Student visa application process

STUDENT VISA APPLICATION PROCESS If you are coming to Tulane University from outside the U.S., you will need to have a F-1 student visa or J-1 exchange visitor visa to enter the U.S. Typically, degree-seeking students study on the F-1 visa and exchange students and non-degree students study on the J-1 visa. You cannot study full-time at the university on either a B-2 tourist visa or the visa waiver program.

Visa procedures vary from one consulate or embassy to another, so it is very important that you check the website of the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your country for specific instructions.

How to obtain a U.S. Visa Three main phases are involved in the visa application process: 1. Gain admission to Tulane For prospective undergraduate students, Undergraduate Admission is here to help you apply to Tulane.

Graduate studies at Tulane are administered by the respective schools.

Each school or degree program has its own requirements and standards for admission, as well as application procedures. Consult with the schools in which you are interested for complete information.

You can also visit the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website for guidance.

2. Receive your I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students) immigration document and pay the SEVIS fee •

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Students must obtain an immigration document (I-20 or DS2019) produced by the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) to apply for a U.S. Visa.

Once you have been admitted, it typically takes the OISS two to three weeks to generate an I-20. Once it is created, it will be sent via Federal Express to your home.

After you receive the I-20, you can use the SEVIS number located on the I-20 to go online to pay the SEVIS fee.

3. Make a visa appointment and apply for a visa Once you have gained admission, received your immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019), and paid the SEVIS fee, you can make a visa

appointment and apply for your visa.

Standard items required for the visa application: •

A current passport valid for at least six months after your proposed date of entry into the U.S.;

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A form I-20 for the F-1 visa or a DS-2019 for the J-1 visa;

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Evidence of financial support for the period of time and the amount indicated on the I-20 or DS-2019 form;

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Online application Form DS-160 is available on the State Department website;

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Proof of SEVIS Fee payment;

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A receipt for visa processing fee (see the website for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest you for specific instructions on paying this fee); and

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One 2x2 photograph. See the required photo format explained on the State Department website.

You should also be prepared to provide: • Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended; •

Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.;

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Financial evidence that shows you or your parents who are sponsoring you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the entire period of your intended study;

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Proof that you have a residence abroad that you have no intention of abandoning;

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Proof that you are a nonimmigrant and that you have a clear plan to return home after your studies; and

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A short interview will be required.

Preparing for Your Visa Appointment Once you’ve made your visa appointment, we recommend you review the below resources to help you prepare for your appointment.

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Preparing for a F-1 visa interview 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Nonimmigrant Visa

After You Apply for a Visa • The consular officer will place a visa in your passport. You may use it to reenter the United States up to the date of the visa’s expiration as long as you have a valid I-20 or DS-2019.

• If this is your first time attending school in the U.S., your student visa must list Tulane University New Orleans as the school that you will be attending.

• You can enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the beginning of the program.

If you encounter any problems obtaining your visa, contact OISS at oiss@tulane.edu or +1-504-865-5208.