Applying for a USA Student Visa (F1)

Many Thailand students will try to go to the US to study and because potential students will made even small mistakes their applications for a US F1 Visa can be slowed or even denied, in some cases permanently! We say this not to scare you, this is a fact. For many this one application process will be the major step towards getting a quality American Education.

Why pay money when I can do it for free?

Our USA Visa Service helps you to present your case in the best possible light, giving you the best chance to archive your goals and dreams of studying in the US. We prepare your case in a professional manner, this means we make sure that when you get to the interview that your information is clear, concise and your paperwork is exactly as the examiner will want to see it. At The USA Visa Center we will also make sure that you meet all the requirements on education and funding, which stops allot of students. It is important that you get it right the first time which statistically has the highest probabilities of success. Anyone can fill out a form, it is in the details that determines your success or failure.

The following information was taken from the http://bangkok.usembassy.gov site.

The USA Visa Center is providing it to you as a service. Reading this will give you a good idea of the process that you will need to complete.

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Applying for a U.S. Student Visa (F1)
Where do I apply?

At the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy. The Consular Section is located at 95 Wireless Road (across the street from the main Embassy building).

Do I have to go in person?

No. A messenger, driver, friend, relative, or any other person may submit your application for you. Only one person needs to come; children do not need to come.

When does the Embassy accept applications?

The Consular Section accepts applications for nonimmigrant visas (including visas for tourism, business and study) Monday to Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Applications are accepted on a "first-come, first-served" basis. The busiest time of the year is March and April. Visa applicants should therefore try to apply during other months when the lines are not so long.

How long does it take to issue a Visa?

Effective August 1, 2003, most applicants for nonimmigrant visas must be interviewed in person by a consular officer. Due to this requirement, long delays in visa processing may be expected. Applicants should APPLY AT LEAST SIX WEEKS IN ADVANCE of their intended travel. We will not be able to expedite interview appointments even if that means an applicant will miss his or her planned departure date. Please plan accordingly.

The Application Procedure

1. Pay the Processing Fee.

The processing fee must be paid at any post office in the Bangkok metropolitan region that is authorized to receive bill payments. The processing fee for all nonimmigrant visa categories is the Thai baht equivalent of $100. No application will be processed before this fee is paid (except persons with diplomatic passports who are eligible for no-fee visas). The post office visa fee receipt must be presented with the nonimmigrant visa application; make sure that the post office gives the recipient a receipt. Please note that this fee is not refundable, even if the visa is refused. This fee must be paid each time that an application is made.

2. Fill out an Application Forms (DS-156, DS-157, and DS-158).

Forms are available in the Consular Section and on the Internet at http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/services/visa/n_immigrantF.htm, and may be filled out at the Embassy the same morning that the application is submitted. Please answer all questions fully. If applicants do not answer all questions on this form, it will not be accepted. Any applicant who is Thai should write his/her name in the Thai language under item #3, along with any maiden names, religious names, professional names or other aliases that have been used. If someone else completes the form, the person completing the form must print and sign his/her name at the bottom of item #35. Applicants are responsible for the accuracy of the information provided by this person.

Note: By signing the visa application form you are certifying that all the information contained in it is true and correct. If you misrepresent any facts, you could be barred from entry to the United States. Please double-check that all your answers are accurate. Please inquire with the staff in the Consular Section if you do not understand any of the questions on the application form.

3. Go to Document Checker Window #1 or #2.

Applicants should present their post office visa fee receipt, completed application form, passport, photograph and additional evidence (see below). All applicants will be notified on the next working day whether they will be issued a visa or will require an interview. Those who require an interview will be given an appointment slip with a date and time. When they return for their interview, they will be given a number. Please take a seat in the waiting room area and wait for that number to be called. When the number is called, it will appear on the electronic screens located above the interview windows; these screens will also tell which window to go to for the interview.

What to Bring When Applying for a Visa

Passport: The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the visa application date. Any expired and/or other current passport(s) in your possession should also be presented. A record of previously-issued nonimmigrant visas assists the Consular Officer in making a decision.

Photograph One black and white or color photograph taken on a white background (size = 2 inches x 2 inches or 5 cm. X 5 cm. please see New Non-Immigrant Visa Photograph Requirements) Photographs should be no more than six months old.

I-20 Form The I-20 Form (issued by the school in the U.S.) is mandatory for all student visa applicants. Please complete and sign the I-20 form.

Evidence of SEVIS Fee Payment

Evidence of Prior Education Applicants should bring original transcripts of prior education. Applicants who are not applying immediately after completing their studies in Thailand should also present evidence of their recent employment.

Financial Assets Applicants should present full and complete financial documentation to show that they have sufficient funds to cover the cost of their educational fees and living expenses while in the U.S. Fixed deposit accounts, current accounts, savings accounts and/or promissory notes belonging to the applicant's financial sponsor may be presented. Original documents should be presented - the Embassy will not need to keep copies.

Evidence of a Residence Outside the U.S. When applying for a student visa, applicants are applying for a nonimmigrant visa. Before a nonimmigrant visa may be issued, an applicant must establish to the satisfaction of the Consular Officer that they are not an intending immigrant. Applicants can do this by showing evidence of their family, economic and other social ties to a country outside the U.S. No relative, employer, or friend can "guarantee" an applicant's return in place of such evidence. Regardless of who is sponsoring the trip, the consular officer must look at the individual situation and decide whether the applicant meets the requirements on his/her own merits. Please note that consular officers adjudicate visas on the basis of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This law states that "Whenever any person makes application for a visa...the burden of proof shall be upon such person to establish that he is eligible." U.S. immigration law requires consular officers to deny an applicant's application if he/she fails to present convincing evidence that he/she is not an intending immigrant.

Student Visa Law for Public Schools

In 1996, the U.S. Congress created new legal provisions which affect the issuance of Student Visas to students wishing to attend public elementary (grades K to 8) and public secondary ("high") schools (grades 9 to 12) in the U.S. Under these provisions, Consular Officers are no longer able to issue Student Visas for public elementary programs, regardless of an applicant's ability to pay. In addition, students are limited to one year of study at the high school level. Students who wish to attend public secondary schools must pay the full, unsubsidized per capita cost of their education. Applicants must show proof of this payment before a visa can be issued. These provisions do not apply to students who wish to attend private schools or who are participants in Exchange Visitor Programs.

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All the above information in this color came directly off the site listed here. http://bangkok.usembassy.gov

 

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