General Visa Information  |  Visa Classification

GENERAL VISA INFORMATION

What is a VISA?
A visa represents permission from the Department of State for the bearer to enter the United States in a particular visa category. Those who wish to come to the U.S. as students or scholars, and have been issued the Form SEVIS I-20 or SEVIS DS-2019 by an educational institution or sponsor are eligible for the F-1 visa or J-1 visa. Once a visa is issued, it appears in one page of the passport, it is machine readable and many times includes photo of the bearer. The visa has a period of validity that the bearer should be aware of and indicates the number of times that it can be used, either “multiple” (M) or a limited number such as “1” or “2.”

Many people use the term "visa" to describe certificates of eligibility or some of the other documents issued in connection with one's non-immigrant status in the United States. But the term is in fact only used correctly to refer to the Department of State’s stamp in the passport. Once entered into the United States, a non-immigrant can allow his/her visa stamp to expire while still in the U.S.

HOW, WHERE and WHEN to Apply for a Visa?
Apply for a visa in your home country at least 90 days prior to your program start date. The U.S. Department of State maintains an up-to-date information on their website for the visa application process. The International Center has compiled a brief summary of necessary documents that you should bring with you to the consulate to which you are applying. We recommend to all students and scholars that they check their individual consulates or embassies for additional requirements.

CAVEAT: Entry with an initial F-1 visa is limited to 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE START DATE listed on the I-20 document (see item #5 on I-20).

General Requirements

1. A certificate of eligibility: SEVIS I-20 form or SEVIS DS-2019 form
2. Visa application forms
   • DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application
   • DS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (if applicable)
   • DS-158 Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant
3. Valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months. You must maintain a valid passport throughout your stay in the United States.
4. Two recent passport-size photos. See the required photo format explained in nonimmigrant photograph requirements.
5. Financial evidence detailing source and amount of funding
6. Proof of maintaining close ties to your home country (such as family, career, or property). These are some examples:
   • A statement verifying your entire family resides in your home country
   • A statement verifying that you or your family own a home or other property in your home country
   • A statement verifying that you have a job waiting for you upon your return
   • Any documents, such as tax returns, that may be helpful in demonstrating close ties and an intention to return to your home country.
7. A receipt for visa processing fee (including dependents)
8. SEVIS FEE

Additional Requirements for STUDENTS

1. Academic transcripts, confirmation of enrollment, standardized tests scores, and proof of English language proficiency may also be requested. Please check the Office of Graduate Studies website for more information on standardized test and/or English language proficiency test requirements.
2. Be able to explain the reasons why you want to study in the U.S. and remember that your main reason for coming to the United States is to study, not to work!

Additional Requirements for SCHOLARS

1. Appointment letter or offer letter from sponsoring UCI’s departments.

Students or Scholars WITH DEPENDENTS

1. Dependent(s) Form I-20 or DS-2019
2. Proof of the student’s or scholar’s relationship to his/her spouse and/or children (e.g. marriage and birth certificates).
3. Financial evidence detailing source and amount of funding

   Please note: It is preferred that families apply for F-1 and F-2 visas at the same time, but if the spouse and children must apply separately at a later time, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder’s passport and visa, along with all other required documents.

Consuls have the authority to ask for any other type of documentation they feel is necessary to make a decision. They ask for these documents as evidence that you are eligible for the status you are requesting, and/or that you are not "excludable."

Students/Scholars are encouraged to apply for their visa early to provide ample time for visa processing.

Student visas: http://travel.state.gov/foreign_student_visas_handout.html
Exchange visitors visas: http://travel.state.gov/visa;exchange.html
Application forms: http://www.travel.state.gov/visaforms.html
Visa Photograph requirements: http://travel.state.gov/photorequirements.html