Review Your Immigration Documents
- Confirm the accuracy of information on your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.
- Contact ISSS if any corrections are needed.
- Verify that your passport meets validity requirements and renew, if necessary, before applying for your visa.
Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee
- Visit the Study in the States website.
- Watch the SEVIS fee payment tutorial video.
- Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee using the appropriate University of Colorado Boulder codes:
- F-1 students: DEN 214F00155000
- J-1 exchange visitors: P-1-00066
- Your SEVIS number starts with the letter N and is at the top of your I-20/DS-2019.
- Bring SEVIS fee payment confirmation to your visa interview.
Make Your Visa Appointment
- Review student visa application information on the U.S. Department of State website.
- Check visa processing times.
- Depending on your country of residence and field of study or research, visa processing times can be lengthy, so apply early.
- Apply for your visa nearest to your place of permanent residence.
- Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160).
- Upload a photo and pay any required fees.
- Carefully read visa application details on your specific U.S. Embassy or Consulate's website.
Prepare for and Attend Your Visa Interview
- Be ready to discuss and document:
- Academic preparation and purpose for traveling to the U.S.
- Intent to depart the U.S. after completing your program.
- Ability to cover all expenses related to your program.
- Bring required documentation, including proof of fee payments and the I-901 SEVIS fee.
- Review "10 Points to Remember when Applying for a Student Visa."
Visa Issuance Delays
- Understand that security background screening may cause delays. These delays are referred to as “administrative processing.”
- The U.S. Department of State generally does not disclose reasons for delays.
- Inquiries about visas subject to "administrative processing" are typically not accepted until 180 days after the visa interview date.
- Check your visa application status online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC), under "Check my Visa Application Status."