International Student Visas

Before Applying for a Visa

Before international students start the visa application process, they need to receive an I-20 document or a DS-2019 document from the school which they intend to enroll.

• F-1 Students: I-20 documents are administered through Evergreen's Office of Admission. For Evergreen to administer an I-20, you must provide a valid passport ID page and proof of sufficient funding. Specific requirements for proof of funding documents are sent to admitted students via email. 
• J-1 Students: DS-2019 documents are administered through the Office of International Programs & Services. Accepted exchange students receive their DS 2019 and acceptance letters electronically.

How to Apply for a Student Visa

Schedule a Visa Interview

• Make sure you have a Valid Passport from your home country
• Locate the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that is closest and most convenient for you
• Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application: Form DS-160
  • You will upload a photo of yourself while completing the DS-160 form. Please review the photograph requirements: DS-160 Photograph Requirements
  • When you are all finished, print out the confirmation page to bring to your interview. You will be required to pay a visa application fee (different from the I-901 SEVIS Fee).
• Pay your SEVIS Fee (if you are a transfer student with an active SEVIS record, you already paid this
  fee and you do not need to pay it again)
  • All F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. (This fee is separate from visa fees.)
  • You will need information form your DS-2019 or I-20 form
• Schedule a Visa Interview - Check the wait times at your local embassy or consulate. Visa Appointment Wait Times

Gather Documentation

Required Documents

• Passport (must be valid for at least six months beyond your program end date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019)
• DS-160 confirmation page
• Application Fee payment receipt
• Photo (same one used for your visa application)
• I-20 or DS-2019

Recommended Documents

• Evergreen admission or acceptance letter
• Most recent transcripts, degrees, diplomas, certificates
• English proficiency test scores (if required by Evergreen)
• Current financial documentation, evidence that you have funds to support yourself
• Proof of residence outside the USA

Attend Your Visa Interview

Interviews are often very fast. Be concise and honest in your answers to the officer.

You will need to prove three main things:

• Your academic preparation
• Your financial ability
• Your intent to depart the US upon completion of your program of study

When your interview is over the officer will tell you whether your visa application has been accepted, denied, or undergoing administrative processing

Read more about Administrative Processing

Important: If you are told that your visa is denied, ask the officer for a denial reason and a list of documents they would suggest you bring next time you apply. Try not to be discouraged, many people are able to get their visa after reapplying. Do not argue with the embassy/consular officer or it may affect future visa appointments.

After Your Interview

Inform the Office of International Programs & Services of the visas application result.