Visit an Embassy

Schedule your appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate as soon as you receive notice that you have been granted an I-20.

• Locate the nearest embassy in your home country

Many embassies/consulates recommend that appointments be made no more than 90 days from the intended date of travel, but some can make earlier arrangements for interviews.

• Be aware of estimated visa wait times at the embassy or consulate you plan to visit.

Things to Bring:

• Your passport
• Form I-20, and all financial documents used to apply for your I-20
• SEVIS fee receipt
• Two passport-size (37mm x 37mm) photographs
• You will complete Form-OF 156 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form) along with any supplementary forms required by the particular embassy or consulate.
• On occasion, a Visa Officer may require evidence of English proficiency sufficient to pursue your proposed program of study as well as proof of economic/social ties to your native country.
• Be ready, if possible, to submit additional information with visa application

Note: In most cases applications must be made in person. Remember, the Officer has the final word on your application; his or her judgment is not subject to review. Standards for visa eligibility may be considerably more rigorous than the standards you must meet to qualify for a Form I-20. Use good judgment as to whether to submit additional information with your entry visa application.

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