Scheduling and Preparing for U.S. Student Visa Interview

 

Once you have received your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 from Brandeis University and your SEVIS fee has been paid, the ISSO recommends that you schedule an appointment at the nearest U.S.. Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible.  The earliest that F-1 or J-1 students may be granted a visa is 120 days prior to the start of the student's academic program at Brandeis (see start date on Form I-20 or DS-2019). 

Processing times for visa issuance vary and may require additional time due to security checks on applications.  The U.S.. Department of State provides the latest information on visa processing times, required materials, and current listings of U.S.. Embassies and Consulates abroad.  You will find links to these sites on the right side of this page. 

Please note that the Department of State only publishes approximate visa wait times only.

All new F-1 or J-1 applicants must appear for an in-person interview at a U.S.. Embassy or Consulate outside of the United States. 

Canadian Citizens:  Although Canadian citizens are not required to obtain an entry visa stamp, all Canadians must obtain a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 and pay the appropriate SEVIS fee at least 3 business days before entering the U.S.. and applying for F-1 or J-1 student status at the U.S.. Port-of-Entry. 

Bring the following documents with you to your visa interview:

  • Valid Passport
  • Proof of financial support as reflected on the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 (bring all ORIGINAL bank documents and support letters)
  • Original Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 (be sure to carefully review and sign your document first)
  • SEVIS fee payment receipt.  Please see section on paying SEVIS fee.
  • The acceptance letter, award letter, or appointment letter from Brandeis.
  •  ** Check the U.S.. Embassy or Consulate website for additional requirements such as fees, photos, etc.

The U.S.. Consular Officer will review your documents.  Be prepared to answer potential questions about your family, finances, choice of degree program (for students) and why you are choosing to come to Brandeis.  If the official believes that all is in order, he or she should issue you an F-1 or J-1 visa stamp allowing you to request entry to the U.S.. in F-1 or J-1 status for the purpose of studying, working or researching at Brandeis University. 

A helpful resource to review when preparing for your visa interview is NAFSA - Association of International Educators' publication "10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Non-Immigrant Visa"

At the time of the interview, you will be told one of the following:

  • Your visa has been granted and will be given to you at that time or it will be mailed to you
  • Your visa has been denied.  They should provide you with a written explanation explaining the reason for the denial as well perhaps giving you some information verbally.  If you are denied a visa, contact the ISSO immediately with as much information as possible about your visa interview and the ISSO will provide some guidance as to the next step.
  • Your application needs further review and will be sent for a Security Advisory Opinion (SAO).  This does not mean that you have been denied a visa.  However, it does mean that your file will be sent to Washington D.C. for further security screening.  Please note that it is not possible to expedite the processing time for an SAO.  the approximate processing time is 30 days but can vary.  Please keep the ISSO informed about the status of your visa.

Once you receive your visa, you will be ready to prepare for your trip to the U.S.     

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