Application Process Statistics and Updates Resources and Contacting Us
What is a Visa? Permission to apply for entry into the United States
What is Status? Status is granted by DHS and defines the terms under which a traveler is admi:ed - it determines ac<vi<es and length of stay Students are generally admi:ed for dura<on of status (D/S) meaning as long as they are engaged in a course of study. Informa<on accurate as of January 2014
Visa Classifications for Students visa class is best for your student? F - Student in an academic or language program J - Exchange Visitor o Secondary School Student o College/University Student o Degree Student o Non-degree Student M - Vocational Student or Other Nonacademic Student
Who Needs to Apply for a Visa? Anyone coming to United States for the first time in F, J, or M status F, J, M visa holder with an expired visa Anyone who entered the United States in one status and changed to another (i.e. B-2 to F-1) AND: J-1s who are starting a different J program
The Visa Process The law and official guidance on visa adjudication is consistent world-wide, but processes like the appointment system are post-specific. F-1 and M-1 students can obtain a visa up to 120 days before the Report Date listed on the Form I-20 and may apply earlier. J-1 Exchange Visitor visas can be issued as soon as the applicant obtains their DS 2019.
Applying for the Visa Applicant receives appropriate document (Form I-20, DS-2019) from hosting institution Applicant makes an appointment at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate See travel.state.gov or the embassy/consulate website for information on how to schedule an appointment; students and exchange visitors may request an expedited appointment o Complete on-line visa application Form DS-160 o Pay SEVIS I-901 fee o Pay MRV fee according to post-specific procedures Applicant is interviewed by a consular officer o NEW applicants should expect to have an in-person interview
Required Documents I-20 (F/M student visa) or DS-2019 (J exchange visitor visa) Passport Photo Fees: MRV visa application fee receipt, I-901 fee receipt Confirmation page of Form DS-160 visa application Additional Documentation - refer to embassy/consulate website for suggested additional documents
Reasons for Refusal A visa applicant shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer that he is entitled to a nonimmigrant status (INA 214(b)) o 214(b) is the most common visa denial for Fs, Ms, and Js 221(g) a refusal that allows an officer to close a case pending receipt of additional information or documents 212(a) ineligibilities (see travel.state.gov)
Denials Each applicant should receive in writing an explanation of the section of the law under which the visa application was refused. Due to confidentiality in the visa process, consular officers cannot speak with international student/scholar advisors about an applicant s case.
Administrative Processing Administrative Processing is the term we use to encompass any further review of a case beyond the interview. It may include confirmation of the petition, clarification of legalities, or any number of other questions a consular officer must resolve before a visa can be issued. Administrative processing is unique to the circumstances of each application. Applicants receive specific instructions on what to do/expect.
Issued Visas Statistics F1 Visas: o FY 2014 90,562 o FY 2013 534,298 o FY 2012 486,717 J1 Visas (15 exchange visitor program categories): o FY 2014 49,043 o FY 2013 312,514 o FY 2012 313,424 M1 Visas: o FY 2014 o FY 2013 o FY 2012 2,221 11,316 10,327
Top Ten F-Visa Countries FY 2012 China-mainland India South Korea Saudi Arabia Japan Brazil Vietnam Taiwan Germany Mexico 217,590 36,141 33,584 28,596 18,837 14,890 10,867 9,920 8,720 8,009
Resources U.S. Department of State Visa Website o Travel.State.Gov U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Website o https://www.educationusa.info/ o J1visa.state.gov Department of Homeland Security o StudyintheStates.dhs.gov
Contacting Us Contact the Consular Section Check the embassy/consulate website for contact information Contact the Visa Office Public Inquiries Division 202-485-7600