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Visa information
The following links provide useful information about the visa application process including links to the US embassy in your country.
For visa information specific to your country
Please use the US State Department's site to link to your nearest US Embassy or Consulate: Links to US Embassies and Consulates
Link to OSU Office of International Affairs new student information. The Office of International Affairs assists international students who are new to Ohio State. This office provides a great deal of useful information regarding a new student's arrival on campus, including information about visas.
General information on obtaining a student visa
Student visa information may be obtained through the US State Department's Student Visa web site: US State Department student visa information or by accessing an embassy's web site and selecting the non-immigrant student visa link. You might also wish to visit the UnitedStatesVisas.gov web site for general information.
Applicants for student visas should generally apply at the US Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence. Although visa applicants may apply at any US consular office abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence.
Required documentation
Visa application forms: US State Dept. visa application forms
US State Department's Student Visa web site: US State Department student visa information
Each applicant for a student visa must submit:
1) Form I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students. You will need to submit a SEVIS generated Form, I-20, which was provided to you by your school. You and your school official must sign the I-20 form. All students, as well as their spouses and dependents must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), an Internet-based system that maintains accurate and current information on non-immigrant students and exchange visitors and their dependents (F-2 visa holders). Your school is responsible for entering your information for the I-20 student visa form into SEVIS.
Students will also have to pay a SEVIS I-901 fee for each program of study. This fee is $100 (US) and may be paid by check, money order, credit card, or through third-party payment. Payment of this fee in no way guarantees visa approval. This is simply a part of the visa application process.Please contact your local embassy for procedures;
2) A completed application Form DS-156, together with a Form DS-158. Both forms must be completed and signed. Some applicants will also be required to complete and sign Form DS-157. A separate form is needed for children, even if they are included in a parent's passport.The DS-156 must be the February 2003 date, either the electronic "e-form application" or the non-electronic version. You may also check with the Embassy Consular Section where you will apply to determine if the hard-copy blank DS-156 form is available, should you need it. (note: the OF-156 application form will no longer be accepted by US Embassies);
- For electronic and PDF versions of these forms: US State Dept. visa application forms
3) An interview at the embassy consular section. The waiting time for an interview appointment for applicants can vary, so early visa application is strongly encouraged. During the visa interview, an ink-free, digital fingerprint scan will be quickly taken, as well as a digital photo. Some applicants will need additional screening, and will be notified when they apply.
4) A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must make an application;
5) One photograph 2 inches square (50x50mm) for each applicant, showing full face, without head covering, against a light background;
6) an MRV fee receipt to show payment of the visa application fee, a visa issuance fee if applicable, and a separate SEVIS I-901 fee receipt. This is a nonrefundable application fee (check consulate's web information for current amount). A receipt showing payment of the visa application fee for each applicant, including each child listed in a parent's passport who is also applying for a US visa, is needed. While all F visa applicants must pay the MRV fee, including dependents, only the F-1 principal applicants must pay the SEVIS fee;
6) Financial evidence that shows sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study. For example, a private sponsor's affidavit of support and bank statement, or support letter from an academic department, or a letter from sponsoring agency. If you have been offered a Graduate Research Associate (GRA) position the MSE department offer letter along with your I-20 is sufficient;
7) Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended;
8) Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, GRE, etc.;
9) Evidence of strong ties to your home contry. [see also, 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Nonimmigrant Visa] The consular officer may not issue a student visa unless satisfied that the applicant: (1) has a residence abroad (i.e., outside the US), (2) has no intention of abandoning that residence, and (3) intends to depart from the United States upon completion of the course of study. Applicants generally establish their ties abroad by presenting evidence of economic, social, and/or family ties in their homeland sufficient to induce them to leave the United States upon the completion of studies. For more information: US State Dept. visa denial information
Student visa applicants must establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer that they have binding ties to a residence in a foreign country which they have no intention of abandoning, and that they will depart the United States when they have completed their studies (this requirement also applies to a spouse and/or children accompanying the student).
Consular officers are instructed to assume that all nonimmigrant visa applicants are intending to remain in the US following their period of study, unless sufficient evidence to the contrary is provided. It is impossible to specify the exact form the evidence should take since applicants' circumstances vary greatly.
10) Proof of additional funding for family members who will enter the US on the F-2 or J-2 visas;
11) Marriage or birth certificates of family members applying for the F-2 or J-2 visa. It is preferred that families apply for F-1 and F-2 visas at the same time, but if the spouse and children must apply separately at a later time, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder's passport and visa, along with all other required documents.
Be sure to review the Predeparture Information section of the EducationUSA web site. This site details what to expect at the border, which documents you should keep on your person when traveling, and other important items.
