Today's Tip: The Visa Process
Upon receiving the I-20/DS2019 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. Regardless of the appointment date, it’s important to book the earliest appointment date available. Keep in mind consulate offices often release F1/J1 appointments throughout the summer, so check back for additional appointments.
*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.
|
|
What To Expect During A Visa Interview |
|
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. |
|
WHAT TO BRING TO A VISA INTERVIEW:
- A completed visa application form
- Form I-20 or DS-2019
- Proof that you paid the SEVIS fee & visa application fees
- A passport valid for at least 6 months or more into the future
- Financial support documentation that was used for your I-20/DS-2019 creation
- For dependents applying for an F-2/J-2 visa: bring your marriage certificate and/or children’s birth certificate confirming your relationship.
You can find links to your consulate and find more detailed information about applying for your visa on our website. |
|
Possible exemption from in-person interview
The Department of State has authorized consular officers to waive the in-person interview for certain categories of visa applicants through December 2022. The exemption applies to travelers applying for an F or J who were previously issued any type of US visa. (including B visitor visas) If you have ever had a US visa issued, ISSS encourages you to check at your local consulate to see if this option is available to you.
|
|
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.” Your I-20/DS2019 start date provides the necessary information you need to demonstrate your start date at UMD. |
|
Planning For Your Arrival |
|
Are there travel restrictions for arriving in the US?
Individuals should work with their airline to find out the carrier’s proof of vaccination process.
|
|
If I am fully vaccinated do I need a COVID test prior to boarding my flight to the US?
|
|
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 August 22, 2022 can enter the US no earlier than July 23, 2022.
*Students who are transferring SEVIS records or changing program levels are not limited to the 30 day arrival window.
|
|
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.
|
|
Pre-arrival Engagement with ISSS |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Beyond Immigration Series |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Family Orientation - The Role of the Dean of Students
Join Andrea Goodwin, Dean of Students, and Jody Heckman-Bose, Associate Director for Student Services, as they share with you an introduction to what your UMD student will experience at UMD and what YOU can do to support your family member.
|
|
|
June 28th
9am ET
June 30th
10am ET
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Missed a Tip of the Week?
|
|
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 Fall 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
