International Student and Scholar Services

APPLYING FOR A NON-IMMIGRANT U.S. VISA
Information for International
Students, Scholars & Employees

WHAT IS A NON-IMMIGRANT U.S. VISA?

A non-immigrant U.S. visa is an entry permit to the U.S. It is issued by the U.S. Department of State and is stamped in your passport.

Non-immigrant visas are for international visitors coming to the U.S. temporarily for a specific purpose such as study or work. This U.S. visa stamp allows you to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (e.g. airport or land border) and request permission of the border inspector to enter the U.S.

A visa alone does not guarantee entry into the U.S. You must also carry your other documents, including valid passport, and valid I-20, DS-2019 or I-797 Approval Notice.

WHERE DO I GET A U.S. VISA?

You obtain a U.S. visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside the U.S. In most countries