VISA Information

What is a Visa?

The visa stamp in your passport indicates you are qualified to apply for admission into the United States (US) as an F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor. Although your passport and I-20 or DS-2019 must remain valid while you are in the United States, your visa only needs to be valid to enter the US. However, if you travel overseas and (1) your visa has expired, (2) the maximum number of entries has been used, or (3) the visa stamp does not identify your current status, then you will need to request a new visa at a US consulate prior to your return to the US. (Canadian citizens are not required to have a visa to enter the US.)

How, Where, and When to Apply for a Visa

Apply for the visa in your home country, unless circumstances or travel plans make this impossible, and anticipate delays in visa issuance due to enhanced security reviews. US consulates require in-person interviews for most visa applicants. You are encouraged to schedule the visa interview appointment as early as possible. The U.S. Department of State maintains an excellent website on the visa application process and should be studied carefully. You can also find information about how long it will take to get your visa there. Students applying for initial entry F-1 and F-2 visas may be issued the visas up to 120 days before the academic program start date, as noted on the I-20. J-1 and J-2 visitors may be issued visas at any time before the beginning of their programs.

At the consulate, be prepared with the following items:

  • Visa application. Complete the form provided by the US consulate in the country where the application will be submitted. You will be charged a fee for the visa application.

  • Receipt confirming payment of the SEVIS fee, if applicable.

  • Valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months when seeking admission or readmission to the United States and should remain valid throughout your stay in the US.

  • Passport-size photos.

  • I-20 or DS-2019 form issued by Utah State University. If you are applying for a visa to continue studies at Utah State University, be sure that the International Student Adviser has signed the travel validation section of the form within the past six months.

  • Financial evidence detailing source and amount of funding. Consular and immigration officers exercise considerable discretion in determining whether financial support exists and is sufficient to cover your entire period of stay. Prepare documentation that is thorough, consistent, credible and varied.

  • Academic transcripts, confirmation of enrollment, and proof of English language proficiency may also be requested.

  • Evidence of continuing ties (such as family, career, or property) to your home country. Visa applicants are presumed to be "intending immigrants." Your visa will be denied unless you satisfy the consular officer that you will return home. Unfortunately, there is no single explanation, document, or letter than can guarantee visa issuance.

  • Consular officers conduct quick interviews! Their initial impression of you is critical to your success. Keep your answers concise. Be honest in everything you write on your visa application and say during the interview. Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English. Don't bring other people to speak on your behalf.

  • Be able to explain the reasons you want to study in the U.S. and remember that your main reason for coming to the United States is to study, not to work!

  • If your spouse and children are remaining behind in your home country, be prepared to explain how they will support themselves in your absence. If they are accompanying you to the US, what are the financial arrangements?

  • If you are denied the visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring the next time you apply, and try to get the reason you were denied in writing. Maintain a positive attitude! Do not engage the consular officer in an argument.

Visa Validity After a Break in Studies

If you have been outside of the US for more than five months and were not registered full time while abroad, your F-1 visa will be considered invalid, even if it has not yet expired. If you are returning to resume study, you must obtain a visa.

SEVIS Fee

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an electronic data collection network that maintains and manages information on F-1 Students and J-1 Exchange Visitors. To cover the costs for the continued operation of the SEVIS program, individuals seeking initial F-1 or J-1 status on the basis of a form I-20 or DS-2019 issued on or after September 1, 2004 must pay a $100 SEVIS fee to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Students and Exchange Visitors have the option to pay the fee with a check by mail or with a credit card via the internet. The fee must be paid and processed prior to issuance of an F-1 or J-1 visa (or, for Canadian citizens who are visa-exempt, prior to applying for admission at a US port of entry).