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 close for Winter Break, so check early for appointments slots.

Visa interviews take 2-5 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.

You can find links to your consulate and find more detailed information about applying for your visa on our website.

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.

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.

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.

Effective June 12th, 2022 the U.S. government rescinded the requirement for a Negative Pre-departure Covid-19. Students should check with your individual airlines for any specific Covid-19 health requirements.

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 20, 2023 can enter the US no earlier than December 21, 2022.

Students should review UMD Health Center's webpage for complete information on UMD COVID-19 Vaccination requirements. The 4Maryland website can help you with your Covid-related questions. To upload your proof of vaccination, please click here.

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.

By email: isss-admissions@umd.edu

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 2023 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.