The U.S. Department of State has released redesigned forms I-20 and DS-2019 on June 26, 2015. All forms printed after June 26, 2015 will have the new format. Previously issued I-20/DS-2019 forms which have the former design will remain valid. Further information:  http://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/Redesigned%20Form%20I-20%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf  (PDF) and  http://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/M-1%20Form%20I-20%20SAMPLE.pdf (PDF Sample I-20 for M-Visa).

Regulation requires all prospective F, J- and M students to pay the I-901 Student and  Exchange Visitor  Information System ( SEVIS ) fee in addition to the visa application fee (MRV fee0 before the  Department of State  can issue a visa.  All applicants must present proof of the I-901 SEVIS fee payment at the time of the visa interview. Please access …

The Non-immigrant Visa Unit in Frankfurt does not currently have a Farsi speaking officer. Applicants who are not conversant in either English or German are advised to apply for their visa at one of the visa processing posts designated to serve Iranian applicants (Yerevan, Ankara, and Dubai) or bring a Farsi-language translator. Iranian applicants who …

Planning to work for room and board on a farm or as an Au Pair/Nanny? Do Woofing? An internship? Even if you stay less than 90 days, these activities are considered work and require the appropriate visa. Visa Waiver Program travelers entering the United States with ESTA authorization are not allowed to work. If you are …

If several members of a family or group apply for a U.S. visa, a separate DS-160 form is required for each applicant, independent of age.  Applicants have two options: Fill out a new DS-160 form for each applicant; or Fill out an initial DS-160 form and follow the instructions on the “thank you” page at …

Whereas applications for F-1 visa may be submitted at any time, the visa can only be issued up to 120 days in advance of the course of study start date. If you apply earlier, the passport will be returned to you and must be submitted again at a later date.  Students will not be allowed …

 (December 3, 2014) Continuing students who are going to travel outside of the United States must see their foreign student advisor and obtain an endorsement of their I-20 or DS-2019 form. When returning to the United States, a continuing student/exchange visitor must present a valid SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019 with the endorsement showing that …

The Embassy does not routinely acknowledge receipt of documents. If your case is routine, processing time is approximately 10 working days from the date the missing document is received. Some cases may require additional processing or review, and you’ll be contacted once the outcome of your application is known.  Remember, we advise all applicants that …

Each person travelling must qualify for either the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) or for the appropriate visa, based on their own situation. It is not possible to derive status for visa free travel, and each person travelling must be in possession of a valid ESTA registration and meet all the requirements to travel under the …

Yes, you will have to go through the whole visa application process each time you want to apply for a visa, even if your visa is still valid. There are some situations where a visa applicant may not need to be interviewed when renewing his/her visa. Information on the Visa Reissuance Program is available at

Are you applying for a nonimmigrant visa and preparing for your interview, trying to decide which supporting documents to bring to justify your purpose of travel and ties to your home country? One of the common misconceptions regarding the nonimmigrant visa process is that an applicant’s documents are central to their application. While it’s always …

 Arriving earlier than your scheduled appointment time does not mean that you will be interviewed sooner.  Nonimmigrant visa applicants should arrive at the U.S. Embassy/U.S. Consulates General no more than 30 minutes before their scheduled visa interview.  If you arrive earlier, you will not be  allowed to enter and will be required to remain outside. …

Visa applicants are advised to be cautious in all dealings with companies that claim to offer any assistance in obtaining U.S. visas.  There are many websites which attempt to mislead customers and members of the public into thinking they are official U.S. government websites. Many may have a U.S. flag or picture of an official U.S. Government building …

You can track the status of your visa and your passport through our Visa Service Provider. Go to http://www.ustraveldocs.com/de/de-niv-passporttrack.asp#ChecktheStatusofYourVisa You can check the status of your visa application any time at this website: https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx You can chose one of two options to track the location of your passport: Instant: Enter your passport number in the given field …

If your visa application is approved, your passport and visa will be returned by Deutsche Post in an envelope to the address you indicate during the appointment scheduling process. Deutsche Post will not be able to deliver documents to incomplete addresses, addresses outside of Germany, a P.O box or to an APO/DPO addresses. If you …

If you are planning to visit or attend a school in the U.S., no matter for how long or whether you will get credits, you will need to apply for a F-1 student visa, or, if accepted into an organized exchange program, a J-1 visa. See our website for more information. F-1 students are prohibited …