ISSS Link (e-forms)

Visa Application Procedures & Documentation

Apply for a US Visa

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Overview For New International Students and Scholars (Step 4)

New Students (F and J Exchange Visitors):

For ISSS purposes, international students are individuals who are requesting/in possession of an I-20 or DS-2019 and pursuing a full course of study at Emory or taking part in an approved practical/academic training program. Most of Emory's international students are issued an I-20 and apply for an F-1 visa. Exchange students and some degree seeking students (i.e. Fulbright transfers) will be issued a DS-2019 and possess a J-1 visa.

The I-20/DS-2019 request process begins once an applicant is admitted and has formally accepted an offer of admission and the university information system (OPUS) has been updated to indicate an intent to enroll. Once in possession of an Emory issued I-20s or DS-2019, international students may begin the visa-specific application process outlined below.

New Scholars (J Exchange Visitors, H-1Bs, O-1s, TNs, and E-3s):  

For ISSS purposes, international scholars are employees and exchange visitors whose primary purpose is conducting research, teaching, lecturing, or observing. The type of visa depends on the type of work the scholar will perform at Emory. The host department will work with ISSS to decide which visa is appropriate. Nearly all of Emory's international scholars carry a J-1 or an H-1B visa. Once in possession of an Emory issued DS-2019 (J-1 Exchange Visitors) or ISSS approval packet (all other scholars), international scholars may begin the visa-specific application process outlined below.  

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not need to obtain a visa stamp in their passport to enter the US, but will need to present a variety of documentation at the US Port of Entry. For a Travel Document Checklist specific to each status, please visit the ISSS Travel page.

Students and scholars who are in the US in a different immigration status may be eligible to apply for a change of status with USCIS rather than traveling abroad, applying for a new US visa, and reentering the US. However, even if USCIS approves the change of status application, the student/scholar will still need to apply for a visa at a US consulate or embassy the next time they travel abroad.

Overview For Current Students and Scholars

In general, the process to apply for a visa renewal is the same as applying for an initial visa. Current/continuing students and scholars should follow the visa-specific procedures outlined below when reapplying for a visa renewal.  

It is important to remember there is a distinction made between the visa stamp and an international student or scholar's visa status. The visa stamp is used solely for entry and reentry purposes and the validity period does not determine the length of time an international student, scholar or their dependent may remain in the United States.

As long as an individual is maintaining their non-immigrant student or scholar status, possess an unexpired enabling document (I-20, DS-2019, or I-797), and a valid I-94, they do not need to renew their visa stamp to stay in the US. However, if an international student or scholar's visa is expired and they travel outside the US, they will need to renew their visa to reenter the US. It is not possible to apply for or renew non-immigrant visas from within the US. An international student or scholar must apply for a visa at a US embassy or consulate abroad.

Certain international students and scholars may be eligible for a visa interview waiver if they meet certain requirements. The US Department of State recommends checking the preferred US embassy or consulate's website for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures.

Although it is recommended that international students and scholars apply in their home country, under most circumstances, they may choose to apply for a visa renewal in another country. If so, students or scholars should contact the preferred US embassy or consulate to confirm if they will accommodate appointment requests from third-country nationals.

  • Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not need to obtain a visa stamp in their passport to enter the US, but will need to present a variety of documentation at the US Port of Entry. For a Travel Document Checklist specific to each status, please visit the ISSS Travel page.
  • Automatic Revalidation
    • Can be used by certain travelers when traveling to Mexico, Canada and Adjacent Islands
    • Review the Automatic Revalidation section found on the ISSS Travel page for eligibility requirements. 

Visa Application Procedures & Documentation by Visa Status

Newly Admitted Students: It is highly recommended that students follow the procedures below as soon as they receive their I-20 or DS-2019 from Emory as there may be long visa appointment wait times and visa processing times can vary.

Current Students: In general, the process to apply for a visa renewal is the same as applying for an initial visa. However, in addition to following the visa application procedures below, review ISSS' Travel page and submit the Travel Information Update e-form in ISSS Link so ISSS can best advise.

