Applying for a Visa

If you need an F-1 visa to enter the United States, you will need to complete several steps before traveling to Union. Visa processing times and requirements can change, so we urge our incoming students to start the process as early as possible. You cannot apply for a visa without first receiving your Form I-20 from International Advising.

The DS-160 is the online application for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa. You must complete and submit it before your visa interview.

Before starting the DS-160, have your passport, Form I-20, SEVIS ID, and information about your education, travel history, and family available.

Most incoming F-1 students and many J-1 exchange visitors must pay this fee before applying for a visa, if required, or seeking admission to the United States.

How to pay:

1. Receive your immigration document. You must have your Form I-20 or DS-2019 before paying the fee.
2. Visit the official I-901 SEVIS Fee website. Complete the payment using the information on your immigration document.
3. Save your payment receipt. Print a copy or save an electronic copy to bring to your visa interview, if applicable, and keep with your immigration records.

Important information:

• The I-901 SEVIS fee is separate from the visa application fee.
• Canadian citizens who do not need a visa may still be required to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee.
• If you are transferring from another U.S. institution, do not automatically pay the fee again. Contact International Advising to confirm whether a new payment is required.

If you have questions about your fee payment, please contact the International Advising Office before proceeding.

If you are currently outside the United States and do not have a valid U.S. student visa, you must apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of nationality or permanent residence. Schedule your visa interview through the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that serves your country of nationality or residence.

Visa application procedures and requirements vary by location. Visit the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply for the most current information and instructions.

Appointments are mandatory for all student visas. Some offices require appointments to be made at least four to eight weeks in advance, and holiday periods can increase the wait times. Find out your preferred office's typical wait time and plan ahead. New F-1 student visas may be issued up to 365 days before the program start date listed on Form I-20. However, students cannot enter the United States more than 30 days before that date. Check the current instructions from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply.

Citizens of Canada are not required to obtain a U.S. visa to enter the U.S.

Your DS-160 application needs to match what is searchable online, so list all accounts, even if you don’t use them.

Account Privacy Settings

Consulates require that all applicants for H-1B and their dependents (H-4), F, M, and J non-immigrant visas adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to “public.”

Review Your Online Presence

• We encourage applicants to review all accounts and check for accuracy.
• Ensure your education, employment, and biographical details match your visa application.
• Update outdated or incorrect information.
• Applicants should not misrepresent themselves or provide false information

We also encourage applications to review their posts and interactions. Look at groups or public forums you follow to ensure they reflect how you wish to present yourself. Search for your name online and ensure what comes up aligns with how you want to present yourself. Multiple news outlets are reporting that Consular Officers may examine online content for:

• Language suggesting “hostile attitudes” toward the United States
• Possible links to, or endorsement of, groups the U.S. considers terrorist organizations
• Activity that suggests participation in or planning of unlawful behavior
• Posts that appear threatening, harassing, or hostile toward people or institutions in the U.S.
• Discriminatory or hate-motivated content, including antisemitism
• Evidence of previous visa or immigration noncompliance
• Information that conflicts with what is provided on the DS-160 or during the visa interview

Avoid the Appearance of Misrepresentation

• Do not abruptly delete large amounts of content immediately prior to your interview.
• Do not create new accounts that do not accurately represent you.
• Ensure your usernames, photos, and identifying information allow officers to match the account to you.

Our software partner, Homebase, has created this Visa Interview Prep Hub. You can access these resources at any time during your preparation. While most features are available for free, some optional features require payment. Any purchases are entirely optional and would be at your own expense and discretion.

If your visa application is refused, keep any documentation provided by the consular officer and contact International Advising as soon as possible. We can help you understand how the refusal may affect your plans to attend Union and identify appropriate next steps. Reapplying does not guarantee that a visa will be issued, and you should follow the instructions provided by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Visa application procedures, fees, appointment availability, and immigration requirements can change. The information on this page is intended as a general guide and should not replace the official instructions provided by the U.S. government or the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you apply.

For the most up-to-date information, consult the U.S. Department of State and Study in the States.

If you have questions about your immigration documents, visa application, or plans to attend Union, please contact the International Advising Office. We are happy to help you navigate the process and prepare for your arrival.