APPLYING FOR A VISA

Visa is a permission granted by any country to enter that country. A visa is required to enter the United States. There are three types of student visas:

• Academic Studies (F visa): Most international students enter the U.S. on an F-1 student visa. F-1 visas are nonimmigrant visas that are granted to applicants who want to pursue a full course of academic study at an accredited U.S. college or university.
• Non-Academic or Vocational Studies (M Visa): For students who have been accepted into a program to study or train at a non-academic institution in the U.S.
• Academic Studies as an Exchange Visitor (J Visas): For students who have been accepted into a program through a designated sponsoring organization to participate in an exchange visitor program in the U.S. The "J" visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs. Some students are required to hold a J-1 student/scholar visa by their sponsoring agency.

You've already been admitted - now it's time to get your VISA

Once you have all the required documentation, you may apply for the visa, even if you do not intend to begin your program of study for several months. It is best to apply early for the visa to make sure that there is sufficient time for visa processing.

In order to apply for a student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, you will need to take your letter of admission, the visa-qualifying document (I-20 form or DS-2019) issued by a U.S. college or university or Department of State-designated sponsor organization, original copies of your financial support documents, proof of payment of the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. The U.S. academic institution or program sponsor will provide you with the appropriate SEVIS-generated form only when you have been academically admitted to the institution or accepted as a participant in an exchange program), visa fees, a completed visa application form, and other supporting materials to a U.S. embassy or consulate in Vietnam. You should also make sure you have all the documentation you will need when you go for the interview.

The U.S. government made some changes in visa procedures after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Recent changes in U.S. visa laws and regulations have increased the amount of time it can take to get a visa. Processing times will vary. You should contact the embassy or consulate in Vietnam for a current time estimate and planning recommendations. You should do this as soon as possible.

Additional information on Visa is available here.

What should I do if my U.S. student visa application is denied?

Some visa applicants may be able to overcome a visa application denial. The U.S. Department of State has useful information on its Web site regarding student visa denials.

SEVIS Fee

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires all applicants for F-1 and J-1 visas to pay a one-time fee of US$100 before applying for a visa. More details about paying this fee can be found at U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement

United States Visa Categories

• B-1 Business Visa
• B-2 Tourist Visa
• B-1/B-2 Visa Extension
• C-1 Transit Visa
• E-1 Treaty Trader Visa
• E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
• E-3 Visa for Australians
• F-1 Student Visa
• H-1B Work Visa
• H-2B Work Visa
• H-3 Trainee Visa
• J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
• K-1 Fiancee/Fiance Visa
• L-1 Intracompany Work Visa
• O-1 Extraordinary Ability
• P Visa Athlete/Entertainer
• R-1 Religious Visa

Please call us to find more information about the visa application process.