Embassy of the United States

Non-Immigrant Visas

Types of Visas

Student Visas 

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) provides two nonimmigrant visa categories for persons wishing to study in the United States. At an educational institution approved by the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the "F" visa is for academic studies, and the "M" visa is for nonacademic or vocational studies.

Students accepted at academic institutions will receive, from the school, Form I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status for Academic and Language Students. Nonacademic or vocational institutions issue Form I-20M-N, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students. The spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old of the F and M visa holder may be given F-2 and M-2 respectively if they seek to accompany or follow to join the primary visa holder.

Applicants for student visas, who have a valid I-20 form may apply during regular visa hours.

The applicant will need to have with you the following documents:

• A completed and signed OF-156 (link to travel page)application. One form is needed for each person including children. Blank forms are available at the Embassy at no charge or may be obtained from most travel agencies.
• A valid passport.
• Two color photographs 1.5" x 1.5" (37mm x 37mm) against a white background with your signature on the reverse side
• Form I-20.
• Financial evidence showing sufficient funds to cover the costs for the first year of intended study and a reasonable source of funds thereafter.
• Evidence of your ties to your country and that you will depart the United States when you have completed your studies.

Transit/Crew Visas

Applicants for individual transit/crew (C-1/D) visas must present themselves for a personal interview during regular visa hours.

Required Documents

• A completed and signed OF-156 application with two color photographs 1.5" x 1.5" (37mm x 37mm) against a white background.
• A letter from the seafarer’s manning agency with a designated serial number indicating the name and flag of the vessel, the seafarer’s expected date of arrival and port of entry in the United States, the place where the seafarer will join the vessel and the name of the agent who will be responsible for the seafarer in the United States

Exchange Visitor Visas

Applicants for Exchange Visitor (J) visas should be prepared to present:

• An application form (OF-156 and Manila Supplement) completed and signed. One form is needed for each person including children. Blank forms are available at the Embassy at no charge or may be obtained from most travel agencies.
• A valid passport.
• Two color photographs 1.5" x 1.5" (37mm x 37mm) against a white background with your signature on the reverse side.
• Form IAP-66 issued by a designated sponsoring institution or organization.
• Financial evidence showing sufficient funds to cover all expenses.
  

IMPORTANT NOTE: Section 212 (e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act requires that certain "J" exchange visitors who:

• participate in programs financed in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by an agency of the U.S. Government or by the exchange visitor’s government,
  
  or
  
• who are nationals or residents of a country which has been designated by USIA as requiring the skills of the exchange visitor,
  
  must
  
• return to their country of nationality or last residence after completing their program in the United States
  
  and
  
• reside there physically for two years before they may become eligible to apply for an immigrant visa or any category of temporary worker nonimmigrant visa.