Visa Categories
Student Visas (F-1, M-1 Visas)
Applicants for U.S. student visas should be aware that the Consular Section may not issue visas to qualified applicants more than 120 days in advance of the start date listed on their I-20 forms. Students may apply more than 120 days in advance, but will not be able to receive visas, if qualified, until no more than 120 days before their start dates. Students must also be aware that in general the immigration authorities in the United States will not admit students more than 30 days in advance of their start dates. Student visa applicants should consider these facts when making application and travel plans.
All applicants for "F-1" and "M-1" visas must present a valid SEVIS I-20 form from the school that has accepted them. SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, a database that is managed by the Department of Homeland Security (formerly the INS). Any I-20 form issued after February 15, 2003 must be a SEVIS form, and the student’s personal data, as found on the I-20 form, must be entered into the SEVIS database. The visa officer must be able to verify the existence of an electronic record in the SEVIS database before a visa may be issued. If the I-20 form was issued before February 15, 2003, procedures from the former (now defunct) Interim Student and Exchange Authorization System (ISEAS) are still in place. If the visa officer cannot electronically verify an I-20 form issued prior to February 15, 2003 through ISEAS procedures, the school must issue a new SEVIS I-20 form. SEVIS or ISEAS procedures also apply to family members, i.e., F-2 or M-2 applicants.
In addition to the I-20 form, to apply for an F- or M-class visa, the applicant must provide the following application forms:
DS-156, in English, using the electronic visa application form (please note that non-barcode forms are no longer accepted), with one recent photo (taken within the last six months, and 2-inches square, i.e., 50-mm square);
DS-157, in English if over age 16.
To obtain a visa to study in the United States, applicants must demonstrate that: the sole (not just "primary") purpose of their travel is to pursue a program of study; they have the ability and intention to be a full-time student in the United States; they possess adequate funds to cover all tuition, living and anticipated incidental expenses without taking unauthorized employment; and they have sufficiently strong social, economic, and other reasons to compel their departure from the United States upon completion of the projected program of studies.
Applicants must bring proof that they have been unconditionally accepted to an accredited academic program. The school must provide a completed SEVIS I-20 form and an acceptance letter. Applicants should also bring proof that they have the skills and background necessary to successfully complete the course. This generally includes their diplomas, transcripts listing courses they have taken and grades received, and results from tests or exams normally required for admission to U.S. schools (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, etc.).
Applicants must show that they have the intent to depart from the United States after the completion of their studies. This may be done in a variety of ways. They may show that they have the talent to succeed in fields that are in demand in China. Often these are students from the top schools in China that will be able to compete for the best jobs when they return.
Prior to issuance, student visa applicants may be subject to additional security processing based on the subject matter they intend to study or their backgrounds. In order to make this additional processing proceed as quickly and smoothly as possible, we suggest that student visa applicants bring to their interviews their resumes or curricula vitae, copies of published research articles, and information about their prospective research programs, areas of study, and advisors. This processing can take four to six weeks or longer to complete. Applicants should keep this in mind when making their application and travel plans.
The Consular Section is unable to take phone calls on specific visa questions. For additional information please visit the Department of State's web site at www.travel.state.gov, or contact the Visa Information Call Center. To make an appointment for a visa interview please contact the Visa Information Call Center.
General Information
Student Visas
