FAQ about Nonimmigrant Visas
Applying for a Student Visa
Q: How do I qualify for a student visa?
A: To qualify for a student visa, applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of pursuing the course of study for which they have applied, that they have the necessary funds to pay for the first year of studies and that they intend to return to Mongolia at the conclusion of their studies. For more information on studying in the United States please visit our student information webpage. For general information, prospective students can visit the U.S. Department of State’s student website http://educationusa.state.gov.
Q: How far in advance should I schedule my interview?
A: An applicant for a student visa must first be accepted into a program in the United States. The school will then issue the student an I-20, which the applicant must bring to the interview. We recommend you schedule your interview several weeks in advance of your planned departure date. Student visa applicants can apply up to 120 days before the start of their academic studies. However, the Consular Section can only issue a visa 90 days in advance of the start of the program and students can only enter 30 days before the start of their academic studies.
Q: What is SEVIS and what is the SEVIS fee?
A: The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS is an Internet-based system that maintains accurate and current information on non-immigrant students (F and M visa), exchange visitors (J visa), and their dependents (F-2, M-2, and J-2). SEVIS enables schools and program sponsors to transmit mandatory information and event notifications via the Internet, to the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State (DOS) throughout a student or exchange visitor's stay in the United States. The SEVIS fee is non-refundable fee, which is separate from the visa application fee. The SEVIS fee is mandated by Congress to support the program office and the automated system that keeps track of students and exchange visitors and ensures that they maintain their status while in the United States. Most students or exchange are responsible for paying this fee. There are limited exceptions for applicants who are attending government sponsored programs and certain returning students. For more information please visit www.fmjfee.com.
Q: How do I pay the SEVIS fee?
A: The SEVIS fee can be paid with a credit or debit card online at www.fmjfee.com. You can also pay by international money order or check drawn on a financial institution in the United States and payable in United States currency. For more options on payment visit the fmjfee website.
Q: Should I pay the SEVIS fee in advance of my interview?
A: The SEVIS fee must be paid in advance of your interview. When you pay the fee online, you must print the receipt and bring it to your interview. Non-payment of the SEVIS fee can delay processing even if you are found eligible for a student visa.
Q: What is the I-20 form and do I need it prior to my interview?
A: The I-20 form is issued by the institution that has admitted you as a student. The I-20 contains important information that the Consular Officer needs during your interview such as the cost of your studies and the level of English proficiency required for your program. If there is an error on your I-20 please notify your school immediately and request a corrected I-20. Common errors include misspelled names, incorrect dates of birth and inaccurate levels of English proficiency.
Q: Can I schedule my interview before my I-20 arrives?
A: You can schedule your interview but keep in mind that you must bring the I-20 to your interview. If you do not have the I-20 at the time of your interview we cannot process your visa application.
Q: Can I bring my spouse and children with me as dependents?
A: A spouse and unmarried, minor children may also be classified for a nonimmigrant visa to accompany or follow the student. Family members must meet all visa eligibility requirements, including evidence that they will have sufficient funds for their support, and that they will depart the United States when the student's program ends. Spouses and children of students may not accept employment at any time.
Q: Do my dependents (F2s) need to pay the SEVIS fee?
A: No, only the primary applicant pays the SEVIS fee.
Q: I want to change schools. Do I need a new I-20?
A: Yes. If you are in the United States and plan to change schools without departing the United States, you should work with the new institution to obtain a new I-20. You should also work with your current school to ensure they deactivate your student status in the SEVIS system and do not report you as a student visa violator to the Department of Homeland Security. If you depart the United States and do not intend to return to the school listed on your I-20 you must obtain a new I-20 prior to entering the United States You should also contact the Embassy to obtain a new visa.