Applying for a visa

A valid F-1/J-1 visa is required in order to enter the U.S.

For continuing students that are already in the U.S., you do not need to renew your visa stamp in order to remain in the U.S. This means you may remain in the U.S. even after your visa expires if you continue to maintain your F-1/J-1 immigration status.

However, if your visa stamp has expired and you travel outside of the U.S., you will need to renew your visa to re-enter the U.S. in F-1/J-1 status. The visa renewal process is often similar to the first-time application process. F-1/J-1 visas cannot be renewed inside the U.S.

Please note:

The advice on this page is general visa application advice. U.S. embassies in different cities may have different procedures. For example, some embassies may not require a visa appointment for a renewal. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the U.S. Embassy near you for the most up-to-date application procedures and requirements.
When planning to apply for your visa, we recommend you give yourself plenty of time, apply early, and expect delays.

The documents and process for a visa application may be different depending on your situation; therefore, please identify the situation that best describes you in the sections below: First-time applicants, continuing students applying for a renewal, and students on OPT/STEM OPT applying for a renewal.

In order to apply for a visa, first-time applicants should prepare the following documents:

Form I-20/DS-2019 issued by ASU. You must print and sign your I-20/DS-2019.
Passport - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the U.S. (unless exempt by country-specific agreements)
Receipt of payment of your SEVIS I-901 fee.
Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
Proof of funding - You must be able to show that you can fund your education based on the amount listed on your I-20/DS-2019.

In order to re-apply for a visa, continuing students should prepare the following documents:

Form I-20/DS-2019 with an updated travel signature
- Please plan ahead as ISSC has a 7-business day processing time.
- This does not include weekends or ASU observed holidays. During peak seasons, processing times may be more than 7 business days as we deal with a higher volume of requests so you must plan accordingly.
Passport - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the U.S. (unless exempt by country-specific agreements)
Proof of funding - You must be able to show that you can fund your education based on the amount listed on your I-20/DS-2019.
Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
Enrollment verification and ASU unofficial transcript

In order to re-apply for a visa, students on Post OPT/STEM OPT should prepare the following documents:

Form I-20 with an updated travel signature
- Please plan ahead as ISSC has a 7-business day processing time.
- This does not include weekends or ASU observed holidays. During peak seasons, processing times may be more than 7 business days as we deal with a higher volume of requests so you must plan accordingly.
Passport - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the U.S. (unless exempt by country-specific agreements)
Valid EAD Card
Proof of Employment - such as a job offer letter
Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page

Reminder: The advice on this page is general visa application advice. U.S. embassies in different cities may have different procedures and require different documents. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the U.S. Embassy near you for the most up-to-date application procedures and requirements.

Submitting your visa application

In order to apply for an F-1/J-1 student visa, you must complete the DS-160 online visa application.

The ISSC has created a Self-Guided DS-160 Application Review Canvas Course to assist in your application process. We recommend reviewing this course if you have questions about filling out the DS-160.

Disclaimer: The information provided in the course is general guidance and should not be construed as formal legal advice. ISSC cannot guarantee the approval of your visa application nor be held liable for the outcome of your application.

Tips for a successful visa interview

The consular officer may ask questions regarding any public information that is available on your social media accounts. Please be prepared to answer their questions.
Be prepared to demonstrate ties to your home country. Ties to your home country are the things that connect you to your hometown, homeland or current place of residence (i.e., job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc).
Practice your English in advance, as the interview will be conducted in English.
Unless you are under 18 years old, do not bring parents or family members with you to your interview.
Prepare to articulate why the program you will study in the U.S. will help or relates to your professional goals in your home country.
Answer all questions concisely with the appropriate information.
Be ready to explain any documents that you submitted during your application process.
It is harder for students from certain countries to obtain visas, so expect potential challenges or delays in processing.
Your main purpose to come to the U.S. is to study. You must clearly articulate your plan to return home after you have finished your degree.
If you have dependents that will stay at home while you study in the U.S., be prepared to share how they will support themselves in your absence.
Remain positive. It can be a tricky and challenging process, but a positive attitude can go a long way.

Administrative processing

From the U.S. Department of State: When administrative processing is required, the consular officer will inform the applicant at the end of the interview. The duration of the administrative processing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case. At the conclusion of the administrative processing period, the consular officer might conclude that an applicant is now qualified for the visa for which they applied. The officer may also conclude that the applicant remains ineligible for a visa. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visas, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.

Visa denials

Some students will be denied a visa if the consular officer determines they are ineligible. Many students with a denied F-1 or J-1 visa application are not able to prove sufficient ties to their home country under INA section 214(b).

If your visa was denied, we recommend submitting a new visa application once you have addressed the concerns of the Consular Officer.

If this will impact your ability to arrive on time to ASU to begin your studies, please email issc@asu.edu.

Applying for a Visa in a Third Country

Applying for a visa in a country which is not your home country means you will be considered a “third-country applicant.” Doing so can be more difficult than applying in your home country. Visa denials in a third country are more likely than in someone’s home country; therefore, we recommend you do research ahead of time to see if doing so is a good option for you.