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Applying for a US Visa

Visa Types

A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of entry and request permission from the U.S. immigration officer to enter the United States. It does not guarantee entry into the U.S. For more information about the definition of a visa, as well as policies and procedures regarding visas, please visit Destination USA.

Most non-U.S. citizens who wish to study in the United States will seek an F-1 (non-immigrant) student visa, but there are other visa types that are sometimes authorized for those who study in the U.S. Here is a short description of the different visa types that involve study:

F-1, or Student Visa: This visa is the most common for those who wish to engage in academic studies in the United States. It is for people who want to study at an accredited U.S. college or university or to study English at a university or intensive English language institute. More information on F-1 or Student Visa can be found at the U.S. Department of State website.

J-1, or Exchange Visitor: This visa is for people who will be participating in an exchange visitor program in the U.S. The “J” visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs. More information on J-1 or Exchange Visitor can e found on the U.S. Department of State website.

M-1, or Student Visa: This visa is for those who will be engaged in non-academic or vocational study or training at an institution in the U.S. More information on the M-1 or Student Visa can be found at the U.S. Department of State website.

Application Procedure

As of June 2006, all applicants for non-immigrant visas are handled by the Public Services Centers nominated by the U.S. Embassy, which is American Express in case of Lahore (probably all of Pakistan). The visa application fee of Rs. 7,000 is non-refundable. American Express delivers the passports to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, which are then returned with an “interview required” stamp.

Applicants for various categories need to fill various forms. Links to most of these forms are provided below; you can either fill them out on your computer using Adobe Acrobat Reader, or take a printout and fill them out by hand.

Form/Document Requirements

F-1 Student Visa

• DS-156: Non-Immigrant visa application. It can be filled out online at http://evisaforms.state.gov/. Once you submit your information to the website, it will generate a PDF file for you, containing your own unique bar code etc., which you can then print out.

• DS-157: Supplemental non-immigrant form.

• DS-158: Contact info & work history form.

• Applicant’s parent information form.

• Copy of a valid I-20.

Tips on Getting a US Visa

Points to remember when applying for a non-immigrant visa, such as showing ties to home country, english proficiency etc.

Pre-departure Planning

For Students: Contacting Your International Student Adviser

On almost all U.S. university campuses, the international student adviser (ISA) is the main source of assistance, advice, and other personal support you might need while you are in the United States. The ISA usually is based in an International Students Office, or department with a similar name, and is the person responsible for your orientation on your arrival and for helping with visa and tax issues. If there is no official international student adviser at your chosen college or university, there will be some other person assigned to work with international students, at least on a part-time basis. When you receive your acceptance letter, you should receive the name of the international student adviser or of another person who acts in this capacity. If no name is listed, request the information from the Admissions Office or check your college’s or university’s website. Let the international student adviser or other appropriate person know of your arrival date.

Documents to Bring

Plan to bring with you to the United States any important documents that relate to your legal, medical, and academic history. While traveling to the United States and while in the country, it is important that you carry all important documents on your person. DO not put them in a suitcase. Do not loan loan or give them to anyone unless that person can show some form of identification stating that he or she is authorized to receive them.

Legal Documents

Foreign nationals must carry certain documents as evidence of legal status, including:

• valid passport, issued by your country, with at least six months validity beyond your entry date;
• non-immigrant visa stamped inside your passport by a consular officer of a U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 A-B, I-20 M-N, or DS-2019 form) for students and scholars;

Arrival-Departure Record (I-94 form), which will be issued to you, usually on the airplane before landing, filled out by you, and reviewed and stamped by the immigration officer at your point of entry into the United States. You may have additional clearance procedures on arrival, in which case you will be directed to a private work station where a photograph and electronic (non-ink) fingerprints will be taken to verify your identity, a short interview conducted, and follow-up appointment scheduled to confirm your plans.

These documents define your legal status. They are necessary for your entry and stay in the United States, and for any temporary departure from and reentry into the country. It is extremely important that you keep these official documents valid at all times. Failure to do so may cause problems with your stay in the United States.

