Visa

Full-time education in the U.S.:

Students planning to partake in full-time educational studies are eligible for either the “F” category or “M” category VISA. The “F” category is for academic students while the “F” category is for vocational students or any other non-academic institution.

Exchange studies in the U.S.:

If you are planning to participate in an exchange program, you are eligible for the “J-1” category VISA for educational and cultural exchange programs.

For F, M and J categories, documents that you will require before applying for a VISA:

1. Passport (including VISA, if applicable)
2. Form I-20 (This form acts as a “Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status”. It should be provided by your school before you apply for your VISA)
3. After you have acquired the I-20 form, you will have to pay for the I-901 SEVIS fee in order to apply for your VISA (applicable to all F, M and J categories). Pay for your SEVIS fee here!
4. VISA application begins only after payment of I-901 SEVIS fee. More information here!

VISA application process:

You will need to proceed to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country to apply for a VISA. Application procedures may vary between Embassies or Consulates so do consult for instructions at their websites! Locate then here! Check under the “Non-immigrant VISA” category and follow the steps! In general, you will be required to:

1. Complete and print the Online VISA Application (Form DS-160), you will be required to upload your photo whilst completing the form; 
2. Schedule an interview at your country’s U.S. Embassy or Consulate (Interviews are generally not required for some age range however, consular officers have the freedom of choice to require an interview from any applicant. NOTE: VISA qualifications may be difficult if you are applying outside of your country of permanent residence.

If you are required to pay a VISA issuance fee, do check clearly if it’s before or after. You will be required to provide evidence (receipt) for the payment of visa.

On top of the above, you will have to bring along you passport, I-20 (issued by your institution), I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt, Form DS-160 confirmation page, visa application fee payment receipt, photo (if uploading fails), Form DS-2019 (issued by the Department of State-designated sponsor for all J-category exchange visitors after registering with SEVIS) and Form DS-7002 (for individuals in the J-1 Trainee and Intern categories).

1. An empty page (on both sides) for your visa
2. Visa application fees are normally $160.

For more information on visa application, click here!

NOTE: When entering the United States, ensure that you have the all the above documents with you. On top of that, a VISA does not guarantee entry into the United States. Hence if you are allowed entry, the CBP official will provide you with the Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) or admission stamp.

Flying Chalks’ tip: Have soft copies with you for all the important documents. The I-20 form is as important as your passport when you reach USA; do not lose it!

For Singaporeans:

You will need to go to the American embassy to apply for your Visa. However, you’re required to do some preparation before you go to the embassy:

1. Receive the acceptance letter form the host University
2. Receive I-20 form from the host University
3. Need to complete DS-160 form online
4. Need to complete the financial resources form
5. Pay the Visa fee (Approximately $160)
6. Set an appointment

They then take your passport for a few days and you can collect it or have it delivered to your place.