US Embassy Tel AvivStudent Visa Program
Weizmann Institute
Belfer Auditorium
October 5, 2010
Student and Exchange Visitors VisaProgram
•Exchange Visitor: J Visa
•Student Visitor: F Visa
•Applying for a visa: before, during and after theInterview
•Travel to and status in the United States
•Additional Questions
Exchange Visitor Visa: Quick Facts
•Exchange visitors must apply for (J) visas
•J-1 applicants receive Form DS-2019 andcomplete DS-160.
•US law requires that J-1 visa interviews beconducted in English.
Student Visa: Quick Facts
•Degree seeking students must apply for visitor(F) nonimmigrant visa
•F-1 applicants receive Form I-20 and completeDS-160.
•US law requires that F-1 visa interviews beconducted in English.
Before the Interview
•Gain acceptance to a SEVP certified school orexchange visitor program
•The educational institution will submit yourinformation to DHS to create a SEVIS generated1-20 (for students) or DS-2019 (for exchangevisitors)
What is SEVIS?
•Student and Exchange Visitor InformationSystem (SEVIS) helps the US governmentkeep track of international students andexchange visitors.
•A specific number will be assigned to you andprinted on your visa, beginning with N000.
Be Prepared
•Apply early to give ample time for visaprocessing
•Do not finalize travel plans or purchasenonrefundable tickets until the visa has beenissued
For the Interview
•Fill out the DS-160 electronically and printconfirmation page.
•5 cm x 5 cm color photograph
•Machine Readable Visa (MRV) green receipt.
•Original DS 2019 (for Exchange Visitors) orI-20 (for Students).
For the Interview Cont.
•Previous passports with US visas
•Evidence of financial means: statementfrom your bank, proof of scholarship, etc.
•If you have a scientific or technicalbackground, bring copy of CV and lettersof invitation from the sponsoringinstitution
Arrival and Departure
•Participants must arrive within 30 days of thebeginning of the program.
•Participants will be able to stay for theduration of the program.
•J-1 have 30 days to depart the US.
•F-1 have 60 days to depart the US or transferto another school.
Staying in Status
•If you depart the US with an expired visa,you will need to obtain a new one beforereturning
•It is important that you depart the US onor before the last day authorized by DHS
•Violating US immigration laws may causeyou to be ineligible for a visa in the future
Accompanying Family Members
•Spouses and children may apply for"derivative" visas (J-2/F-2)
•J-2 visa holders may study but may notwork unless they have permission fromUSCIS
•F-2 visa holders may study but may notwork in the US.
Spouse Employment
•Form I-765 Application for EmploymentAuthorization
•Include copy of J-1 (principal alien’s)Certificate of Eligibility (Form IAP-66)
•Filing fee ($340) and two passport photos
•May be filed electronically – see USCISwebsite for more details
Required Documents for Departure
•Passport with valid visa.
•DS-2019 or I-20 in sealed envelopeattached to your passport
▫Customs and Border Patrol officers will open theenvelope when you arrive in the US.
•Phone number of the point of contact atyour program.
2 Year Home-Country PhysicalPresence Requirement
•Exchange Visitor Program participantswith the Fulbright Program will be subjectto the two-year home-country physicalpresence requirement.
How Do I Open a Business in the US?
•The Treaty Trader (E-1) or Treaty Investor(E-2) visa
•For aliens coming to the US to carry onsubstantial trade in services or technologyor to develop and direct operations of anenterprise
•DS-160 and DS-156E
How Do I Apply for a Green Card?
•To apply for an immigrant visa, a foreigncitizen must be sponsored by a U.S. citizenrelative(s), U.S. lawful permanentresident, or by a prospective employer,and be the beneficiary of an approvedpetition.
What if we are European Citizens?
•Citizens of Visa Waiver countries maytravel without visas by filing ESTAapplications
•The purpose of stay in the United Statesmust tourism or business for a maximumof 90 days
Questions?
