Visa Information

Visas
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is the branch of the government that regulates the status of all those people visiting or living in the United States who are not citizens. That includes immigrants ("green card" holders) and non-immigrants (everyone else). You will be a non-immigrant. That means that you are subject to a number of regulations, sometimes irritating and difficult to understand. It can be annoying, but it is very important that you take the time to understand your situation and to make sure that you fulfill your legal obligations. We are here to help you do that.

Getting a Visa
To obtain a visa, you must submit an application and supporting documents with your passport to the U.S. Consul or Embassy that has jurisdiction over the place where you live. Once you receive your I-20 (F-1 Student) or DS-2019 (J-1 student or exchange visitor) you will then need to pay the SEVIS fee before you schedule your interview. Currently the fee is $100 USD and must be paid by all new F-1 & J-1 visitors. The SEVIS fee can be paid online, via western union or by mail. 

Strategies for the Visa Appointment
You are well advised to consider the following matters prior to your visa appointment, as you may be asked about each item.

1. Academics: Be definite and clear about your educational plans. You should be able to explain precisely what you wish to study and why you chose Clarkson University for your education. Be especially prepared to explain reasons for studying in the United States rather than your country.

2. English: Anticipate that the visa interview will be conducted in English. Do not bring parents or family members with you to the visa interview. The consular official will want to interview you, not your family. A negative impression is created if you are not prepared to speak on your own behalf.

3. Ties to Your Home Country: Demonstrate convincing reasons for consular officials to believe that you intend to return home after studies in the United States. Emphasize ties to your home country such as employment, family obligations, property or investments that you own or will inherit, and clear explanations of how you plan to use your education to help your country or pursue a career when you return home.

4. Financial Documentation: Be prepared to prove financial ability to pay for your education and living expenses. While some students will be able to work part time during their studies, such employment is incidental to their main purpose of completing their education. You must show the consular officer that you have the annual amount in United States dollars listed on your I-20 or DS-2019 form. Your financial evidence should be in the form of bank statements, affidavits of support, scholarship award letters, etc.

5. Be concise: Because of the volume of visa applications, all consular officials are under considerable pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision, for the most part, on the impression they form during the first minute or two of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you create are critical to your success. Keep your answers short and to the point.

6. Not all countries are the same: Applicants from countries suffering economic problems or from countries where many students have remained in the United States as immigrants will have more difficulty getting visas. Statistically, applicants from these countries are more likely to be intending immigrants. They are also more likely to be asked about job opportunities in the United States.

7. Dependents remaining at Home: If you have a spouse and/or children remaining behind in your home country, be prepared to address how they will support themselves in your absence. This can be an especially tricky area if you are the primary source of income for your family. If the consular official gains the impression that you family members will need you to remit money from the United States in order to support them, your student visa will almost surely be denied.