Embassy of the United States

Non-Immigrant Visas

Applying for a Student Visa for the First Time

You may proceed to apply for your student visa once you have received form I-20 A or B (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status for Academic and Language Students) or form I-20M or N (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students) sent to you by the educational institution you will attend.  It is also very important to pay the SEVIS fee.  Sometimes the educational institution will process the payment for you and will send the receipt along with the I-20, but if they have not sent it, it is your responsibility to pay the US$100 fee.  For more information and/or to make the payment go to these websites:

http://www.ice.gov/sevis
http://www.fmjfee.com

These are the steps to apply for a student visa:

• Pay the Consular Fee at any branch of Banco Atlántida (show your passport and it must have a minimum six month validity remaining).  Since May 17, 2007, we have our Call Center available, and it is through them that you can obtain an appointment.  Your appointment fee is US$131, which can be paid at any Banco Atlantida branch. Also you pay an additional fee of US$13, and you will obtain a PIN number to be used with our Call Center and they will give you your appointment date.
• All student visa applicants must present the following documents:
  
  • Passport with a minimum six month validity remaining.  If you need additional information about the requirements according to your nationality, please go to this following website.
  • Form I-20A/B or I-20M/N issued by an educational institution.
  • Form I-901 (SEVIS Fee Application) and the corresponding receipt or evidence of payment. Note: This requirement applies if the I-20 was issued on or after September 1, 2004. 
  • Non-Immigrant Visa Application Form DS-156 in the electronic format.
  • Form DS-158 (Contact Information and Work History for Non-Immigrant Visa Applicant) (PDF - 126K)
  • Men between the ages of 16 and 45 must also present Form DS-157 (Supplemental Non-Immigrant Visa Application) (PDF - 128K).
  • Recent 2x2 inch photo taken with a white background, no glasses.
  • If the applicant is a minor (under 21), you must present Birth Certificate. If the applicant has never had a US visa, he/she must come with both parents or legal guardian (with proof of custody). Parents or legal guardian must present national ID cards, passports, letters of employment, bank letters and property documents.

You should be prepared to present the following documents:

• Transcripts and/or diplomas from previously attended educational institutions.
• Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution you will attend (TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.).
• Financial evidence that shows sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses during the period of intended study (from parents, scholarship, sponsor, etc).
• Previous passports.