Once you have received your Form I-20 or DS-2019, you will need to make an appointment for an interview with a Consular Officer at an American Embassy or Consulate local to the city where you reside. Please refer to the checklist below for documents that you will need to prepare before going for your interview.
What to Bring to Your Visa Appointment
Please review the list below and make sure you have these items with you when you go to your visa appointment. Keep in mind that your local consulate or embassy may require additional documents beyond what is listed below, so it is strongly recommended that you review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the US embassy or consulate where you will apply. It is your responsibility to make sure you bring the necessary documentation to your visa appointment.
- Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student<
- Proof of Payment of the <SEVIS I-901 Fee<
- Confirmation page showing that you have completed the <Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application<
- Documentation proving your financial ability to meet the estimated expenses for the first year of your program. This should include the same documentation you submitted via iTorero (updated bank statements are recommended), as well as your sponsor’s letter of support if applicable, and any scholarship letters<
- Evidence of your English proficiency (for example, your TOEFL or IELTS scores)<
- Your passport, valid for at least 6 months into the future and with available empty pages<
- Proof of payment of the non-refundable application fee, if the consulate/embassy requires you to pay before your interview<
- Visa Reciprocity Fee< (if applicable)<
- One (1) passport photograph
- Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status
- Confirmation page showing that you have completed the Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application
- Documentation proving your financial ability to meet the estimated expenses for the first year of your program. This should include the same documentation you submitted via iTorero (updated bank statements are recommended), as well as your sponsor’s letter of support if applicable, and any scholarship letters
- Evidence of your English proficiency (for example, your TOEFL or IELTS scores)
- Your passport, with a validity date at least 6 months past the end of your intended period of stay in the US, and with available empty pages
- Proof of payment of the non-refundable application fee, if the consulate/embassy requires you to pay before your interview
- Visa Reciprocity Fee (if applicable)
- One (1) passport photograph
When Should You Schedule Your Visa Appointment?
You should apply for your visa appointment as soon as you receive your Form I-20 or DS-2019. The consulate or embassy may take longer than you had planned to issue your visa, or may require you to obtain additional documents — so plan ahead! You may want to contact the consulate or embassy ahead of time to inquire about the details of their visa application procedure. Questions you might ask include:
- What is the current waiting time to get an appointment?
- What documents are required?
- How long will it take to receive my visa?
- Is there a processing fee?
It is strongly recommended that you review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the US embassy or consulate where you will apply.