Visa Matters
Citizens of other countries who are coming to the United States to study are required to obtain a
student visa. This visa will be issued by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country.
To obtain a student visa, you must demonstrate that you:
• Have the ability and intention to pursue a course of full-time study. This can be
demonstrated by official acceptance from the college or university that you wish to
attend. Some visa officers will also want to see transcripts and test scores or discuss your
plans further.
• Possess adequate funds to cover
all of the costs listed by the HINT: Be prepared to tell the visa
university on the I-20 or IAP-66 officer what you want to study, where
form that they will send to you you want to study, how you are going
when you are accepted. These to finance your stay in the United
costs include tuition, fees, living States, and what you intend to do with
expenses, and incidental expenses. your degree when you return to your
As a general rule, the consular home country. Be prepared to do this
official will want to see a bank clearly and quickly.
draft in the amount of the first
year’s expenses and documentation showing how the money will be found for future
years.
• Have sufficiently strong social, economic, and other reasons to leave the United States
upon completion of the projected program of studies. Such reasons can be shown during
the visa interview (if an interview is required), by such means as showing strong family
ties in your home country and/or excellent employment prospects when you return home
with a U.S. degree.
• Are able to articulate your reason for studying at a specific institution.
Timing
Applicants for U.S. student visas must apply for their visas no earlier than 90 days before the
date when they must report to the school in the United States. You will, however, want to apply
as early as possible to allow time for processing your application.
Procedures
For procedures in your country, please check with the U.S.Embassy or Consulate. A listing of
these offices and their web sites can be found at http://usembassy.state.gov.
For the latest updates on the visa application process, visit www.unitedstatesvisas.gov.
Good luck!
