VISA PROCESS
International students in the U.S. are generally admitted under the F-1 student visa classification, but some students may also be admitted as J-1 students (e.g. students on exchange from a foreign university).
Those who petition for F-1 or J-1 visas are admitted as non-immigrants, and are granted temporary stay in the U.S. In order to apply for the F-1 visa, the prospective student must receive a form I-20 document from our director of International Student Services. In order to apply for a J-1 visa, the student must receive a form DS-2019.
Canadian students do not need to visit a US embassy or acquire a US Visa. Instead, they are responsible for presenting their I-20 or DS-2019 – with additional supporting documentation – at their selected US land/air border crossing, where a border agent will assess their entry. Canadian students are still responsible for paying their SEVIS Fee, and showing the receipt.
1. Obtain Admission and Immigration Documents
Receive an admission letter and I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students) from the University.
Make sure that all of the information listed on your I-20 or DS-2019 (including major and funding) is accurate before you proceed to Step 2. If any information is incorrect, please email marilyn.gonzalez@nicholls.edu.
2. Pay the SEVIS Fee
The I-901 SEVIS Fee is required for all students and scholars (F-1 and J-1).
This fee, paid to the Department of Homeland Security, will be necessary to secure your visa appointment.
3. Complete Form DS-160, and Pay the Visa Application Fee (non-refundable)
Complete the online visa application (FORM DS-160), and upload a photo that meets the requirements.
4. Schedule an Interview with the U.S. Embassy in your Home Country
Make sure to allow enough time to apply for visa. We recommend applying as soon as you pay your I-901 fee to ensure that you have enough time to obtain your visa and enroll for your semester of admission. Visa applications can take up to 3 months.
You can check visa wait times at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html.
5. Gather Required Documents to bring to your Visa Interview
- A valid passport (must be valid within 6 months of entry date to U.S.)
- A valid printed I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students), issued for study at Nicholls State University.
- Application fee payment receipt
- Copy of Admission letter from Nicholls State University.
- Photo (only if photo cannot be uploaded electronically)
- Financial information showing proof of necessary funds to cover ALL expenses while in the U.S.
- Since you are applying for a non-immigrant visa, be prepared to explain your intent to depart the U.S. upon your completion of course of study.
6. Attend your Visa Interview
In preparation for you Visa Interview, you can review the following document: 10 Points To Remember.