If you are married and your spouse will accompany you, bring a copy of your marriage certificate or other proof of marriage. Be sure to obtain notarized translations of these certificates if they are not in English.

Certificates of Immunization and Vaccination

Ask at the U.S. embassy or consulate whether you must have a medical examination and/or immunization(s) before entering the United States. Inform the U.S. embassy or consulate if you plan to visit other countries before going to the United States because this might affect the requirements for you. Major airlines often can supply information on U.S. entry requirements from other countries.

Most universities require proof of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. This is usually defined as two vaccinations for measles, one for mumps, and one for rubella, given on or after the first birthday. Many schools also require either a recent (within six months to a year) PPD skin test or chest x-ray to screen for or rule out tuberculosis infection. Be sure that all immunizations are recorded on the yellow card of the World Health Organization (WHO). This card should be available from your doctor. For more information, look at the World Health Organization homepage on international travel and health care at http://www.who.int/ith/. Also check with the international student adviser to determine your U.S> university’s specific policies and regulations.

Prescriptions for Medication and Eyeglasses

When you enter the United States, you must declare medications you are carrying on customs forms. Certain drugs may not be brought into the country. If you have questions, check with the U.S. embassy or consulate before you leave home. If you take prescription medication on a regular basis, bring a sufficient supply and a copy of the prescription, written in English. If you depend on eyeglasses, it is a good idea to bring an extra pair, if possible, and a copy of your eyeglass prescription, written in English. When bringing medications with you, keep in mind that general-purpose medications for headaches, colds, minor injuries etc. are readily available in the United States.

Medical and Dental Records

If possible, bring detailed and up-to-date medical and dental records for yourself and any dependents who are traveling with you. It is also a good idea to make sure that these records reflect your recent visits to your local doctor for general examinations, blood tests, dental and eye checkups, x-rays, and so on. This will not only help your U.S. doctor get a better idea of recent or past diagnoses and treatments, but may also help you avoid repeating these tests in the United States at a greater expense.

Academic Documents

If you are traveling to the United States in order to join a college or university, bring along official transcripts and degrees from the colleges and/or universities that you have previously attended. Additionally, it is a good idea to also bring along score reports from tests such as GRE, SAT etc.

Contact Information

Include with your documents the name, address, and telephone number of the individual at your U.S. university to contact in case of a travel delay or an emergency. Also include the name, address, and telephone number of a contact person at home. Such information is usually asked by the immigration officer at the port of entry as well.

Financial Issues

Budgeting Issues for Students

Look at the cost estimates that appear on the I-20 or DS-2019 form that accompanies the letter of admission from your U.S university. International students are expected to have funds to cover the full amount shown. Use the list below to help you think about all the potential expenses you may have.

• Tuition and Fees: Unless you have a scholarship, teaching or research assistantship or some sort of financial aid, be prepared to spend the tuition fee specified on your I-20 or DS-2019. If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact the Admissions Office or the International Student adviser, or alumni or other students who have attended the same university.

• Living costs: Living costs vary widely and depend on geographic locations and individual lifestyles. If you are bringing family members with you, this will, of course, increase your monthly expenses. Living expenses are highest in the large cities, in California, and in the North-east. Costs can be much lower in the South, the Midwest, and other areas. University catalogs and Web sites are good sources of information on current living costs, however, you will get the best advice from alumni or students from your home country who have attended the same university or are located in the same city. Be sure to take into account extra expenses of vacation periods.

• Health Insurance and Travel Insurance: You will need travel insurance to cover your trip from home to your U.S. campus. You will also need health insurance for the duration of your stay in the United States. Health insurance plans vary in cost, and it is best to contact the international student adviser for details. See the section on Insurance for more information.

• Books and Supplies: Universities estimate the cost of books and supplies for the academic year. The cost of books in the United States can be quite high. Most institutions have on-campus bookstores, where you can buy new books or purchase used books at a lesser cost. You may also be able to sell back your books to the bookstore at the end of a semester at partial value. Since most universities’ course-outlines and other details are available on the web, if you know some of the courses that you are likely to take, it is a good idea to bring along low-priced editions from your home country. However, be careful, books can add a lot of weight to your luggage. The cost of textbooks and supplies in the United states varies according to the student’s field of study. Liberal arts students may end up spending up to $400 to $600 a year on textbooks. If you are planning to study in a field that requires special supplies, such as engineering, art, or architecture, your expenses are likely to be greater than the average.

