Today's Tip: The Visa Process
Upon receiving the I-20/DS2019 form from the University of Maryland (UMD), you should schedule a visa interview with the US Embassy in your area.* F-1 visas are often issued the day of the interview, or within the next few days. This timeline can vary by consulate and visa appointments are backlogged at many locations, 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 just estimates and sometimes unexpected delays occur.
*Exception: You do not need to apply for a new visa if: you are transferring your SEVIS number to UMD for your studies and your current F-1/J-1 visa is unexpired. 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.
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What To Expect During A Visa Interview |
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Visa interviews take 3-5 minutes. During the interview, the consular officer will be asking you questions about your studies (i.e. "Why did you choose the University of Maryland?"). Since the F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa, you might also be asked about your ties to your home country. Answer the questions clearly and simply, always telling the truth. The consular officer will be evaluating your credibility. |
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What to Bring to a Visa Interview
- Your passport
- Your I-20/DS-2019 form (print and sign)
- Proof of SEVIS fee payment
- Letter of acceptance to UMD
- Proof of funding.
These documents should be sufficient for your visa interview, but additional documentation may be required. Please check the embassy/ consulate website for more information.
You can find links to your consulate and find more detailed information about applying for your visa on our website. |
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Qualifications for an Expedited Interview Appointment
Students who are having trouble securing a visa appointment may be eligible for expedited/emergency visa appointment.
“Consular sections overseas may be able to expedite your interview date if there is an urgent, unforeseen situation such as a funeral, medical emergency, or school start date. The process to request an expedited nonimmigrant visa interview varies by location. You should refer to the instructions on the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section where you will interview, or on their online appointment scheduling site. You will need to provide proof of the need for an earlier appointment.” |
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Planning For Your Arrival |
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Join ISSS for a Town Hall Discussion of New U.S. Travel Requirements
Planning on traveling into the US? Make sure you have a plan with the most up-to-date international travel guidance required for entry to the United States.
Join ISSS to learn about the details of this new proclamation and to ask your questions of ISSS Advisors. The travel experts will be there for you before you travel this winter. You can find more information on this guidance, as well as the necessary documentation needed to travel, at ISSS’ Travel Abroad and Re-Entry to the United States webpage. |
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Are there travel restrictions for arriving in the US?
Effective November 8, 2021 all travelers coming to the U.S. will be required to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Please start planning your vaccination now if you have not already been vaccinated.
There are limited exceptions to the full vaccination requirement, please visit our
Individuals should work with their airline to find out the carrier’s proof of vaccination process.
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If I am fully vaccinated do I need a COVID test prior to boarding my flight to the US?
Yes, As of January 26, 2021 the U.S. government requires “all air passengers entering the United States (including U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents) to present a negative COVID-19 test, taken within three calendar days of departure or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days.
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When can I enter the US?
Remember, the earliest date you can arrive in the US is 30 days prior to the program start date on your I-20/DS-2019.* Students with an immigration document with a start date of January 17, 2022 can enter the US no earlier than December 18, 2021.
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Connect with us
Ask your questions via our Live Chat, available on our website Monday-Friday from 9-11 a.m. ET.
Schedule a Virtual Appointment with an ISSS advisor. Appointments can be scheduled under newly admitted students Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m. ET.
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Pre-arrival Engagement with ISSS |
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Thursday, Nov 11th
9am ET
Thursday, Nov 18th
9am ET
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Engagement with ISSS
Join us for one of these live zoom sessions to learn about the various ways ISSS will be communicating and connecting with you as you prepare for the spring. Meet a pre-arrival team member to learn details about ISSS orientation, Tips of the week and ask your pressing questions.
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Beyond Immigration Series |
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Off-Campus Housing
Join us for a virtual walk-through on how to find off-campus housing at UMD. Presented by Jennifer Ruth Lindstrom, Manager for Housing Partnerships, Off-Campus Housing Services.
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Leasing in the U.S.
Join us for a virtual discussion with William Zachariah Mundy, attorney and Director for the Graduate Student Legal Aid Office, to discuss best practices in leasing in the U.S.
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Wednesday, Jan 5th
9am ET
Thursday, Jan 6th
3pm ET
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Meet & Greet with International Orientation Leaders
Newly arriving students will have an opportunity to talk with International Orientation Leaders in small group virtual sessions. You will be able to ask questions about what it is like to study with UMD, where students live, get tips and advice on how to make the most of your time, and get to know current and newly admitted students ahead of the spring semester.
Register for as many as you would like to attend.
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Missed a Tip of the Week?
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We hope that you find these emails informative and helpful. You are receiving
them because you have been accepted to the University of Maryland for the Spring 2022 semester. If you do not intend to enroll at UMD, please inform ISSS via your iTerp checklist, your department, and either the Graduate School (graduate students) or the undergraduate admissions office (undergraduate students) that you decline your admission.
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