Visa FAQs
How to check an I-20
When you receive your I-20, you need to check the top box and ensure the information in there is correct and matches your passport: Preferred name, passport name and admissions number can be blank If your preferred name isn't your nickname, (i.e. Tom ...
Do the dates I last went to the USA have to be accurate?
They don't have to be perfect, but try to make them as close as possible.
My school code is too long when I'm trying to pay SEVIS
214F is already entered for you on the SEVIS system. Do not type this yourself.
What is the I-94?
The I-94 form (Arrival / Departure Record) stores the entry and exit data, the residence permit and personal data such as name, passport number and travel information of foreign persons entering the USA with a visa. It is used to document the entry ...
Do I have to schedule my visa appointment at the US Consulate that is nearest my home address?
No, you can schedule a visa appointment at any of the US Consulates in your country, regardless if it is closest or furthest away from where you live.
I am having trouble completing the DS-160 online form. After a few minutes, it times out and I have to start over from the beginning. How do I fix this?
Unfortunately, the DS-160 website is technically very outdated and no longer up to date. Some things to try are: Use the Chrome, Firefox or Edge browser. Do not use safari. Use a computer/laptop and not a tablet. Certainly do not use a phone! Ensure ...
I am trying to pay the SEVIS Fee. Where can I find my SEVIS ID and my School Code?
You will find both the school code and SEVIS number on your I-20 in these places. 214F from the school code is already entered, do not type this yourself!
Should I have the visa sent to me or pick it up?
It is entirely up to you, but you must choose at the time of being asked, you cannot go back and change your preference. There are not a lot of pick up points, so if there is not one near your house, it might be worth paying the fee to have your ...
I am not able to schedule a visa appointment yet. Why not?
Before you can schedule a visa appointment, you will have to pay the visa fee. You can do this by clicking on the button on the top left of your online consular account that says Schedule Appointment. Then you will need to answer all of the ...
How long is a visa valid?
Your F1 visa is usually valid for 5 years. So make sure that your passport is also valid for that long.
Which visa should I request?
You need an F-1 visa, a non-immigrant visa for students.
When can I enter the USA with my F1 visa and can I enter earlier with an ESTA?
You can enter the USA with your F1 visa no earlier than the Earliest Admission Date entered on the I-20. If coach has given you an arrival date before this, you will need to inform them you cannot enter the USA until this date. This is ...
How and when do I request an emergency appointment?
Emergency appointment requests are rejected almost every time. The most successful way to get an earlier appointment is logging into the appointment booking system each morning to check for cancellations. For this reason we do not provide guidance or ...
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