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There are two steps to obtaining a visa to the USA. The first step is SEVIS and the second is applying for a US Visa.
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)
|What is it? |
|The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), is an Internet-based system that maintains data on foreign students and exchange visitors |
|before and during their stay in the United States. |
|How much does it cost? |
|USA$200 |
|When do I have to do this? |
|Before applying for a visa |
|Important Information |
|You must take the official paper receipt (I-797) or the Internet-generated receipt to the visa interview as proof of payment. |
|More information |
|SEVIS information can be found at the following web link: sevis/students/index.htm |
The Visa
Most international students enter the US on a non-immigrant student visa.
|Visa application steps: |
|Receive an I-20 or DS-2019 from the sponsoring university |
| |
|Get visa photo – ask for US passport size and for both print and digital versions |
| |
|Complete the DS-160 online form (starting from 1 March 2010 this will replace the DS-156, 158 and 154) |
|Note applicants will be asked to upload a digital passport photo |
|Save often while completing form |
| |
| |
|Print DS-160 barcode to bring to interview |
| |
|Schedule an interview by phone |
| |
|Complete visa interview at US Embassy in London – for now, applicants are required to bring a print passport photo as well |
| |
|Expect to receive visa and passport within an average of 5 working days. Expedited delivery service can be purchased |
|How much does a visa cost? |
|USA$131 |
|Appointments |
|You must call the Embassy's Operator Assisted Information Service on 09042-450100 to make an appointment. Calls are charged at £1.20/min from BT |
|landlines; It will cost more from a mobile phone |
|Information about the Interview |
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|Informal hints and tips |
|Some people have suggested getting an appointment in the afternoon. The Embassy closes at 5.00pm and if your appointment is later in the afternoon you |
|know you are going to be finished by that time. For example, if your appointment is at 9.00am you may wait until 3.00pm to be seen. This theory is not|
|proven, therefore don’t expect this to happen, we are just letting you know what some past participants have said. |
| |
|Expect a long wait (Around 4 hours) – don’t worry take a book or something |
| |
|Check what you are allowed and not allowed to take to the interview – e.g. no large backpacks, mobile phones or any other electronic devices, such as |
|Blackberries, iPods, PDAs etc |
|What documentation should applicants bring to the interview? |
| |
|Letter from the US university about the exchange programme with the programme dates |
| |
|Copy of your application form and transcript / letter from the university* |
| |
|*Note for students going to the US during their second year of study, a transcript may include a list of modules completed thus far with a note about |
|the UK university assessment schedule (toward the end of their studies, as opposed to being continual as in the US) or be substituted by a letter from |
|the UK university listing the length of their course in the UK and the exchange programme dates. |
| |
|Knowledge of the programme and US university – show you have done your research on the place you are going to and have the ability to explain why they |
|are studying in the US and at this university |
| |
|4. I-20 or DS-2019 |
| |
|Proof you can fund yourself during your stay in the US: You can use any of the following: |
| |
|Scholarship offer letter |
|Bank statements – Can be in the parents’ or family members’ name; can be printed from an online bank account |
|Loan offer letter from a bank or other lender |
|The above should cover the cost of attendance (living expenses) of the exchange programme |
|Any additional information submitted to receive the I-20 or DS-2019 |
| |
|That you have a non-immigrant intent (ie that they plan to leave the US following their studies) |
| |
|Future plans to return to the UK to complete their studies (for short-term exchange) – Information about their course length and a transcript could be |
|helpful. |
|Cultural, family, professional (job to return to) financial (property, bank account) and other ties to a country outside the US |
|Return flight booked |
| |
|Be prepared to discuss: |
|Any and all travel to the US (Know dates, visa entered on and purpose. Make sure purpose was in keeping with the type of visa.) |
|In particular, recent and/or lengthy stays in the US |
|Family in the US |
|Arrival and Departure to the USA |
|You may enter the US 30 days before the start of their programme/course. |
| |
|You may remain in the USA 30 days beyond the end of your studies for personal travel. |
|Working in the USA |
|International students on an F-1 visa may work up to 20 hours per week during term and 40 hours per week during holidays. |
| |
|All work off campus must be authorised, regardless of whether it is paid or unpaid. Discuss arrangements and change of visa status issues with your |
|international student advisor at your host university. |
| |
|Occasional voluntary work (not unpaid internships) may be completed without a change of visa status. However, work should be for a charitable purpose |
|and not involve professional responsibilities that would otherwise be completed by a permanent staff member. |
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS DOCUMENT
IS A GENERAL GUIDE.
IT IS ACCURATE TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE AND RESOURCES
BUT IS NOT OFFICIAL GUIDANCE.
FOR DEFINITIVE AND UP TO DATE INFORMATION
PLEASE CHECK THE RELEVANT WEBSITE:
-----------------------
USA
Visa & Immigration Information.
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