FOLLOW THESE 9 STEPS TO APPLY FOR YOUR STUDENT VISA

Step 1:  Receive the I-20 / DS-2019 from S&T.
You may view and print your document from the Request Center section of your ISSS Gateway Portal. 

I-20:
After printing your I-20 electronically in your student application portal, please print and sign in the Student Attestation section in blue ink.    

DS-2019:
After printing your DS-2019 electronically, please print and sign in the Attestation section in blue ink. Department of State regulations no longer prohibit the electronic mailing and signing of DS-2019s. 

Step 2:  Review visa application requirements.
Review the U.S. Department of State (DOS) website for visa application requirements for a F-1 visa OR a J-1 visa.   Be sure to check the average visa appointment and issuance wait times.

Step 3:  Pay the SEVIS fee.  
The I-901 SEVIS fee is paid to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).  Print the payment confirmation and keep it for your records.  The payment confirmation can be printed anytime at fmjfee.com by selecting the Check I-901 Status option.

Step 4:  Complete a DS-160 non-immigrant visa application. 
Print the confirmation page with a bar code.  You are required to bring this page with you to your visa appointment.

Step 5:  Pay the visa application fee.
Once you have completed the DS-160, you must pay the visa application fee.   After completing the DS-160, you will be provided instructions for payment of the visa fee.

Step 6:  Schedule an appointment for a visa interview.
Select a location from the list U.S. embassies and consulates.  Visit that embassy or consulate’s web page and follow instructions for scheduling your visa interview appointment.

Step 7: Gather documents for the interview that include: 

• I-20 or DS-2019 (See Step 1 above).
• Passport (valid for at least six months past your entry date).
• Your admission letter from Missouri S&T (download and print from your application portal).
• 2 recent passport-sized photos.
• Supporting documents showing evidence of strong ties to your home country.
• Your receipt of payment for the SEVIS fee.
• Financial documents to prove you have financial support while you are studying in the U.S.
• Other documents required by your embassy or consulate. 

Step 8:  Attend your visa interview. (Take all documents with you.)
Below are links that will help you prepare for your visa appointment. 
Study in the States:  Steps to the Application Process 
Study in the States:  Students:  Prepare for Your Visa Interview 
Study in the States:  Five Ways to Prepare for Your Visa Interview 
Study in the States:  Students:  Read these Tips for Your Visa Interview 
Study in the State:  Four Steps to Help You apply for a Visa

For information about what a visa interview is like, see this link on the Department of State website.

Step 9:  Receive notification of your visa approval or denial.  
Once your visa is approved, follow the instructions for passport/visa pickup.  

Information about what to do if your visa is denied is available on Travel.State.Gov