If you have received an I-20 from Indiana University, you should apply for an F-1 visa stamp.
There are four steps in the process. Learn about each step below.
If you have received an I-20 from Indiana University, you should apply for an F-1 visa stamp.
There are four steps in the process. Learn about each step below.
If you are in the United States in a status other than F-1, it may be possible to change to F-1 status. There is a specific process you must complete.
Learn how to change your statusApplying for a visa in a country besides home country or the United States is called applying from a third country. It can be more difficult than applying for a visa in your home country.
Learn how to apply from a third countryYou will have to show your payment receipt for the SEVIS fee when you arrive for your visa interview, so take care of this right away.
If you are a Canadian citizen with a valid passport, you do not need to apply for a visa stamp. However, you do need to pay the SEVIS fee.
Contact the U.S. embassy nearest you as soon as possible to set up an appointment. This is important because the wait time for an appointment and for visa issuance varies. To see how long this process takes in your country, read the Department of State’s visa wait time information.
It’s best to apply in your home country. If you are not sure which embassy you should contact, see this list of U.S. embassies.
When you arrive for your visa appointment, you will be required to show a number of documents, including:
The embassy’s website will outline other specific documents that you should bring.
A visa is a stamp in your passport that allows you to request permission to enter the United States. Your status is your immigration status. You need to maintain your visa and status paperwork throughout your time here in order to stay in the United States—and we will help you do that.
Since you are applying for a nonimmigrant visa, you will need to prove to the consular officer that you do not intend to immigrate to the United States. In other words, you need to show him or her that you have definite plans to return home after college.
For more information and tips, please see NAFSA Ten Points to Remember.