VISA SERVICES

Students and Exchange Visitors

Issuance and Travel Regulations for Recipients of Student Visas

Persons applying for initial-entry F-1, F-2, M-1, or M-2 visas may be issued these visas up to 120 days before the program start date as listed on their I-20s. However, students may not enter the United States more than 30 days in advance of the program start date indicated on the Form I-20.  Applicants continuing on a student visa are not subject to this restriction.

The above applies only to initial-entry students. Continuing students may apply for new F or M visas at any time, as long as they have maintained legal student status previously and their SEVIS records are current.  Continuing students may also enter the United States at any time before their classes start.

J-1 and J-2 visas to exchange visitors may be processed at any time before the beginning of their programs. However, the visitor may not enter the United States earlier than 30 days prior to the program start date indicated on the Form DS-2019.  Applicants continuing on an exchange visitors program are not subject to this restriction.

Expedited Appointments

Expedited appointments are available for student and exchange visitors who are unable to schedule a timely appointment through normal means.  Please send us an e-mail at HydNIV@state.gov and use "Student Expedited Appointment Request" or "Exchange Visitor Expedited Appointment Request" in the subject line.  In the body of the e-mail, please provide your passport number and your name and date as they are in your passport, and explain why you need an expedited appointment. 

Documents to bring to your student visa interview.

You are required to provide both your SEVIS fee receipt and either your I-20 or DS-2019 form.
For first time students, we strongly urge you provide your consolidated marks sheet.
For continuing students, we strongly urge your bring your grades.
Student applicants must demonstrate to the interviewing officer that:
a.    They can be successful in their course of study; and
b.    Have the funds to pay for at least one year of studies.

Insurance Requirement for Exchange Visitors

Per 22 CFR 62.14, J-1 and J-2 travelers are required to have adequate medical insurance in order to participate in an exchange program. We will ask to see proof of insurance.

SEVIS Fee

If you apply for a student or exchange visitor visa (F-1, M-1, and J-1 visas) in most cases you must pay the SEVIS fee (SEVIS I-901 fee). Payments and inquiries are handled by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) that is administered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). For information about cost of the fee and the payment processes and options, visit the ICE website.

Further Instructions & Information:

• Do not pay the SEVIS fee before you have a Form I-20 or DS-2019
• Pay the SEVIS fee before your visa interview appointment. Do not leave payment of this fee to the last minute
• Make sure you obtain a SEVIS fee payment receipt
• You must bring the SEVIS fee payment receipt to your visa interview. You will need this proof of payment to obtain a student or exchange visitor visa
• If you have a spouse or child who has F-2, M-2, or J-2 visa or is applying for one of these types of visas, they are not required pay the SEVIS fee
• The SEVIS fee is non-refundable
• If you have a question about SEVIS or the SEVIS fee, use the Frequently Asked Questions page provided by ICE

SEVIS & SEVP

SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. SEVIS is an Internet-based system that maintains data on foreign students and exchange visitors, as well as their dependents, before and during their stay in the U.S. It is a key part of Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) administered by the ICE within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The SEVIS fee financially supports the SEVP and SEVIS. For more information visit the ICE website.