Review Your Immigration Documents
- Confirm the information on your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 is correct and contact ISSS if any corrections are needed.
- Confirm your passport meets validity requirements and, if not, renew your passport before applying for your visa.
Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
- Read the SEVIS fee information on the Study in the States website.
- View the SEVIS fee payment tutorial video and pay the SEVIS fee.
- F-1 students: University of Colorado Boulder School Code is DEN 214F00155000
- J-1 exchange visitors: University of Colorado Boulder Program Code is P-1-00066
- Your SEVIS number starts with the letter N and is located on the top of your I-20/DS-2019
- You must bring your SEVIS fee payment confirmation with you to your visa interview.
Make Your Visa Appointment
You should apply for your visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest to your place of permanent residence. Depending on your country of residence and field of study or research, visa processing times can be lengthy so apply early.
- Review student visa application information on the U.S. Department of State website.
- Read carefully the visa application information on the website for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will be applying.
- Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160), upload a photo, and pay any required fees.
Prepare For and Attend Your Visa Interview
Be prepared to discuss and document your 1) academic preparation and purpose for traveling to the U.S.; 2) intent to depart the U.S. after your program; and 3) ability to pay all expenses associated with your program.
- Bring the required documentation to your visa interview including proof of payment of any required fees and the I-901 SEVIS fee.
- Review 10 Points to Remember when Applying for a Student Visa.
Visa Issuance Delays
Before issuing any visa, the U.S. Department of State conducts security, background screening on the applicant. Sometimes they must take additional steps which they refer to as “administrative processing” before they can issue the visa. Usually, the U.S. Department of State does not share the reason(s) why these additional steps are required, and the supplemental clearance processes may involve other government agencies. Therefore, generally the U.S. Embassy or Consulate will not accept an inquiry from either the applicant or the university regarding a visa application subject to “administrative processing” until 60 days after the visa interview date. You can check the status of your visa application. To check the status of your visa application, go online to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) and select the link for “Check my Visa Application Status”.