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Upcoming Events

  • Wednesday: April 30, Recognition Reception (international students graduating and study abroad alumni) at the Heritage Room, MU. From 3:30 PM-4:30 PM

 

News & Updates

Interested in Studying Abroad?  Try our new questionnaire and make an appointment to talk about the new $cholarship opportunitie$!

Photos of Multicultural Events

OIE Spring Newsletter

SEVIS Fee Facts


Applying for Your Visa

Things to do before your visa interview

  • Consult the U.S. embassy or consulate about specific instructions on their application and interview procedures.
  • Apply early. Applications for visas are taking longer to process due to the increased security checks. Students from Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria will be subjected to an extra security check. Also, students studying 'sensitive' fields like nuclear technology, will also have an extra security check. However, there is no limit to how early you may apply.
  • Pay the $100 SEVIS Fee: After September 1, 2004, the Department of Homeland Security required every F-1 and M-1 international student applying for a visa to pay a $100 fee to support the SEVIS database. Most J-1 exchange visitors will also have to pay this fee. J-1's participating in Federally sponsored exchange visitor programs (program codes start with G-1, G-2, or G-3 on the DS-2019) do not have to pay the fee. Make sure to have your proof of payment receipt prior to applying for a visa. SEVIS FACT SHEET.
  • Pay the $100 visa application fee. This fee must be paid before the interview. Each consulate will have instructions on how to pay this fee.
  • Obtain two 2 inch x 2 inch photographs of yourself which meets the non-immigrant visa photo requirements.
  • Fill out and sign the forms DS-156 and DS-158. If you are bringing your spouse and children over as F-2 or J-2 dependents, fill out forms for them as well.

Things to do during your visa interview

  • Tell the truth. State the facts of your own case. Never lie. If you are caught in a lie, your visa request will be denied and any future attempts will likely result in denial. Do not memorize answers beforehand, but give honest, direct answers to all the questions. Vague answers will only work against you.
  • Organize your supporting documentation so that it can be logically presented without hesitation.
  • Dress well. Wear business attire. This will show that you are serious.
  • Know your educational objectives and be prepared to explain them.
    • What are your educational goals?
      • A four year bachelors degree?
      • A graduate degree?
      • An intensive English program to improve English skills?
    • Be prepared to discuss what you expect to get out of your education.
    • Show that you are qualified for the program.
    • Share information about your academic achievements, thus far, in your own country. If your grades are below average, ask a teacher to write a letter explaining why you will still be able to succeed in the U.S.
  • Know facts about ESU. The interviewer may ask you if you have been in touch with other schools or why you chose ESU. State the facts and submit the documents.
  • Be ready to present documentation:
    • I-20 or DS-2019 from Emporia State University (ESU)
    • I-20's or DS-2019's for your spouse or children if they are coming as dependents
    • Proof of your relationship to your spouse and/or children (e.g., marriage and birth certificates) if they are coming with you.
    • Your passport, valid for at least six months after the date of entry into the US
    • Proof of payment of visa application fees (this is usually a receipt)
    • Proof of payment of SEVIS fee (this WILL be a receipt)
    • Proof of proficiency in English, TOEFL score, if available
    • For graduates, bring other relevant test scores (GRE, GMAT, etc).
    • For undergraduates, bring other relevant test scores (SAT, ACT, etc).
    • Transcripts of secondary and higher education
    • Additional materials from ESU
    • Two photographs which meet the standards of the U.S. embassy
    • Financial documents that show your sponsor's salary or income. Income tax documents, original bank books, and business licenses are very useful. If funds are coming from another country, explain how that will not hinder the payment of your expenses. DO NOT list work in the U.S. as a means to fund your education unless you have a job listed on your I-20, like a GTA position.
    • Any property ownership documents and deeds
    • Any documents that show a reason for your return to your home country after completion of your studies.
  • Mention family members who have studied in the USA. If you have had any family member complete higher education in the U.S. who has now returned to your country, mention that. If possible, bring the family member's diploma and documentation of the family member's current employment in your home country.
  • Don't state that you intend to work in the United States, even temporarily after completing your studies.
  • Maintain a positive attitude, be yourself, be calm, be confident and be friendly. Do not try to negotiate or argue with the consular official.

What to expect during the interview

  • Be prepared to explain why studying your degree in the USA is better than studying elsewhere. Do some research on your field of study and bring documentation.
  • Be prepared to describe the program you are studying, the university you chose, and where you will live.
  • Be prepared to prove that you will return to your country after finishing your studies in the USA. State the fact that after graduating from an American university you will have a great future in your country. If possible, bring documentation showing that your field of study can lead to career opportunities in your home country.
  • If you are married, especially with children, and your family is remaining behind in your own country, be prepared to address how they will support themselves in your absence. If your family is coming with you as dependents, show that you have enough funds to support them without hindering your education.
  • Be prepared to discuss family, business or social ties you will be maintaining in your home country. If your family owns a business, mention that and bring documentation. If one of your direct family members holds an important post in government, education, or business, bring documentation to prove that as well.
  • Be prepared to address a mandatory military service if your country has one.

Things to do after your visa interview

  • If you were denied a visa, you may appeal and apply again. Most visa applications are denied because the student failed to show the likelihood of returning to his or her home country after completion of studies. (This rule is from Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act) Find documentation that strengthens your case.
  • If you were accepted, notify Emporia State University and send in your travel schedule. Carefully read all the materials sent to you from ESU and read about the new US-VISIT system.
  • If your visa is not issued in time for you to start studies during the semester of your choice, return your I-20 to ESU so we can issue a new one for you.

Useful Links

 power e UnitedStatesVisas.gov The official site for U.S. visa policy.

 power e U.S. Department of State Visa Services Another official source for visa policy.

 power e Tips for U.S. visas for F-1 students From U.S. Department of State

 power e Tips for U.S. visas for J-1 students From U.S. Department of State

 power e Help from Consuls Visa interview tips from U.S. Consular Services

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Last Updated July 31, 2007