Visa Classification
STUDENT VISAS
First Time Student Applicants (F-1, J-1 and M-1 visas)
First time student visa applicants are required to appear in person for an interview with a Consular Officer. The months of June, July, and August are the busiest months in our consular section, and interview appointments are the most difficult to get during that period. To allow time to overcome any unforeseen problems that might arise, students are encouraged to apply for their visas as soon as they receive their I-20 forms. However, students may not enter the United States more than 30 days before the registration date noted on the I-20.
Students need to plan ahead to avoid having to make repeat visits to the Embassy. To the extent possible, students should bring the documents suggested below, as well as any other documents that might help establish their ties to the local community. You will likely be refused a visa if you forget to bring original copies of any of the documents listed below.
It is important to remember that applying early and providing the requested documents does not guarantee that the student will receive a visa. Also, because each student’s personal and academic situation is different; two students applying for same visa may be asked different questions and be required to submit different documents. For that reason, the guidelines that follow are general and can be abridged or expanded, depending on each student’s situation.
What is needed to Apply for a Student Visa?
• A Form I-20 obtained from a U.S. college, school or university, signed by you and by a school official in the appropriate places.
• Non-refundable application fee receipt for visa from Banco de Guayaquil for $131.00.
• Proof of Student and Exchange Visitor Information Service (SEVIS) fee payment.
• A passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival in the U.S.
• A completed Nonimmigrant Visa Application (download Form DS-156). The application must be completed, dated and signed by each applicant. You must answer every question and sign the form. Incomplete forms will not be accepted. Click here to download forms. Students must submit electronic forms completed on-line.
• A completed Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (download Form DS-157).
• A completed Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant (download Form DS-158).
• One (1) recent 2"x2" photograph on white background taken within the last six months. We do not accept photos that are retouched or altered. See the required photo format explained in Nonimmigrant Photograph Requirements.
• Transcripts and diplomas from schools attended.
• Financial evidence that shows you or your parents who are sponsoring you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses for the first year of study. Click for further details on Documents Supporting Your Application.
Applicants with dependents must also provide:
• Proof of the student’s relationship to his/her spouse and/or children (e.g., original marriage and birth certificates.)
• Evidence proving that you or your sponsor has sufficient funds to cover living expenses for each dependent. Click for further details on Documents Supporting Your Application.
Dependents applying for F-2 visas should apply at the same time as the principal applicant (student).
What is SEVIS?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an Internet-based system that maintains accurate and current information on non-immigrant students (F and M visa), exchange visitors (J visa), and their dependents (F-2, M-2, and J-2). SEVIS enables schools and program sponsors to transmit mandatory information and event notifications via the Internet, to the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State (DOS) throughout a student or exchange visitor's stay in the United States.
Unless otherwise exempt, students visitors must pay a SEVIS I-901 Fee to the Department of Homeland Security for each individual program. The fee may be paid either through a special website, via Western Union, or by mail. See SEVIS-901 Fee for further information on how to pay the fee.
What Do Returning Students Need?
• A new I-20 or an I-20 that has been endorsed on the back by a school official within the past 12 months.
• Non-refundable application fee for visa from Banco de Guayaquil in the amount of $131.00.
• A passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival in the U.S.
• A completed Nonimmigrant Visa Application (download Form DS-156). The application must be completed, dated and signed by each applicant. You must answer every question and sign the form. Incomplete forms will be returned. Click here to download forms. Students must submit electronic forms completed on-line.
• A completed Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (download Form DS-157).
• A completed Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant (download Form DS-158).
• One (1) recent 2"x2" photograph on white background taken within the last six months. We do not accept photos that are retouched or altered. See the required photo format explained in Nonimmigrant Photograph Requirements.
• Proof of continuing student status/enrollment.
• A copy of your transcript from the school in which you are enrolled.
• Financial documents from you or your sponsor, showing your ability to cover the cost of tuition.
Duration of Stay
When you enter the United States on a student visa, you will usually be admitted for the duration of your student status. That means you may stay as long as you are a full time student, even if the F-1 visa in your passport expires while you are in the U.S.
For example, if you have a visa that is valid for two years that will expire on January 1, 2006, and you are admitted into the U.S. for the duration of your studies (often abbreviated in your passport or on your I-94 Form as "D/S"), you may stay in the U.S. as long as you are enrolled for a full course of study. Even if January 1, 2006 passes and your visa has expired, you will still be in legal student status as long as you remain a full-time student. (Full-time is defined as carrying a minimum of twelve credit hours per semester.) However, if you depart the U.S. with an expired visa, you will need to obtain a new one before being able to return to the U.S. and resume your studies. A student visa cannot be renewed or re-issued in the United States; it must be done at an Embassy or Consulate abroad.
Attending Public Schools
There are certain restrictions on attending public school in the U.S. Persons who violate these restrictions may not receive another visa for a period of five years.
The restrictions apply only to students holding F-1 visas. They do not apply to students attending public school on derivative visas, such as F-2, J-2 or H-4 visas. The restrictions also do not apply to students attending private schools on F-1 visas.
The restrictions are:
• Students who attend public high schools in the U.S. are limited to twelve months of study. Public school attendance in the U.S. prior to November 30, 1996 does not count toward this limit.
• F-1 visas can no longer be issued to attend public elementary or middle schools (Kindergarten - 8th grade) or publicly-funded adult education programs.
• Before an F-1 visa for a public school can be issued, the student must show that the public school in the U.S. has been reimbursed for the full, unsubsidized per capita cost of the education as calculated by the school. Reimbursement may be indicated on the I-20. Consular officers may request copies of canceled checks and/or receipts confirming the payment as needed.
