Student and Exchange Visitor Visas

Student(F-1/M-1) and Exchange(J-1) Visitor Visas

The United States welcomes foreign citizens who come to study.  Most non-U.S. citizens who wish to study in the United States will seek an F-1 student visa, but there are other visa types that are sometimes used.  Here is a short description of the different visa types that involve study.

F-1, or Student Visa:  This visa is the most common for those who wish to engage in academic studies in the United States.  It is for people who want to study at an accredited U.S. college or university.  If you are going to the United States to study and your course of study is more than 18 hours a week, you will need an F1 or M1 student visa.

M-1, or Student Visa:  This visa is for those who will be engaged in non-academic or vocational study or training at an institution in the United States.

J-1, or Exchange Visitor Visa:  This visa is for people who will be participating in an exchange visitor program in the United States.  The J visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs.

An applicant must make an appointment via the Nonimmigrant Automated Appointment System prior to an interview.  An applicant is required to bring the following documents:

• A passport in good condition and valid for at least 6 months from the date of the proposed travel;
• A nonimmigrant visa size photograph - Visa Photo Requirement
• A receipt from Post Fiji for payment of the US$131 nonrefundable visa processing fee.  This fee is non-refundable but transferable.  The receipt is valid for use within 12 months(1 year) of receipt date;
• A completed EVAF DS-156, 157 and/or 158.  ALL MALE nonimmigrant visa applicants from 16 years old and above must also complete DS-157.
• Completed Form I-20 for F-1 or M-1 OR DS-2019 for J-1.  Both forms must be signed by the applicant and school official.  We cannot issue student visas more than 90 days before the registration date noted on the Form I-20.  Also, we cannot issue student visas after the date of registration noted on the Form I-20 has passed;
• A receipt to confirm payment of SEVIS fee;
• Evidence of funds showing that an applicant has sufficient funds to cover the full tuition and living expenses during the first year of an intended study.  An applicant must demonstrate that he/she has sfficient resources to cover any subsequent years of study;
• Transcripts and diplomas from previous educational institutions attended;
• Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL or SAT;
• Evidence of the applicant's intent to leave the U.S. at conclusion of studies;
• If spouse and/or children plan to accompany the student, they must supply a Marriage Certificate and/or Birth Certificates as proof of their relationship to the student.

Please note that these materials should be presented at the interview.  DO NOT fax or mail any documents to our office before your appointment.