Study USA

Applying for the Visa

All Applicants must appear in person for an interview at the U.S. Consular Office serving your state. Depending on where you live in Australia, the application procedures vary.

You must first book an interview online at: VisaPoint Home Page

Please note: You will not be able to schedule an appointment until you have received your I-20 form from your University after accepting a scholarship offer.

What do I need to apply for a U.S. visa?

All applicants must have the following:

	Step 1: To complete your online visa application, you need a digital photo. Please read carefully the requirements to upload your photo and the photo specifications here. If you do not have a digital photo or you fail to upload your photo correctly, you may bring a photo meeting these requirements to your interview. Please see our list of photographers in Australia capable of making US style passport/visa photographs.
	Step 2: ALL visa applicants are required to fill in the online application form (DS-160). Once completed, the information in the DS-160 will be electronically transmitted. The applicant must then print the confirmation page that includes some biographical information and a bar code confirmation number. Applicants must bring the DS-160 Confirmation Page to their interview.
	Step 3: Pay the non-refundable application fee of US$131. This fee can only be paid at an Australia Post outlet. Please advise the counter assistant that you would like to pay the US non-immigration visa application fee. Bring the original receipt for this payment to your interview. Only the original receipt may be submitted to the Consulate. The fee receipt will be retained by the Consulate, so if you require a personal copy, please request a duplicate copy from Australian Post. The fee receipt is valid for one year from the date of issuance. Applicants must bring the original Australia Post application fee receipt to their interview.
	Step 4: Payment of issuance fee: Bank Cheque or Money Order payable to the US Consulate General. Please check the US Consulate's website for current fee here.
	Step 5: Gather the documents you must bring with you on the day of your interview. Use the checklist below to ensure you have met all of the requirements:
	Non-immigrant Visa Checklist: DS-160 application confirmation page Original application fee receipt from Australia Post A valid Passport (it must have at least 6 months validity after your intended return date to Australia) If you have held previous passports please bring them on the day of the interview Appointment confirmation page from Visa Point Supporting Documentation. Please visit the US Consulate website to view the review the supporting documents required here Proof of funds. US$975 on arrival is required. Proof of student/or recent graduate status. Original, complete and signed Form DS-2019 SEVIS I901 payment (this will be pre paid by CIEE, and invoiced to you by Student Placement Australia New Zealand. You will be provided with the SEVIS receipt with your DS-2019 forms) There are also additional requirements if you have ever been arrested or convicted of a crime. A self-addressed Express Post Platinum envelope, Registered Post envelope or courier satchel for the return of your documents. Failure to provide this will cause a delay in the processing of your application.

Fees

There are three parts to the non-immigrant student visa fee: the application fee, the issuance fee and the Sevis fee.

• Fee information.

Also keep in mind:

Applicants for non-immigrant visas, including for student visas, must prove to the consular officer’s satisfaction that they have a permanent residence outside the U.S. All applicants may be asked to present evidence of their residence abroad; but, for applicants who are not permanent legal residents of Australia, there is a greater need to prepare evidence of their overseas residence and to provide evidence that they will return there after completing their planned studies in the U.S.

Students may work only in certain situations. For example, on-campus employment provided by the school is generally allowed although employment may not exceed twenty hours a week while school is in session.

Students may be allowed to work full-time during vacations and when the school is not in session. When in doubt, check with the school’s international student advisor, and with local U.S.C.I.S. officials. Keep in mind that students are expected to have the financial means -- whether from scholarships, other income or a combination -- to complete a full course of study without working in the U.S.

All applicants must have sufficient scholastic preparation and knowledge of English (unless pursuing an English language training program) to undertake a full course of study. If the applicant's English skills are inadequate, then the school must show that it is equipped to offer, and has accepted the student expressly for, a full course of study in the student’s language or that special arrangements have been made to tutor the student in English. The consular officer must be satisfied that an applicant will be able, with the assistance of such tutoring, to undertake a full course of study in the U.S.

How long may I stay on my student visa?

Academic Student (F-visa)

This category is provided for applicants who have been accepted by an approved college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution, or in a language training program in the United States. The applicant's acceptance is evidenced by a completed certificate of eligibility (form I-20) signed by the applicant and the designated school official.

When you enter the United States on a student visa, you will usually be admitted for the duration of your student status. That means you may stay as long as you are a full time student, even if the F-1 visa in your passport expires while you are in America. For a student who has completed the course of studies shown on the I-20, and any authorized practical training, the student is allowed the following additional time in the U.S. before departure:

• F-1 student - An additional 60 days, to prepare for departure from the U.S. or to transfer to another school.