[Travel and Settling-in Costs

Living cost estimates generally do not include trips between the United States and your home country. If you are a student and live off-campus or away from your workplace, you should add your commuting expenses to your annual budget.

Communications

Telephone packages are not so cheap in the United States. Budget carefully for communications, such as telephone and internet.

Personal Expenses

Personal expenses include items such s clothing, toiletries, and other basic goods and services. If you have dependents–a spouse and/or children–or if you have special medical needs, additional funds will be needed to meet your living expenses. Also consider your personal needs such as laundry, stationery, photos, dining out, entertainment, travel and clothing for a climate different than your own.

Taxes

If you are receiving a scholarship or assistantship from your U.S. university, keep in mind that the federal and state governments usually tax these awards. Make sure you also know whether any income or awards from your home country are taxable.

Travel and Settling-in Costs

Before you leave, you should determine how much money you will require within the first few weeks of your stay in the United States. As it may take some time before you open a bank account and receive funds from your home country, this money you will need to carry with you. It is probably safest to carry it in the form of Travelers check.

If you are a student, you will likely need funds to pay your first semester tuition fees and room and board, if you plan to live in a dormitory. If you plan to live off-campus, you will need money for apartment and, possibly, utility deposits, living expenses while you look for housing, and for transportation. Your international student adviser and current students in your department should be able to help you assess the cost of living off-campus.

You may need $800 to $1,000 in traveler’s checks to cover other miscellaneous initial expenses and to provide for emergencies until you receive your transfer of funds. For personal use on your journey and after your arrival in the United States–for taxis, meals, and telephone calls–you should have $100 to $200 in small cash denominations: $20, $10, $5, $1. You can change U.S. paper money into small denominations and coins at almost any store. However, small stores and vendors may have difficulty changing bills larger than $20. Do not carry large amounts of cash — it can be lost or stolen. Thieves may view international students as easy victims, because they often do not know or understand the local customs. Be very careful with your cash.

Monetary Restrictions

The U.S. government does not restrict the amoutn of U.S. currency a nonresident, noncitizen (like yourself) can take or send to the United States for educational expenses. The U.S. government does require, however, that individuals — whether U.S. citizens or not — report the transfer (into or out of the country) of cash or other financial instruments valued at $10,000 or more. Consult with the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country for more information about this requirement.

Insurance

No one ever intends to have an automobile accident, lose valuable possessions through theft or damage or become seriously ill, but sometimes through no fault of our own, these things do happen. Below is a list of different type of insurance plans available in the United States:

• Health insurance provides coverage for medical care. More details can be found in the section below.
• Travel insurance covers you during your journey from your home country to the United States.
• Life insurance insures your life. If you should die, benefits are paid to the person whom you name as your beneficiary.
• Personal belongings insurance insures items you bring with you to the United States against loss, theft, or damage. It is not advisable to bring expensive jewelry or other valuable personal belongings with you to the United States.
• Automobile insurance covers your automobile and injuries to persons in the event of an accident. If you are going to have an automobile in the United States, most states require that you carry automobile and liability insurance. If you rent a car, the fee generally includes insurance coverage.

Health Insurance

The United States does not have a governmental medical plan or health care service that covers the whole population. Instead, most people have private health insurance. The U.S. Department of State requires students on J-1 exchange visitor visas to have insurance coverage that includes health and accident, medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains. The U.S. government has no specific health insurance requirements for students on F-1 and M-1 nonimmigrant visas. However, most educational instructions have set their own mandatory health insurance requirements to ensure that international students do not become a “public charge” — that is, they do not become dependent on the U.S. government to take care of them. International students usually are required to prove they have a certain amount of health insurance (determined by the university) before they will be allowed to enroll in class.

