Overview
An F-1 or J-1 visa is an entry document in a passport issued by a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad. It lets a student travel to a U.S. port of entry and request admission in that category.
Applying for a Visa
Visa application requirements vary by country and consulate. Follow these steps and check in instructions from the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will apply.
Make sure you have the correct immigration document from UW before beginning your visa application:
- F-1 students need a Form I-20
- J-1 students need a Form DS-2019
New undergraduate students should request their document from the Undergraduate Admissions office. New graduate students should request their document from the Graduate Enrollment Management Services (GEMS) office.
Current students and alumni with active F or J records can contact International Student Services to make sure they have a valid document for their visa application.
Find the U.S. embassy or consulate where you plan to apply. Review its visa application instructions, appointment availability, required documents, and local procedures.
Applying outside your country of citizenship or permanent residence typically is not allowed and may involved additional requirements or longer processing times.
All F-1 and J-1 international students must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. This fee is separate from visa fees. Students with transfer I-20 are not required to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee again.
Confirm that your name and SEVIS ID match the information on your Form I-20 or DS-2019. Save and print your payment receipt.
Complete the online Form DS-160 using information that matches your passport and UW immigration document.
Save your application ID in case you need to return to the form. After submitting it, print the DS-160 confirmation page.
FAQ for DS-160
The U.S. Department of State has prepared a helpful list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers. See DS-160 FAQs.
UW’s School Contact Information for DS-160
Organization Name: University of Washington – Seattle Campus
Relationship to You: School Official
U.S. Street Address (Line 1): International Student Services – University of Washington
U.S. Street Address (Line 2): Box 355832
City: Seattle
State: Washington
Zip Code: 98195
Phone Number: 206-221-7857
Email Address: uwiss@uw.edu
Note: Graduate students may use the contact information for their academic program/department.
Follow the embassy or consulate’s instructions to pay the visa application fee and schedule an interview. To help with planning, check for visa appointment wait times.
New & Current Students
- A valid passport
- Your signed Form I-20 or DS-2019 issued by UW
- Your DS-160 confirmation page
- Your I-901 SEVIS fee receipt
- Your visa interview appointment confirmation
- Your University of Washington admission letter, academic transcript, or proof of enrollment
- Financial documents showing how you will pay for your studies
- Any additional documents required by the embassy or consulate
Alumni on OPT & STEM OPT
- A valid passport
- Your signed Form I-20 or DS-2019 showing OPT or STEM OPT recommendation or approval
- Your I-901 SEVIS fee receipt
- Your visa interview appointment confirmation
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD), if approved
- Form I-797 Receipt Notice, if pending
- Proof of current or future employment in your field of study, such as:
- Employment verification letter from employer
- Job offer letter
- Recent pay statements
- Any additional documents required by the embassy or consulate
Arrive on time with all required documents. Answer the consular officer’s questions clearly and honestly.
After the interview, your application may be approved, refused, denied, or placed in administrative processing. Follow any instructions provided by the embassy or consulate.
When your passport is returned, confirm that your name, visa type, date of birth, and other details are correct.
Refused, denied, or in administrative processing?
Social Media
In these cases, the consulate or embassy may place your application in refusal as they request additional information regarding your social media presence. Submit exactly what the consulate requests, using its specified method.
Administrative Processing
In these cases, the consulate or embassy may need additional time or information to review your application. Complete any requested actions and monitor your case. Processing times can cary from weeks to months. If necessary, consult a qualified immigration attorney for assistance.
Note: ISS cannot contact the embassy/consulate or write a letter on your behalf. However, if your administrative processing exceeds 6 months, please contact ISS.
Ineligible for Visa
In these cases, the consulate or embassy has determined that you are not eligible for the requested visa. The justification may be broad or vague. You may reapply with meaningful new evidence or changed circumstances. If you decide to apply again, we strongly recommend you consult a qualified immigration attorney for assistance.
If a delay affects your studies
- New students: Contact your admissions unit or academic department promptly. Discuss options such as remote start, late arrival, or deferral. Late arrival letters should be requested from your academic program/department rather than ISS.
- Current students: Contact ISS to discuss options such as an immigration Leave of Absence.
Official guidance: Visa denials | Administrative processing
Frequently Asked Questions
Your visa is the document in your passport that allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request admission. It does not guarantee entry or determine how long you may stay.
Your F-1 or J-1 status governs your stay in the U.S., including your study and employment requirements. Your I-94 records your admission category and authorized stay. Students are generally admitted for “D/S,” or duration of status, meaning you may remain while meeting the requirements of your status.
Yes. Your visa can expire while you are in the U.S. without ending your F-1 or J-1 status. You must continue maintaining your status, including keeping your passport and I-20 or DS-2019 valid and following enrollment and employment requirements.
If you leave the U.S., you generally need a valid visa to return. Limited exceptions, such as automatic visa revalidation, may apply.
No. F-1 and J-1 visas must be obtained at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the U.S. Extending your I-20 or DS-2019 does not renew your visa.
You do not need to leave the U.S. solely to renew an expired visa if you are maintaining your status. If you plan to renew during a trip abroad, allow time for appointments and possible processing delays.
You should schedule your visa interview in your country of nationality or residence. If you apply based on residence, you must be able to demonstrate that you live there. If routine visa services are unavailable in your country of nationality, the Department of State may designate another location.
Applying elsewhere may be possible, but you could face longer waits and greater difficulty qualifying. Check the embassy or consulate’s current instructions before paying fees or arranging travel.
Late arrival may be possible, but UW does not encourage it. Contact your admissions unit or academic program as soon as you expect a delay to discuss whether you can arrive late, begin the quarter remotely, or should defer admission.
If you need a letter explaining your late arrival, request it from your academic department. A letter does not guarantee admission to the U.S.; border officials make that decision. Note: ISS does not issue such letters.
Review the consular officer’s written explanation and follow any instructions for submitting additional information. Your next steps depend on the reason for the refusal. Some cases may be reconsidered after additional documents or processing; others require a new application. Consult a qualified immigration attorney on the denial and whether you should apply again.
If you are a new student, notify your admissions unit or academic program, especially if the refusal affects your arrival.
Administrative processing means the embassy or consulate needs additional review before it can determine whether to issue your visa.
Follow the consulate’s instructions and promptly provide any requested information. Processing times vary, and visa issuance is not guaranteed. Keep your academic program informed if the delay may affect your arrival.
Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not need an F-1 or J-1 visa to enter the U.S. as F-1 or J-1 students. However, you still need a valid passport, an I-20 or DS-2019, financial documentation, and proof of payment of the I-901 SEVIS fee, if required.
When entering, request admission in F-1 or J-1 status. The visa exemption does not exempt you from maintaining that status while in the U.S.