How to Get a US Student Visa | Newly Admitted International Students

What is a student visa and why do I need one?

Generally, a citizen of a non-US country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. If you would like to study as a full-time student in the United States, you will generally need a student visa. Your study plans will determine whether you need an F visa or a J visa.

LEARN MORE ABOUT VISAS FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Steps to Navigate Your F-1/J-1 Visa Process

Applying for a U.S. visa might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! Explore the sections below to learn more about the process for F-1 (nonimmigrant student) and J-1 (exchange visitor) applicants. When in doubt, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Immigration Services (OIS).

1.1. Receive an offer of admission

Undergraduate degree-seeking students: This is your official offer of admission from the Admission Office.

Non-degree students:

Exchange students: This is your official exchange program offer from the Global Education Office
Language Assistants: This is your official offer letter from the Dean of Faculty and Provost.

1.2. Confirm your attendance

Undergraduate degree-seeking students: commit to Amherst by paying your deposit or confirming your deposit waiver.

Non-degree students (exchange students, language assistants): Confirm acceptance of your offer of admission.

Step 2: Upload your passport to the application Portal and comply with any other requirements related to Financial Aid

2.1. Provide your passport

F-1 students: log into your Application Status Page and use the "Upload Materials" tool to upload a copy of your passport biographical page.

Already in the U.S. as an F-1 student at another institution? Submit the F-1 Transfer to Amherst College form if you plan to transfer your F-1 record, in addition to uploading your passport biographical page as indicated above.

J-1 exchange visitors: Complete the J-1 Exchange Visitor Info Form, which includes an upload of your passport biographical page.

2.2. Finalize your financial information

F-1 students: Ensure that you have completed all requirements with the Office of Financial Aid. You must receive your final financial aid award details (or have a complete certificate of finances on file) before your I-20 can be issued.

J-1 exchange visitors: No action should be required here, unless specifically requested by the Office of Immigration Services.

Step 3: Receive your I-20 or DS-2-2019 document, issued by the College

3.1. For F-1 students

If you are pursuing F-1 status, you will need an I-20, which is a “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” from Amherst College in order to apply for your F-1 visa.
The issuance of I-20s begins each year in May, as students’ Financial Aid information becomes finalized. Students' I-20 issuance timelines can vary based on how quickly steps 1 and 2 are completed. Most I-20s are issued 1-2 weeks after these steps are completed.
When your I-20 has been issued, you will receive it via email from the OIS.

3.2. For J-1 exchange visitors

If you are pursuing J-1 status, you will need a DS-2019, which is a “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status,” from Amherst College in order to apply for your J-1 visa.
The DS-2019 issuance timeline can vary based on how quickly you complete steps 1 and 2, but most DS-2019s are issued 1-2 weeks after the J-1 Exchange Visitor Info Form is submitted.
When your DS-2019 has been issued, you will receive it via email from the OIS.

Step 4: Apply for your visa (F-1 or J-1) at a US Consulate or Embassy

4.1. Paying the SEVIS fee

After receiving your I-20 or DS-2019, and before attending a visa interview at your local embassy or consulate, you must pay what is called the SEVIS Fee or SEVIS I-901 Fee. You will be expected to provide your receipt as proof of payment at the time of your visa interview and your arrival in the US.

Currently, the SEVIS I-901 Fee is $350 USD for F-1 applications and $220 for J-1 applications.

Note that this fee is separate and preliminary to any visa application fee that you may need to pay for your visa interview appointment. Visa application fee amounts may vary; check the website of your local consulate/embassy office for more information.

International students receiving financial aid from Amherst College will have their I-901 SEVIS Fee paid by the College.

4.2. Applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa

Use your Amherst College I-20 or DS-2019 to apply for your F-1 or J-1 visa.

Visa issuance may take as long as six to eight weeks; in some cases, supplementary security clearances may take even longer. You are encouraged to submit your visa application materials as early as possible in order to receive your visa in time to enter the US before the start of the semester. Summary information on visa wait times at various US embassies and consulates around the world is available online.

Whenever possible, it is recommended to apply for your F-1 visa at a US consulate in your home country.

Once you have located the website of the US consulate where you plan to apply for your visa, you should look for information on the topic of “nonimmigrant visas/F-1 student visas.” In all cases, a completed visa application form, the DS-160 (Online nonimmigrant Visa Application) and associated application fee is required.

A visa interview is required unless waived, and can be scheduled once the DS-160 has been submitted. You should plan to bring to your interview your passport (with at least six months validity); your I-20/DS-2019; your letter of acceptance; financial documentation; proof of SEVIS fee payment; and visa application fee payment. Other documentation may also be required of any nonimmigrant visa applicant, at the discretion of the consulate.

Note: Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not need to obtain a physical visa, though they do need to obtain an I-20/DS-2019 in order to enter the US in F-1/J-1 status.

Helpful resources when applying for a US student visa

- US Department of State’s Student Visa page
- NAFSA's tips on applying for a student visa
- Argo's All about the F-1 Student Visa Interview (Argo also has a great YouTube channel filled with helpful visa-related videos!)

Step 5: With your visa in hand, get ready to pack, buy your tickets and come to Amherst!

5.1 Travel to Amherst

When entering the U.S., you will be expected to present the following documents to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), who will ultimately determine whether you are permitted to enter the country.