Applying for Your Visa
Students and exchange visitors should plan early for their visa and complete the necessary steps. Once you have secured your visa, prepare to arrive in the U.S. prior to the program start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019.
Non-U.S. citizens seeking to enter the United States for study or exchange must generally first obtain an accurate U.S. visa issued by the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs to enter the United States. Individual applicants should refer to your local U.S. Embassy / Consulate for instructions and plan early to avoid study or exchange interruptions resulting from delays.
Visa Types
Before applying for a visa, you must be accepted by Adelphi University and have received your I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J).
Common visa types:
- F Student Visa: Most common visa status for full-time study.
- J Exchange Visa: For participation in an exchange program.
Learn more: Student I-20 & DS-2019 Requests
Visa Application Steps
Steps may vary by Embassy or Consulate. Always follow local instructions.
Learn more: U.S. Embassy or Consulate
- Required before your visa interview.
- Payment is completed online.
Learn more:
- Submit the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
- Pay the required visa application fees
- Follow instructions for your visa photo Photo Requirements
- Access the DS-160 via the Consular Electronic Application Center
- Schedule at your U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Wait times vary by location, season, and visa type; apply early.
Learn more: Visa Interview Wait Times
Prepare the following for your visa interview:
- Valid passport
- Visa photo Photo Requirements
- Form I-20 or DS-2019
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Application fee payment receipt
- Financial documents
- Additional documents may be requested by the consular officer.
- Consular officers will review applicants’ social media and online presence.
- Applicants must disclose all platforms used in the past five years.
- F, and J visa applicants must adjust your privacy settings to public.
Knowing what to expect during your interview and preparing in advance are the best chances for being successful. During the interview, you will be asked questions by the Consular Officer to determine your eligibility for a visa.
Tips for a successful interview:
- Interviews are usually conducted in English and may be brief.
- Be prepared to explain:
- Why you chose Adelphi University
- Your field of study
- Your plans after completing your program
- Show ability to pay all educational, living, and travel costs.
- Demonstrate strong ties to your home country.
- Practice potential questions in advance.
- Have academic transcripts, official test scores, or professional experience documents ready.
- Know your I-20 or DS-2019 details.
- Passport
- Visa Photo
- I-20 (F visas) or DS-2019 (J visas)
- DS-160 Confirmation Page
- Receipts for the visa application and SEVIS fee
- Academic records such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended
- Evidence of your intent to depart the United States following your program completion
- Standardized test scores required by your US institution
- Financial documentation proving you have enough funds to cover all expenses associated with your program.
The consular officer will determine if you qualify for a student visa under U.S. law.
Visa Denials
- Section 214(b): The consular officer was not convinced you will return home after completing your studies.
- Section 212(a): You were found ineligible for the requested visa classification.
- Section 221(g): Application incomplete or additional documentation needed.
- Review the reason for denial: Carefully consider the explanation provided by the consular officer. Determine whether you can address the issue with new or additional documentation.
- Reapply if appropriate: If you choose to reapply, ensure you are well-prepared to overcome the reason for your previous denial. Bring updated documentation to support your eligibility.
- Guidance: U.S. Department of State’s Visa Denials
Strengthen Your Application
- Family connections
- Employment or career prospects
- Real estate or financial assets
- Social or community involvement
- Clarify your purpose and why you chose your program
- Correct previous mistakes
- Address inconsistencies
- Practice your answers
- Avoid reapplying with the same information
Expedited Visa Appointment Requests
Handled solely by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Review embassy/consulate guidance and follow official procedures.
Limited emergency appointment slots are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Provide an I-20 or DS-2019 showing that you would miss program start without an expedited appointment.
- Schedule the earliest available regular appointment online.
- Log in and submit an “Emergency Request” or similar form with valid reason and supporting documents.
Visa Support Letters
- The Office of International Services cannot provide letters for expedited visa appointments or special visa support.
- We can assist with general visa guidance and documentation for standard visa applications.
