Steps to getting your Visa:
Determine Your Visa Type
Take a look at the immigration document we have sent to you. If the document you received is an I-20 you will be applying for an F-1 student visa. If Indiana University (or other sponsoring agency such as Fulbright, IIE, ISEP, Muskie or your home government) sent you a DS-2019 you will be applying for a J-1 student visa.
Pay the SEVIS Fee (350.00USD)
Locate US Embassy & Schedule a Visa Appointment
Locate a US Embassy in your home country by using this website.
Please contact them directly and set up an appointment. You are strongly encouraged to set this appointment up as you have received your I-20 or DS-2019, because the wait time for an appointment and visa approval varies (please use this website to acquire approximations on visa wait times: Visa Wait Times).
Documents you will need for your visa interview
- I-20 or DS-2019
- Valid Passport
- SEVIS Payment Receipt
- Visa Application Form
- Current financial documentation: documents indicating the source(s) and amount(s) of financial support for your study in the current academic year. This must match the information listed on your I-20.
- Please check with the US Embassy where your appointment is being held if they require any additional documents besides the ones listed above.
Prepare for Your Interview
Applying for a US visa is similar to applying for benefits from any government—a lot of preparation and patience is required. For more information: