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Documents Required for a U.S. Student Visa

The following documents are required for all international students wishing to apply for a U.S. student visa:

  • SEVIS I-20 or SEVIS DS-2019, issued by a U.S. college, school, or university
  • Application form DS-156
  • Contact information and work history form DS-0158M.
  • Males between the ages of 16 and 45 must complete form DS-0157.
  • A passport valid for at least six months after entry into the United States
  • One photograph
  • A receipt for visa processing fee, information available from the consulate or at the specific consulate Web site
  • SEVIS fee receipt. If you pay by check, it will take several days to get the receipt. Read the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
  • Financial documentation supporting study in the United States, as indicated on the I-20 or DS-2019
  • Letter of admission, evidence of applicant's TOEFL test score, diplomas or transcripts from previous study-may not be required but a consular officer may request this information

Article by Masume Assafis assistant director and foreign student advisor for the Office of International Students and Scholars at The Pennsylvania State University