USA Visa

Required Documents for F or M Visa:

DS-160 Form: Submit the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form. More information is available on the DS-160 web page.

• Valid Passport:*Your passport must be valid for travel to the U.S. with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended stay. If more than one person is included in your passport, each person must submit an application.
• Photograph: One (1) 2"x2" (5cmx5cm) photograph taken within the last six months. Details about the required photo format are on the web page.
• Visa Fee Receipt: A receipt showing payment of the US$160 non-refundable nonimmigrant visa application processing fee. More information about paying this fee is available on the web page. Additional visa issuance reciprocity fees may apply depending on your nationality.
• Form I-20: An approved Form I-20 from your U.S. school or program.
• 10-Year Travel History
• List of Siblings and Children

Additionally, you must present an interview appointment letter confirming your booked appointment through this service. Bring any supporting documents you believe will support your information provided to the consular officer.

Application Steps:

1. Complete the DS-160 Form: Fill out the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.
2. Pay the Visa Application Fee: Ensure you pay the correct fee.
3. Schedule Your Appointment: Use the information on this web page to schedule your appointment. You will need:

•    -Your passport number
•    The receipt number from your Visa Fee receipt
•    The ten-digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page

4. Attend the Visa Interview: Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the scheduled date and time with:

•    Printed appointment letter
•    DS-160 confirmation page
•    One photograph was taken within the last six months
•    Current and all old passports
•    Original visa fee payment receipt

Supporting Documents:

Consular officers consider various factors during the interview, including professional, social, cultural, and long-term plans and prospects in your country of residence. Each application is individually assessed.

Caution:

Do not submit false documents. Fraud or misrepresentation can lead to permanent visa ineligibility. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate will respect the confidentiality of your information.

You should bring the following documents to your interview:

• Documents demonstrating strong financial, social, and family ties to your home country that will compel you to return to your country after your program of study in the United States ends.
• Financial and any other documents you believe will support your application and which give credible evidence that you have enough readily-available funds to meet all expenses for the first year of study and that you have access to funds sufficient to cover all expenses while you remain in the United States. M-1 applicants must demonstrate the ability to pay all tuition and living costs for the entire period of their intended stay.
• Photocopies of bank statements will not be accepted unless you can also show original copies of bank statements or original bank books.
• If you are financially sponsored by another person, bring proof of your relationship to the sponsor (such as your birth certificate), the sponsor’s most recent original tax forms and the sponsor’s bankbooks and/or fixed deposit certificates.
• Academic documents that show scholastic preparation. Useful documents include school transcripts (original copies are preferred) with grades, public examination certificates (A-levels, etc.), standardized test scores (SAT, TOEFL, etc.), and diplomas.

Required Documents for Interview:

• Documents demonstrating strong financial, social, and family ties to your home country.
• Financial documents showing sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses for at least one year in the U.S.
• Original copies of bank statements or bank books.
• Proof of relationship to your financial sponsor (e.g., birth certificate), the sponsor’s recent original tax forms, and bankbooks/fixed deposit certificates.
• Academic documents (original transcripts, standardized test scores, diplomas).
• For dependents: proof of relationship (marriage and birth certificates).

Dependents:

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can apply for derivative F or M visas. They must provide proof of relationship and should ideally apply simultaneously as the principal visa holder.

Other Information:

• Optional Practical Training (OPT): F-1 visa holders may be eligible for up to 12 months of OPT after completing their studies. OPT is separate from academic work and requires an annotated I-20 reflecting OPT program approval.
• Validity of Student Visas After a Break in Studies:
• Students away from classes for more than five months need a new F-1 or M-1 visa to return to school. This applies to both students within the U.S. and those returning from travel abroad. Always check with your designated school official before traveling.

For more details, visit the [USCIS website](https://www.uscis.gov/) and review the instructions for Application for Extend/Change of Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-539).

For more information or assistance with the application process, contact ECS Counselors.