Applying for Your Visa
Students and exchange visitors should plan early for your visa and complete the following steps. Once you have secured your visa, prepare your travel to arrive prior to your program start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019.
Non-U.S. citizens seeking to enter the United States for study or exchange must generally first obtain an accurate U.S. visa issued by the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs to enter the United States. Individual applicants should refer to your local U.S. Embassy / Consulate for instructions and plan early to avoid study or exchange interruptions resulting from delays.
Visa Types
Before you can apply for your visa, you must first apply and be accepted by Adelphi and have received your I-20 or DS-2019 from International Services. International students have the following visa types:
- F Student Visa: most common visa status used for fully study
- J Exchange Visa: for participation in an exchange program
Visa Application Steps
There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions from your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate
New F or J visa applicants must pay the required I-901 fee prior to your visa interview.
You can pay your I-901 fee online. Find more information about this fee and who must pay it via the SEVIS Fee FAQs.
Submit the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application and pay the required fee Fees for Visa Services. Get specific information regarding your visa photo and access the online DS-160 from the Consular Electronic Application Center.
You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply.
Prepare the following documents for your visa interview. Valid Passport, Visa Photo, Form I-20 or DS-2019, DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application confirmation page, Application fee payment receipt, and Financial Documents. Additional information may be requested by the Consular Officer.
A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a student visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.
Preparing for Your Visa Interview
Knowing what to expect during your interview and preparing in advance are the best chances for being successful. During the interview, you will be asked questions to determine if you are a bonafide (legitimate) student, how you will finance your program, and what you will do after your program ends to determine your eligibility for a visa. To help you for your visa interview, refer to the following tips.
- Anticipate the interview will be conducted in English and will be quick.
- Be prepared to explain why you chose Adelphi, about your field of study, and what your plans are once you complete your program.
- Be prepared to show how you will pay all educational, living and travel costs.
- Be prepared to show that you have compelling ties to your home country and plan to return home after your program ends.
- Practice potential questions you may be asked in advance.
- Have your academic transcripts and official test scores for the student visa or your professional background and experience for the exchange visitor visa available to provide the consular officer.
- Familiarize yourself with the details listed on your I-20 or DS-2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
- If you are applying for your visa within 12 months of the date of your SEVIS I-901 fee payment using the same SEVIS ID or are a continuing student using the same SEVIS ID, you do not need to pay the fee.
- If you have paid this fee under a previously issued SEVIS Number must transfer the fee to your currently issued SEVIS number prior to your visa appointment.
- If you are renewing your visa, you do not need to repay this fee but will need confirmation this fee has been paid.
- If you have questions about the SEVIS fee, refer to this website: I-901 Frequently Asked Questions
Student visas can be issued up to 365 days in advance of the program start date, allowing more time for students to apply for a visa. Although, students cannot enter the U.S. more than 30 days before program start date, and for first time students, the nae on the visa must match the name on the immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019).
- Local US Consulate or Embassy Listing to find your nearest location
- Visa Appointment Wait Times to learn about the wait times by location
Embassy and consulates are prioritizing student visa appointments now and utilizing expanded interview waiver authorities.
- Passport
- Visa Photo
- I-20 (F visas) or DS-2019 (J visas)
- DS-160 Confirmation Page
- Receipts for the visa application and SEVIS fee
- Academic records such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended
- Evidence of your intent to depart the United States following your program completion
- Standardized test scores required by your US institution
- Financial documentation proving you have enough funds to cover all expenses associated with your program.
or DS-2019 showing that they would miss the beginning of your courses/programs if not granted an expedited appointment.
- For details on how to request an expedited appointment, refer to this site: How to Request an Expedited Visa Appointment
- If you have received a visa rejection, please review this helpful resource on your options: Visa Denials
- INA section 221(g) – Incomplete Application or Supporting Documentation. This means the application is incomplete and/or further documentation is required, or further administrative processing of your application is required.
- INA section 214(b) – Visa Qualifications and Immigrant Intent. This means the applicant did not sufficiently demonstrate that they qualify for the visa; and/or did not overcome the presumption of immigrant intent, by sufficiently demonstrating strong ties to their home country that will compel the applicant to leave the United States at the end of their program.
- If you have received a visa rejection, please review this helpful resource on your options: Visa Denials
- If you have received a visa rejection, please review this helpful resource on your options: Visa Denials