Visa Application Procedures:
  1. Obtain an I-20/DS-2019 and dependent I-20(s)/DS-2019(s), if applicable.
    • Verify that all information on the document is accurate.
    • Sign and date the bottom of page 1.
  2. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and print the payment confirmation receipt.
    • Students do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again if they paid the SEVIS fee before for the same SEVIS ID number (i.e. the student transferred their SEVIS record to Emory and/or applying for a visa renewal).
  3. Determine if applying for a student visa at a US embassy or consulate is required.
    • With limited exceptions (i.e. citizens of Canada and Bermuda), all international students applying for admission to the United States need an entry visa.
  4. Determine the nearest/most convenient US embassy or consulate at which the student will apply for their visa and have an interview.
  5. Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160.
    • Print the application form confirmation page to bring to the interview.
    • Students will be asked to provide a point of contact in the US and an address where they will be staying.
      • Students who do not have a US-based contact may use the name of the DSO or ARO who issued their I-20 or DS-2019.
      • Students who do not know their US address yet may use ISSS's office address (1784 North Decatur Road, Suite 130, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322).
    • Applicants will be asked to submit a photo along with the application.
    • For additional assistance completing the DS-160 form, please review the US Department of State's DS-160: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
  6. Schedule a visa appointment.
    • Since the process can vary by location, follow the instructions on the preferred US embassy or consulate's website to:
      • Schedule a visa appointment.
      • Obtain a full list of required documentation to bring to the appointment.
      • Learn about expedited interview appointments. Some students may be eligible for an expedited interview appointment based on Emory's start date.
      • Determine if eligible for a visa interview waiver (visa renewals only).
  7. Attend the visa appointment.
    • In the interview, the student need to show that they intend to depart the US upon program completion and have no intention of abandoning a residence in their home country.
    • Review our Consular Interview Tips to prepare for the interview.
Documentation:

Below is a list of documents students will want to prepare prior to their visa appointment. However, since the requirements can vary by location, students should also review the instructions on their preferred US embassy or consulate's website. 

  1. SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019 (from Emory University)
    • Current/Continuing students: Obtain a travel signature/validation by submitting the Travel Information Update e-form in ISSS Link.
  2. Passport
    • New students: Valid at least 6 months beyond the program start date.
    • Current/Continuing students: Valid at least 6 months beyond the date the student will return to the US.
  3. Academic Documentation
    • New Students:
      • Emory admission letter
      • Proof of English-language proficiency
      • Proof of academic preparation (i.e. transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools attended)
      • Standardized test scores submitted to Emory during the admission process
    • Current/Continuing students:
      • Academic transcript showing previous and continued enrollment
      • Graduate and Professional Students: A letter from the department/school which verifies good academic standing, any financial support received from Emory University, and the nature of the research/study.
  4. Proof of Financial Support
    • Covering at least one academic year (F-1 students) or for the duration of the immigration document (J-1 students).
    • For a program's current estimated cost of attendance and a list of acceptable financial documents visit ISSS' Financial Requirements and Estimated Expenses page.
  5. Proof of Non-Immigrant Intent
    • Evidence that the student intends to depart the US upon program completion and has no intention of abandoning a residence in their home country.
    • Examples may include family, property, employment opportunities, bank accounts, other economic ties, etc.
  6. SEVIS I-901 fee Payment Confirmation Receipt
    • Students do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again if they paid the SEVIS fee before, for the same SEVIS ID number (i.e. a student transferred their SEVIS record to Emory and/or applying for a visa renewal).
  7. Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 Confirmation Page
  8. Photograph (if photo failed to upload when completing the DS-160)
  9. Proof of visa Fee Payment (if required to pay before the visa interview)

Post-Completion OPT or Academic Training Students Only:

If a student is participating in Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Academic Training (AT), in addition to the documents above, the student will also need:

  • A letter from the employer on official letterhead and signed by the supervisor stating that the student will return to the US to resume training that is directly related to the student's major.
  • Employment Authorization Document (EAD card from USCIS) or AT authorization letter (from ISSS) showing the approved dates of OPT/AT authorization.
    • Note: The “not valid for re-entry” notation on the EAD simply means that the EAD alone is not sufficient. It must be accompanied by the other items on this list. 

F-2/J-2 Dependents 

  • In addition to the documents listed above, F-2/J-2 dependents will need to provide documentation verifying the relationship to the F-1 or J-1 student (i.e. marriage license, birth certificate).   

New Scholars: It is highly recommended that scholars follow the procedures below as soon as they receive their DS-2019 from Emory as there may be long visa appointment wait times and visa processing times can vary.

Current Scholars: In general, the process to apply for a visa renewal is the same as applying for an initial visa. However, in addition to following the visa application procedures below, scholars should review ISSS' Travel page and submit the Travel Information Update e-form in ISSS Link so ISSS can best advise.

