Applying For Your Student Visa

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) more than two business days in advance of your scheduled appointment.
  • Be sure you list an email on your DS-160 you will check regularly during your time at CU Boulder. If after visa issuance, new information comes to light that may affect a visa holder’s eligibility, or if a visa is being revoked, DOS will notify the visa holder by using the email address provided on the DS-160.
  • Information about completing the 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.” See our ISSS Administrative Processing webpage as well as the Department of State website to learn more about 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."