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Today's Tip: The Visa Process
Once you have received the form I-20 or DS-2019 from the University of Maryland (UMD), you should schedule a visa interview with the US Embassy in your area.* F-1 and J-1 visas are often issued on the same day as or within 2-3 days of the visa interview, but this can vary by consulate, so please check with your consulate to find out the appointment wait times and processing times you should expect. Be careful before scheduling travel, since these are still just estimates and sometimes unexpected delays occur.
*Exception: You do not need to apply for a new visa if: (1) you are transferring your SEVIS number to UMD for your studies
(2) your SEVIS number on your visa matches the SEVIS number on your UMD I-20/DS-2019 and (3) your current F-1/J-1 visa is unexpired. (If the school name on your visa is not UMD, it is OK as long as the SEVIS # remains the same!) Remember, visas are only entry documents so you can also remain in the US with an expired visa if your other immigration documents are valid.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A VISA INTERVIEW
Normal visa interviews only take 3-5 minutes. During this time, the consular officer will be asking you simple questions about your studies (i.e. "Why did you choose the University of Maryland?").
Since the F-1 and J-1 visas are non-immigrant visas, you might also
be asked about your ties to your home country.
There won't be any "trick" questions. Try to answer the questions clearly and simply, always telling the truth. The consular officer will be evaluating your credibility.
WHAT TO BRING TO A VISA INTERVIEW: Bring your passport, your your I-20 or DS-2019 form, proof (a printed receipt will be fine) that you have paid the SEVIS fee ($200 for F-1 students and $180 for J-1 students), your letter of acceptance to UMD, and your proof of funding. These documents should be sufficient for your visa interview. Something else to keep in mind is that many embassies are using a new visa form, the electronic form DS-160, available at the embassy website. Make sure that you complete all of the fields of this form; otherwise it will not be accepted.
You can find links for your consulate and find more detailed information about applying for your visa on our website at
http://globalmaryland.umd.edu/offices/international-students-scholar-services/applying-student-visa.
J-1 Visa Holders: Please note that there is extra information relevant to you if you hold a J visa. Links with more information can be found below. This includes:
The J-1 212(e) Requirement, in which some exchange visitors may be subject to a two-year home residency requirement. If you are subject, a 212(e) annotation will be placed on your J-1 visa stamp:
Department of State's Welcome Brochure:
NEXT STEPS AFTER OBTAINING YOUR VISA
Planning your arrival: Remember, the earliest date you can arrive in the US is
30 days prior to the program start date
on your I-20 or DS-2019.
*
*Exception: Transfer students meeting criteria above may arrive earlier.
More information on transportation, housing, and other planning issues will be coming to you soon in future Tip of the Week emails! Stay tuned...
Airport Shuttle: Graduate Student Government and UMD Yuva are again working to provide an Airport Shuttle service to assist UMD Graduate Students who will be arriving in Maryland during summer 2017. Please fill out the survey below to indicate your interest in this service. We are in the planning stages of the service and will have additional information in June 2017. Undergraduate students may use this service as well.
https://umdsurvey.umd.edu/jfe/form/SV_6n92AE1v2FhYTI1
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