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Remember, a visa is required for entry to the U.S. for all international students with the exception of Canada and Bermuda. However, a visa is not proof of legal status and the expiration of your visa does not impact an international student or scholar’s legal status after entry to the U.S.

On Sept. 6, 2025, the Department of State issued guidance stating applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas, including F-1 and J-1 applicants, should schedule visa interview appointments at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence. The Department of State also provided a list of designated locations for applicants from countries with no U.S. embassy or consulate. Students and scholars seeking to schedule appointments to apply for or renew visas should contact the where they will .

Note: Effective Sept. 2, 2025,  when applying for or renewing an F-1 or J-1 visa.

As always, ISSS recommends admitted students outside the U.S. schedule their visa appointment as early as possible. SEVIS transfer students in the U.S. should consider wait times and appointment availability before arranging international travel.

When applying for a visa, DOS is reviewing your application and eligibility for an F-1 or J-1 visa. Applicants’ backgrounds, including social media and other public information, may be scrutinized. It is important that you list all of your social media accounts on the DS-160 application. Under , DOS will conduct thorough vetting of all F and J visa applicants and is instructing applicants to set their social media profiles to “public.”

How to Apply for a Visa

To apply for a visa, complete the following steps:

• • Note that there will be an online application form and application fee. This fee is separate from the required SEVIS fee.
  • Since the visa application process can vary, it is important that you look up the website of the embassy or consulate where you are applying and follow the instructions listed on that site.
• Gather all required documents and prepare for your appointment
  • I-20 or DS-2019 issued by ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University
  • Admission letter from ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University
  • SEVIS Fee payment receipt
  • Proof of financial support for your studies at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University
    • Accepted documentation typically includes bank statements, certificate of deposits, evidence of scholarship, graduate assistantship contract, etc.
    • Please note your I-20 or DS-2019 is not proof of funding. This document reflects the evidence of financial documentation that you have provided to ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University as evidence of how you will support your studies.
  • Evidence that you intend to return to your home country after your studies
  • Prepare for interview
    • Your interview is likely to be short and direct. The officer will likely ask questions about your background, study plans, and future plans after study. The officer is basically trying to determine 3 main things:
      • Are you coming to the U.S. for the purpose stated on your application and is that in line with the type of visa you are applying for?
      • Do you have enough funds to support yourself and your dependents during your program? (Be aware that the source of your funding and your relationship, amount, access, and validity of the documentation for the full duration of the program will be reviewed)
      • Will you depart the U.S. at the conclusion of your program?
        • The third point is the primary reason for visa denials. Even the smallest doubt about your plans to depart the U.S. after your program can cause a denial, as consulate officers are instructed to approach each non-immigrant visa interview with the assumption that the applicant is trying to immigrate to the U.S. They may not ask questions that directly address these details, so we advise that you include information about your ties to home at any possible point. For example, if they ask what you're planning to study, you could say you'll be studying [insert major] at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University because you want to pursue [insert your professional plans in your home country]. That type of statement would also reinforce that you're applying for an F-1 visa for the reason stated on your I-20.
  • Reminder that your background, including social media and other public information, may be scrutinized.

Exemptions

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require a visa.

Visa Denials

If your visa application is denied, please let ISSS know by emailing international@ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúOH.edu. The Consular Officer should provide you with a letter or email that refers to which Federal Regulation the denial was based upon (e.g. Section 214(b)). The U.S. Department of State has , where you may read about reapplying for a visa and also look up the Federal Regulations code to further understand the reason for denial and find tips for addressing the concern in your next interview.

On the ISSS website, you can learn more about Visa Denials, Visa Revocations, and Administrative Processing.