International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

Applying for Your Visa

All nonimmigrant foreign visitors are required to have a visa stamp in their passports to enter the United States. You need to schedule an appointment for a visa interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad to obtain your visa. Visas cannot be issued in the U.S.

General information about getting a visa can be found on the Department of State website. You may apply for your F-1 or J-1 visa up to 120 days prior to the I-20/DS-2019 start date. 

 If you are not able to secure a visa and will not be able to arrive in time to start your program, please reach out to the Office of International Admissions at [email protected] for steps to defer to the next possible term and to receive a new I-20 or DS-2019.

Visa Wait Times

You can schedule your appointment up to 120 days prior to your program start date. Visa appointments are limited, and visa processing times can take several months. However, consulates will give priority to F-1 and J-1 student applicants. You can find current visa wait times for your Embassy or Consulate online.

F-1 and J-1 Visas

You should use the issued I-20 from the insitution you plan to attend. If you purposely use SIUE's I-20 to obtain a visa when you do not plan to attend may be considered fraudulent activity and your visa could be denied.

1. Obtain your I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) from SIUE after being admitted
2. Pay the SEVIS fee
3. Complete the DS-160 visa application form  
4. Schedule a visa appointment and go to an interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy

Paying the SEVIS Fee

SEVIS is a U.S. government system that manages data and application processes for nonimmigrants on F-1 or J-1 visas. To obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa, you are required to pay a one-time SEVIS fee. 

It is not required to pay the fee before scheduling your visa appointment, but you will be required to bring the payment receipt to your visa interview. For instructions on how to pay the SEVIS Fee click here.  

DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form 

Visa applicants must submit a completed DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application for all nonimmigrant visa categories. 

Access the online DS-160 by visiting the U.S. Department of State website  and review the  Frequently Asked Questions  for instructions about using the DS-160.  Download a step-by-step guide to complete the DS-160. 

When completing the DS-160 form, you will be asked to provide two U.S. point of contacts and U.S. address. Be sure to enter the information below. 

U.S. Point of Contacts: 

Cheryl Borowiak, PDSO, Interim Executive Director
Email: [email protected]   

Amy Nusser, RO, Lead Immigration Specialist 
Email: [email protected] 

Use the address  and phone number below for both contacts: 

General Documents Required for a Visa Interview

• Passport (valid at least six months into the future)
• Certificate of Eligibility I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1)
• Proof of admission to SIUE or an invitation letter
• Evidence of financial support for one academic year
• Visa application forms and fees
• SEVIS fee receipt (F-1 and J-1 only)

Some consulates may require additional documentation, so check the consulate website for visa application instructions. Visa application forms and fees can be also be found on the consulate website.

Be sure to attend your visa interview with all necessary documentation. For helpful tips, please review NAFSA's 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Student Visa. 

Security Clearances

In some cases, the consulate may require a security clearance on your visa application. Your visa may be approved, but cannot be issued until the security checked is cleared. It is common for the security clearance to take a couple of weeks to a couple of months.

Visa Denials 

Unfortunately while the Office of International Affairs wishes to provide support, we are not able to overrule the Department of State’s decisions regarding visa issuance. Our recommendation is to make immediate plans to apply again. Prepare to provide better documentation, if possible, and try to address the officer’s concern. If your visa denial results in your inability to arrive on time for classes, please let our office—and admissions—know to provide information about next steps and defer to a later term if necessary. 

• When your application for a visa is denied, the consulate will give you a letter explaining the basis for the decision. Please note this may be general information. For more information see Visa denials.
• Most denials occur when consular officials suspect that applicants intend to violate the conditions of a student visa or remain inside the United States indefinitely (immigrant intent).
• As most denials are not permanent, it may be possible to re-apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa.
• You must, however, present new evidence with your second application, especially information that demonstrates strong ties to your home country.
• If you are denied under INA Section 214(b), you may reapply by completing a new application form, paying the application fee, and scheduling an appointment for a new interview (you would not need to pay the SEVIS fee again). If, however, your denial was based on a different section of the INA, other restrictions may exist. Refer to your denial letter for accurate information.