Applying for a Visa (Scholars)
You will need your DS-2019 (J-1 status) or I-797 Notice of Action (H-1B or O-1 status) or a document approving another visa status from the ISSO or your academic department to apply for a visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Complete the following steps to apply for a visa at a U.S. consulate.
On this page
Verify that you need to apply for a visa
A U.S. visa is an entry document that you must apply for outside the United States at U.S. embassy or consulate.
You do not need to apply for a visa if you:
How to Apply
Make your visa appointment
Go to the link for the embassy or consulate where you will apply for a visa to learn about scheduling a visa appointment, procedures and requirements specific to its location.
Please note: The US Department of State announced a pilot program to resume domestic visa renewal for certain H-1B visa holders whose previous H-1B visa was issued at a US Consulate in Canada or India. Those renewing a prior H-1B visa issued by a US Consulate in Canada with an issuance date from 1/1/20 through 4/1/23, or by a US Consulate in India with an issuance date from 2/1/21 through 9/30/21 may qualify for the renewal of their H-1B visa in the US. See further guidance from the US Dept. of State.
Prepare and complete your required documents
Prepare your documents and pay any required fees.
Additional documents if your spouse or children will be applying for a J-2 dependent visa
Additional documents if your spouse or children will be applying for an H-4 / O-3 dependent visa
Additional documents if your spouse or children will be applying for an E-3 dependent visa
Learn what to expect at the visa appointment
Interviews are very short, so it’s important to use the limited time to clearly explain your purpose for going to the United States.
Most nonimmigrant visas (except H-1B and O-1) require you to establish that you are going to the U.S. only for a temporary purpose, and do not intend to stay permanently.
You need to show:
Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.
After your visa interview, the consular officer will let you know if further processing is necessary for your application.
Review the Department of State's (DOS) web information on further administrative processing. If your visa processing is delayed, it is important to notify both your academic department and our office.
Receive and review your entry visa
Interviews are very short, so it’s important to use the limited time to clearly explain your purpose for going to the United States for a temporary time and your plans after you complete your program.
J Scholars and Student Interns: Your original DS-2019 should be returned to you. You will need to have it with you to show when you arrive at a U.S. port of entry.