Non-Immigrant Visas

Student Visas (F-1, M-1 Visas)

U.S. immigration law provides two nonimmigrant visa categories for study in the United States. The "F" visa is for academic studies, and the "M" visa is for nonacademic or vocational studies. In order to obtain a student visa, you must first apply to and be accepted at a school in the U.S. Once you have been accepted, the school will forward you a form called the I-20 or I-20M. You must present this form in order to get a visa.

Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence.

Applicants for student visas to the US must first demonstrate that s/he is a bona-fide student qualified to pursue a full course of study. The applicant must also demonstrate that s/he is seeking to enter the U.S. temporarily and solely for the purpose of pursuing such a course of study at an established academic institution.

Required Documents  All applicants must present the following documents at the interview

1. Valid Passport If your passport will expire less than 6 months from your planned arrival in the United States, or is damaged, or you do not have a page for a visa, please get a new passport before your interview.

2. One Photograph: Two inches square color photograph, less than 6 months old, against a white background, full frontal view. The photo should be glued to the English DS-156, Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form.  Click here for more information on photo requirements.

3. Original Bank Receipt for Application Fee The 9４３ RMB application fee may be paid at any CITIC Bank branch in China. Please note that the fee is non-refundable; no refund will be made if the visa is denied or if the applicant decides not to pursue an application. The original fee receipt must be presented when the visa application is submitted at the Embassy. Only applicants for A-1, A-2, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, C-3, NATO, and U.S. Government-sponsored visas are exempt from the application fee. More information on visa application fees>>
4. Completed DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application (for all NIV applicants).
5. Completed DS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (for NIV applicants over 16 years old) 
6. Completed DS-158 Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant (for F, M & J visa applicants only)

Suggested Documents

Besides the above essential items, certain visa categories require additional documentation. Do you have the additional documentation? Note: this is not an exhaustive list and presentation of these documents does not guarantee visa issuance.

1. Completed SEVIS Form Form I-20A-B (for F1 students) or Form I-20M-N (for M-1 students) properly completed and signed by both the Designated School Official (DSO) and the applicant. for more information on SEVIS
2. SEVIS Fee Receipt Most J, F, and M applicants must now pay a SEVIS fee. Please bring an electronic receipt or I-797 receipt to your interview. for information on how to pay the SEVIS Fee
3. Proof of Ties to China Proof of economic, social, family, or other commitments that will help demonstrate your intent to return to China after a temporary stay in the U.S.
4. Proof of Finances Proof that you can support yourself during your entire stay in the U.S. without working.
5. Research/Study Plan Detailed information about your planned studies or research in the U.S.
6. Resume/CV Detailed information about your past academic and professional experience, including a complete list of all publications to which you have contributed

Dependent Visas