STEP ONE: Make visa appointment early
After you receive your I-20 or DS-2019, follow the U.S. Embassy/Consulate instructions to schedule an
your visa interview appointment. Apply as far in advance as possible.
STEP TWO: Pay SEVIS fee
F-1 and J-1 visa applicants entering the U.S. for the first time must complete the SEVIS Form I-901
and pay the SEVIS fee before their visa appointment.
Fill in your name exactly as it appears on your I-20 or DS-2019.
For F-1 applicants, Purdue’s “School Code” is: CHI 214F10460 000. For J-1 applicants, Purdue’s
“Program Number” is: P 1 00622.
After paying, print a copy of the online receipt.
STEP THREE: Pay visa application fee
Follow the instructions found on the U.S. Embassy/Consulate website.
STEP FOUR: Complete visa form
Form DS-160*: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
*Make sure the U.S. Embassy/Consulate you will attend has transitioned to this online form. If not,
follow the instructions on the U.S. Embassy/Consulate’s website.
STEP FIVE: Gather documents for visa interview
A passport valid for at least six months into the future
I-20 or DS-2019 (Be sure to sign the bottom of the form)
Purdue admission letter
SEVIS fee receipt
Visa application fee receipt
Confirmation page from your DS-160 visa application
Two 2”x 2” photographs in the prescribed format on website
Original bank statements or Purdue funding letter showing sufficient funds to cover your expenses
as listed on I-20 or DS-2019
Documents that prove you will return to your home country after finishing your studies in the U.S.
These may include proof of property, family, or other ties to your community.
Any additional documents that might be requested, such as transcripts or test scores
Confirm with appropriate U.S. Embassy/Consulate that you have prepared all required documents.
STEP SIX: Prepare for visa interview
Interview generally lasts only 2-3 minutes.
Under U.S. law, all nonimmigrant visa applicants are viewed as intending immigrants unless they
convince the Consular Officer otherwise. You must show your reasons for returning to your home
country following your studies.
Be prepared to use English and speak for yourself.
Answer all of the Officer’s questions concisely and honestly.
Be able to explain how studying in the U.S. relates to your future career plans.
Know that lengthy supplemental documents cannot be quickly read or evaluated.
People from certain countries and those studying certain technology majors may experience processing delays due to security background checks.
Remember that the purpose of a student visa is to study and return home, not to work in the U.S.
Be prepared to address how your dependents, if any, will support themselves in your absence.
Keep a positive attitude. If denied, understand the reason why and what to do the next time.
STEP SEVEN: Attend visa interview
Arrive early; remain calm!