TSRI International Office

Tips for Applying for a U.S. Visa

All international scholars planning to apply for a visa should first thoroughly read the consulate’s website to know that consulate’s specific visa application requirements. Per the U.S. Department of State: Embassies strongly encourage intending travelers to apply for visas well in advance of their proposed journey, and to always refrain from making irrevocable travel plans until the visa has been issued and they are in receipt of their passport and visa. Consular websites can be found here.

Read Tips for applying for a Visa for more information about successful visa applications.

In general, a visa application requires:
A valid passport;
An eligibility document, i.e. I-20 for F-1, DS-2019 for J-1, I-797 for H-1B, etc;
Proof of funding;
Photographs;
Payment of fees;
Visa application forms, (DS-156, DS-157 and DS-158, as required)
Receipt showing payment of SEVIS fee.

As noted above, as part of the initial visa application process you will be required to pay the visa application fee and the new SEVIS fee. Please note that if you are applying for visas for your F-2 or J-2 dependent, they are required to pay the visa application fee but NOT the SEVIS fee. Information on paying the visa application fee will be included with your application information. Additional information on how to pay the SEVIS fee may be found at http://www.ice.gov/graphics/sevis/. You may choose to pay using the internet or by mailing in your application. This fee must be paid prior to your visa appointment. If you have any questions in regards to this fee payment, please contact the International Office.