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Nonimmigrant Visas

General Information

Opening Hours

Arrival-Departure Record (I-94)

Our Service Commitment

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Voluntary Departure/ Bond Returns

How to Read Your Visa

Useful Links

Consular A to Z

Application Process

How to Apply

Visa Forms and Photo Requirements

Visa Fees

Renewal of Lost, Expired, or Mutilated Visas

What to Expect

Additional processing

Visa Refusals

Visa Types

Business/Tourist

Student/Exchange

Work

Diplomatic/Official(A/C3/G)

Petition-based (H/L/O/P/Q)

Specialty Position E-3

Immigrant Visas

American Citizen Services

Before the Interview: STUDEnt and Exchange Visitor Visas (F-1, M-1, and J-1)

Before you appear at the Embassy for the interview for a F-1, M-1, or J-1 student or exchange visa, be sure that you have completed the following steps and have collected the following documents to bring to the interview:

You have filled out the DS-160 electronic visa application at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/. You must print out and bring the DS-160 confirmation page to your interview appointment
You have scheduled your visa interview on the Internet at http://visainfo.us-visaservices.com/ or through the call center at 180-931-5642. You must print out and bring the appointment confirmation page to your interview appointment
You have paid the processing fee at the post office and have a receipt to bring to your interview.
Your passport is valid and has at least one blank “Visa” page.
You have a photo that meets the photo requirements.
If you will be studying at an accredited college or university on an F-1 visa, you have the original I-20 A-B form signed by the designated representative of your school. You must bring the original I-20 A-B form to your interview appointment
If you will be studying at an established vocational or other recognized nonacademic institution, such as a post secondary vocational or business school, on an M-1 visa, you have the original I-20 M-N form signed by the designated representative of your school. You must bring the original I-20 M-N form to your interview appointment
If you are an exchange visitor, you have the original DS-2019 form from your school or program. You must bring the original DS-2019 form to your interview appointment
If you are applying for F-2, M-2, or J-2 derivative visas for your spouse and/or children, you have all of the documents, fees, and photos listed above, as well as marriage and birth certificates proving your relationship and proof of your ability to financial support your family while in the United States. You must bring the original I-20 form for F-2, M-2 or the original DS-2019 form for J-2 to your interview appointment
You have paid the SEVIS fee and have a receipt of payment to bring to your visa interview.
You have proof of financial means to pay for the first year of study, including a financial statement from your bank or sponsor, proof of any scholarship you will be receiving, etc.
You have previous I-20 or DS-2019 forms or proof of previous study and visa status in the United States.
You have previous passports with U.S. visas or a list of entries and exits from the Ministry of Interior to bring to your interview.
If you have a scientific or technical background, you have the required letters and CV to bring to your interview.
If you have lived in the United States, you have proof of your status in the United States, such as I-797 approval notices from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly the INS), Employment Authorization Cards, or greencards to bring to your interview.

At the Interview

At the visa interview, the consular officer will ask you to present all your documents and passport and will ask about your plans for studying in the United States, any study you have conducted in Israel, previous travel to the United States, and any family or connections in the United States. You may also be asked to answer questions regarding your ability to pay for your studies or support your family while you live in the United States. Please be prepared to answer these questions honestly and thoroughly, and the consular officer in turn will make the decision about your eligibility based on your answers and the documents you present.