Obtaining a Visa

In order to study in the United States , you must have a visa to enter the country. Apply for the visa at an U.S. embassy or consulate outside the US using the form I-20 or DS-2019.

You will need various crucial documents to support your visa application. Prepare carefully for your visit to U.S. Embassy or consulate. Read all documents carefully, so that you know exactly what you are agreeing to when you enter the United States on a student visa. There are new guidelines for international students so be extra meticulous when preparing your documents.

Visa procedures vary slightly from one consulate or embassy to another. However, there are standard items that are required for the application:

• A current, valid passport
• An I-20 form for the F visa or an DS-2019 form for the J visa
• Be prepared to take documentation of your financial support, including an original bank statement accompanied by a letter of financial support from parents, bank, or other sponsor
• Letter of admission
• Proof that you have permanent residence outside the United States
• One or more passport-type photographs
• A non-immigrant visa application
  

The consular officer will place a visa in your passport. If you receive a multiple-entry visa, you may use it to reenter the United States up to the date of its expiration as long as you have a valid I-20 or DS-2019. You must always have valid papers or you will be asked to immediately leave the country.

Some Arriving Advice
Keep your passport, I- 20 or DS-2019 form, travel documents, and money with you at all times. Keep important papers in your carry-on luggage, with photocopies in your other baggage. Be certain you left copies of all of your documents in your home country. Label your baggage inside and out with your name and both your home and U.S. addresses and telephone numbers. To prevent inconvenience in the case of lost luggage, put all items that you will need for at least your first night in Madison in your carry-on luggage.

Toward the end of your flight, the airline personnel will give you several forms to complete for the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and U.S. Customs. It is forbidden to bring certain items into the United States (for example, fruits, vegetables, drugs, firearms, and excessive amounts of cash). You will be asked to report the value of the things you are bringing into the United States . Simply follow the directions on the forms. If necessary, ask the flight attendant for clarifications.

Among the mentioned form that you will receive a small white card on the airplane, which is called an "I-94 card." This document is an official immigration document, which should remain in your passport for the duration of your stay in the United States. The I-94 card in combination with the United States visa stamp and a valid passport secure your entry into the United States. You must have all of these documents to enter the United States at the port of entry in the airport.

F-1/J-1 Student Visa Status
You will receive a complete visa briefing after you arrive on campus. Be aware of the following:

Immigration regulations require you to be enrolled in a full-time program of study while participating in the UW-Madison exchange program. Depending on the number of credits assigned to the classes you choose, that means that you must register for at least three or four classes totaling: at least 8 credits if you are graduate student at your home institution, or: at least 12 credits if you are an undergraduate at your home institution.