HELP! How to apply for a US Visa?

balonce_noles · 06-13-2005, 05:46 AM

I'm just wondering whether it's too late already...college starts in early september.

I have not yet been issued the I-20 from my college, but am wondering if there is anything I could do to prepare in order to apply for my Visa. What did you guys do? Are there any forms to fill out that could be done online? If so, please let me know. I feel like i'm already running behind schedule. -_-;;;

DanC1986 · 06-13-2005, 05:48 AM

I didn't receive the I-20 as well. I'm worried... did anyone else has yet to receive this form?

balonce_noles · 06-13-2005, 06:30 AM

they better send it to me quick

bogororo · 06-13-2005, 07:16 AM

I received my form after some waiting. Guys, get on the phone and contact you International Student Adviser and ask what your I20 is doing! Also, be sure to request express delivery!

balonce_noles · 06-14-2005, 12:43 AM

that's exactly what i did just now...

DanC1986 · 06-14-2005, 04:02 AM

I'm gonna call today. I'm really stressed up about it, I wouldn't want this whole "going to study abroad" thing to go down for a stupid piece of paper never got in on time...

hello · 06-14-2005, 04:28 AM

Here's what you have to do,

1) Schedule an appointment with the nearest US Embassy/consulate. Sometimes getting an appointment date can take very long, especially in July/August when so many students apply for the F-1 Visa. You don’t need the I-20 to schedule an appointment; you just need a valid passport.

2) Get hold of the I-20 from your University/LAC ASAP.

3) You need the I-20 when you go for the interview, so plan accordingly. Make sure that you have the I-20 by the time your appointment date rolls around.

4) Processing your visa can take anywhere between 1-5 weeks (5 weeks is Max, and usually only in extreme cases). But just to be on the safe side get everything done at the earliest.

NOTE: The procedures can vary in some countries, for eg in Qatar, you can apply for a visa online. Nearly all US consulates/embassy's have a dedicated website, so check online if you have any questions and call if you have any other doubts.

Here's a list of all US consulates and embassy's (just scroll down the page)

Hope this helps

DanC1986 · 06-14-2005, 05:35 AM

thanks "hello"., I'll call today, hope my I-20 is on the way and that processing won't take to long. I have a valid tourist visa, will that help speeding up the process or simply has nothing to do with it?

Alexandre · 06-14-2005, 06:00 AM

Relax kids! LOL Call your respective universities and ask what is holdings things up. Sometimes, it is just a question of delayed process...in other cases, they are missing a document. At any rate, call and make sure everything is in order. And do not worry, you will all get visas. Even if you get your I-20 in July, you will have plenty of time to get your visas. So do not panic.

DanC1986 · 06-14-2005, 07:03 AM

Oh well, I *was* getting kind of worried... well it's 7:00 am ET now, I think I'll give'em a call in an about 2-3 hours...

hello · 06-14-2005, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alexandre

Even if you get your I-20 in July, you will have plenty of time to get your visas. So do not panic.

Actually, in some countries it could take as long as 2-3 months to get an appointment, so its imperative that the student should schedule one before he or she gets his I-20. Although Visa processing usually takes only about a week, its better if the student doesnt wait for the I-20 before scheduling his/her appointment.

Alexandre · 06-14-2005, 09:57 AM

That is correct Hello. In China and India and other countries that have huge populations, it can take up to 6 or even 8 weeks. But in the case of Israel, or most Middle Eastern countries, it usually takes a week-3 weeks to schedule an appointment. It is important to plan ahead of time and get an appointment. But one must first check with the university to make sure the I-20 gets there before the scheduled appointment.

nkay · 06-15-2005, 05:47 AM

Tell us about the interview - what sort of questions do they ask? I know they're looking to see whether you have 'strong social and economic ties' with your home country, but I'm curious as to what kind of questions they ask.

I haven't received my I-20 either, but that's because I only sent off my financial documents last week - it took AGES to get everything signed and organised. People take too long to get things done over here.

adides · 06-15-2005, 06:06 AM

one of the main questions that they can ask is what u will do in future? (here u have to say that u will come back to ur country), so u have to tell the visa officer how ur course will help you to get a job or succeed in ur business in ur own country AND NOT IN USA!!

rage666 · 06-16-2005, 03:24 PM

how many years should the F-1 be valid for?... many of my friends have got 5 years.. I think that this is the standard amount... On the other hand however many other people I know only have theirs valid for the period of 4 years... I still have not had my interview but I definitely want a 5 yr visa... jus scared I will not get it.