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Newly Admitted : Student Visa Information

In order to enter the U.S., you must obtain the appropriate entry visa from a U.S. Embassy/Consulate. A U.S. visa gives you permission to apply for admission to the United States in a particular status. DO NOT use a tourist visa or the visa waiver program to enter the U.S. if you are not coming here to be a tourist. Obtain a visa for the correct status.

Applying for a Visa

When applying for a visa, you must present:

  • your visa document I-20,
  • evidence of financial support and
  • visa application forms (get at the local U.S. Consulate)

Visa Processing Time

The visa fees and application processing times vary from country to country. Some consulates grant visas on the same day; others take several weeks to process the request. Some consulates require appointments or applications mailed in; others operate on a walk-in basis. You should contact the consulate you will be applying at for details. Most consulates now have websites with that information:

U.S. Embassies/Consulates: http://www.usembassy.gov/

Visa Fee and Duration

For information on the cost and duration of visas, consult:
Visa Reciprocity Tables: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/reciprocity/reciprocity_3272.html

Must Attend School Indicated on Visa

Students who are coming to the U.S. for the first time to study must use a visa that indicates the school they will be attending. That means that if you obtained an F-1 visa with another school's I-20 but you have decided to attend the Pasadena City College, you must go back to the Embassy/Consulate and have the notation on your visa changed to indicate the Pasadena City College. (Current students who have attended another school in the U.S. prior to coming to PCC may use the original visa if it is still valid.)

Meeting with the Consular Officer

Applying for an F-1 student visa can be complicated and frustrating. There is no guarantee that the visa officer at the U.S. Embassy or the Consulate will issue you a visa. You will need to convince the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that you are a serious student who will study full-time and earn good grades. You must also show sufficient financial support and demonstrate evidence that you will return to your home country after you have completed your studies.

  • The Consular officer will speak to you in English
  • When answering questions, be concise and to the point. You must make a good impression in a very short period of time.
  • To help make a good impression, dress well. You should approach this interview as if it was a job official interview.
  • Speak for yourself. Do not rely on another person to speak for you
  • The Consular officer will also look at whether or not you have sufficient financial resources for your stay in the U.S.
  • your intention to return to your home country at the conclusion of your activity in the U.S.

If Visa Application Is Denied

Most students obtain U.S. visas easily. Unfortunately, some students have been denied visas. If you are denied, make sure the consular officer gives you information in writing as to the reason for the denial. Then, please contact the International Student Office as soon as possible.

**PLEASE NOTE: Students from Canada are not required to obtain a visa stamp; however, they must show proof of financial support in addition to their visa document(s) at the port of entry upon arrival to the U.S.

Helpful Websites

Fees for Visa Services       
Visa Photo Requirements
http://travel.state.gov/visa/vofees.html
http://travel.state.gov/passport/pptphotos/index.html

Visa Denials          
Special Registration
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi_denials.html