APPLYING FOR A VISA

Before applying for a nonimmigrant visa, you should visit the website of the US consulate where you will apply for the visa to learn about the specific visa application procedures, such as whether an interview is required, the application fee and how to pay it, and the estimated time frame for obtaining the visa.  To find the nearest US consulate or embassy, go to http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/embassies/embassies_1214.html. If the consulate does not have a website, you should be able to find a phone number contact by searching the country or consulate list at http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/111812.pdf  For more general information on student visa requirements, go to http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.htmlunder “Visitor and Student Visas.”

What Documentation Will I Need?

The following documentation is generally necessary for students or scholars who are applying for the first or subsequent visas:

• DS-156: Nonimmigrant Visa Application:  This form is required for all nonimmigrant applicants
• DS-157: Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application:  This form is required for all male applicants ages 16-45. 
• DS-158: Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant:  This form is required of all F, M, and J applicants.
• Please note some U.S. Embassies and Consulates are now using DS-160 DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application in place of DS-156, DS-157, and DS-158.
• Application Fee or Receipt of Fee Paid. Check with the consulate website.
• One or more passport-size photo (37x37mm) showing full face, against a light background (one is usually sufficient unless the consulate website indicates a need for more than one.)
• Passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay.
• Proof of ties to your home country:  You may also be required to present documentation of your ties to your home country, such as family remaining in the home country, a job offer, property, or other evidence that you will return home upon completion of your studies, research, or employment in the U.S.
• Be prepared to discuss in detail your plans upon return to you home country and how your degree program fits into that plan
• Proof of family relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates for spouse and child(ren) if dependents applying with you

New International Students

• I-20 or DS-2019:If you are applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa for the first time, you will need to have been admitted to IUPUI and have an I-20 (for F-1s) or a DS-2019 (for J-1s).
• Financial documentation:  You should be prepared to submit and explain the documentation you provided to obtain the I-20 or DS-2019.
• IUPUI admission letter

 

 

For Scholars

• J-1
• Letter of invitation from the sponsoring IUPUI department or school
• Documentation of financial support as indicated on the DS-2019
• OIA welcome letter
• DS-2019 form
• SEVIS I-901 fee receipt

 

• H-1B or O-1
• Original I-797 approval notice
• Copy of H-1B or O-1 I-129 petition to USCIS
• Other documents listed on the checklist of H1-B approval handout sent along with your original approval notice.

U:\Advising\H1-B\Approve\H1-B Approval Handout (on letterhead).pdf

Note:  Providing evidence of ties to the home country is not necessary for H1-B and O-1 statuses.

For Students/Scholars Renewing Their Visas

In general, an applicant for a renewal of a student or scholar visa will need the same documentation as was necessary for the first visa application. 

• Students: 
• Signature by OIA advisor on I-20 or DS-2019
• Letter of good standing from the Office of International Affairs and a grade report from OneStart.
• Scholars:
• For J-1s, a signature by OIA advisor on DS-2019. 
• H-1Bs or O-1s, a letter from the employing school/department verifying continuing employment, along with copies of recent pay vouchers. 

 Notice to Persons from Certain Countries

In November 2001 a new US Department of State rule required that male applicants for nonimmigrant visa between ages 16 and 45 from certain countries are now subject to a waiting period on all non-immigrant visa applications of up to 20 working days to allow the State Department to cross-check applicants’ names with federal security agencies’ databases. The Department of State has indicated that these security measures are temporary but has provided no information about how long they might remain in place.

The countries subject to these requirements include:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

 

Notice to Persons from Countries Designated as "State Sponsors of Terrorism"
Federal regulations will require applicants for nonimmigrant visas from Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria to pass special security clearances before being issued a visa. Applicants should expect additional delays of 1-2 months.

Applying for a Visa in Canada or Mexico
For more information, see “How to Apply for Visa in Canada or Mexico.”   

 

For more information, see How to Apply for Visa in Canada or Mexico.