If the health premium seems to high for your budget or if, as a healthy young person, you think that health insurance is an unnecessary expense, consider the costs that could be incurred in the United States as outlined below. Hospitals, doctors, and other medical costs vary throughout the country, but emergency room care averages about $200 per visit. Hospital rooms vary in price depending on the hospital and the region of the country, but currently one overnight stay in the hospital room averages $200 to $1,000 per day, not including charges for doctors and other medical services. Maternity care and delivery cost between $5,000 and $8,000. Overall, national figures indicate that the average cost for a one-week stay in a U.S. hospital is often as much as $8,000. In other words, this is about half the cost of attending some U.S. colleges or universities for an entire year.

If the university or college you attend does not offer a health insurance plan, it is extremely important that you obtain coverage of your own to protect yourself against potentially very high medical costs. There are many health insurance companies and each has numerous plans. If you have an institutional sponsor or a scholarship, you may already be provided with health insurance through your sponsor. Almost all universities and colleges require that students carry health and accidental insurance (the cost of which is in addition to the “health fee” generally charged at the beginning of each school term). Most colleges recommend a specific student health insurance plan. Be sure that you understand which health care services are provided for you and which are not. Depending on the amount and type of coverage, you may wish to consider a supplemental policy that will help cover more of your potential expenses.

Basic health insurance usually includes a portion of the doctors’ fees for major illnesses, as well as hospital and surgical expenses. Minor illnesses or injuries are treated in a doctor’s office, and most insurance plans do not pay for such care. If your spouse or family accompanies you to the United States, be certain they are also covered by health insurance. Dependents can be protected by purchasing a “family plan” that covers them as well as you.

It is important to read your health insurance policy carefully, especially the section that deals with exclusions, so that you will know in advance what the insurance company will pay for and what it will not pay for. Below are some areas that are generally not covered by basic health insurance plans.

• Maternity care: You must purchase insurance for maternity care separately and, generally, before pregnancy occurs. Most maternity insurance policies allow only two days’ hospital stay.

• Dental services: If you need dental work done, it is a good idea to have it taken care of before coming to the United States.

• Eyeglasses: If you wear eyeglasses, have your eyes examined before you leave home and bring an extra pair of glasses and the prescription (written in English) with you. Except in the case of injury to the eyes, eye care is generally not covered by basic health insurance, and a separate eye-care plan needs to be purchased instead.

• Existing conditions: Most insurance companies will not reimburse you for treatment of a condition that existed prior to the effective date of your insurance policy. If you require care for an ongoing medical condition, look closely at any insurance policies you are considering. Medical care in the Untied States can be very expensive without insurance.

• Prescription medications: Many insurance companies do not provide coverage for prescription medications, which can be very expensive in teh United States. Even if they do provide some coverage, a “co-payment” or standard feee (often $10 to $15) is usually required from you for each prescription on a monthly basis.

Pre-departure Checklist

This list is not exhaustive. Use it as a guideline to check that you have taken care of most of your essential arrangements before you depart for the United States.

• Once letters of acceptance or rejection arrive, decide which university to attend, notify the Admissions Office of your decision, and complete and return any forms they require.

• Obtain original versions or certified copies (if accepted) of your transcripts and degrees.

• Obtain copies of important medical records, x-rays and prescriptions. Have prescriptions written in English in generic terms.

• Check your university’s catalog for any important information.

• check to see that your passport is up-to-date and valid.

• Learn how to reach the university from your point of entry in the United States.

• Contact the International Students Office at your university with details of your arrival plans, and confirm details of any orientation for new students held by the university.

• Finalize arrangements for housing with your university. Inquire about temporary housing, hotel, motel or other arrangements that need to be made if arriving early or during the weekend. Contact any student associations, such as the Pakistani Students’ Association, or other people from your country who are already studying at the same university or located in the same city and ask to stay with them till you finalize housing arrangements.

• Organize finances: Make sure that you have funds for travel and expenses on arrival; consider buying traveler’s checks to cover costs during your first month in the United States

Disclaimer: The information below has been compiled and made possible by volunteers. As such it comes without any guarantees. Always double-check important information from official sources for accuracy, and remember that the information below is not exhaustive and is intended as a guideline.

Note: This post is shared by foreignliving.info wiki.