Visa Application Procedures:
  1. Obtain a DS-2019 and dependent DS-2019(s), if applicable.
    • Verify that all information on the DS-2019 is accurate.
    • Sign and date the bottom of page 1.
  2. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and print the payment confirmation receipt
    • J-1 scholars do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again if they paid the SEVIS fee before, for the same SEVIS ID number (i.e. a J-1 scholar transferred their SEVIS record to Emory and/or applying for a visa renewal).
  3. Determine if applying for a J-1 visa at a US embassy or consulate is required.
    • With limited exceptions (i.e. citizens of Canada and Bermuda), all exchange visitors applying for admission to the United States need an entry visa.
    • See exceptions above for more information.
  4. Determine the nearest/most convenient US embassy or consulate at which the scholar will apply for their visa and have an interview.
  5. Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160.
  6. Schedule a visa appointment.
    • Since the process can vary by location, follow the instructions on preferred US embassy or consulate's website to:
      • Schedule a visa appointment.
      • Obtain a full list of required documentation to bring to the appointment.
      • Determine if eligible for a visa interview waiver (visa renewals only).
  7. Attend the visa appointment.
    • In the interview, scholars need to show that they intend to depart the US upon program completion and have no intention of abandoning a residence in their home country.
    • Review our Consular Interview Tips to prepare for the interview.
Documentation:

Below is a list of documents exchange visitors will want to prepare prior to their visa appointment. However, since the requirements can vary by location, be sure to also review the instructions on the scholar's preferred US embassy or consulate's website.

  1. SEVIS Form DS-2019 (issued by Emory or other program sponsor (i.e. Fulbright))
    • Current/Continuing scholars: Obtain a travel validation by submitting the Travel Information Update e-form in ISSS Link.
  2. Passport
    • New scholars: Valid at least 6 months beyond the program start date.
    • Current/Continuing scholars: Valid at least 6 months beyond the date the scholar will return to the US.
  3. Proof of English-Language Proficiency
    • Score report from a recognized English language test (TOEFL, IELTS or Pearson), letter from a non-Emory academic institution or English language school, or interview evaluation form from the host department.
    • The hiring/host department provided ISSS with this documentation during the DS-2019 request process.
  4. Proof of Financial Support
    • This documentation would have been submitted to ISSS during the DS-2019 request process.
    • Financial documentation must show that the exchange visitor has the funds to pay for all program expenses and meet the J-1 Minimum Funding Requirements.
    • Examples:
      • If the scholar is funded by Emory: Employment offer letter from the Emory hiring department stating the annual salary and the period of offer.
      • If scholar is full or partially funded by an organization: A funding letter, in English, from the organization stating the annual funding amount and the period of funding.
      • If the scholar is fully or partially self-funded: Bank statements or a letter, in English, from the scholar's bank stating the funding amount that is available in their checking or savings account.
      • If the scholar is fully or partially funded by a family member or private sponsor:
        • Bank statements or a letter, in English, from the scholar's financial sponsor's bank. The letter should state the funding amount that is available in their checking or savings account.
        • Financial Sponsorship Letter (Download the financial sponsorship letter template)
  5. Proof of Non-Immigrant Intent
    • Evidence that the scholar intends to depart the US upon program completion and has no intention of abandoning a residence in their home country
    • Examples may include family, property, employment opportunities, bank accounts, other economic ties, etc.
  6. SEVIS I-901 fee Payment Confirmation Receipt
    • Scholars do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again if they paid the SEVIS fee before, for the same SEVIS ID number (i.e. a scholar transferred their SEVIS record to Emory and/or applying for a visa renewal).
  7. Form DS-160 Confirmation Receipt
  8. Proof of Visa Fee Payment
  9. Letter from Emory Department

J-2 Dependents

  • In addition to the documents listed above, J-2 dependents will need to provide documentation verifying the relationship to the J-1 Scholar (i.e. marriage license, birth certificate). If desired, scholars can request a support letter from their department. Download a template letter. 

New Scholars: It is highly recommended that scholars follow the procedures below as soon as they receive the H-1B or O-1 approval packet from Emory as there may be long visa appointment wait times and visa processing times can vary. The H-1B/O-1 approval packet will contain the original I-797C, Notice of Action and a copy of the entire I-129 petition.

Current Scholars: In general, the process to apply for a visa renewal is the same as applying for an initial visa. However, in addition to following the visa application procedures below, review ISSS' Travel page and submit the Travel Information Update e-form in ISSS Link so ISSS can best advise.

Visa Application Procedures:
  1. Obtain the H-1B or O-1 approval packet containing the original I-797C.
    • Verify that all information on the I-797C is accurate.
  2. Determine if applying for an H-1B/O-1 visa at a US embassy or consulate is required.
    • With limited exceptions (i.e. citizens of Canada and Bermuda), all H-1B/O-1 scholars applying for admission to the United States need an entry visa.
    • See exceptions above for more information.
  3. Determine the nearest/most convenient US embassy or consulate at which the scholar will apply for their visa and have an interview.
  4. Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160.
  5. Schedule a visa appointment.
    • Since the process can vary by location, follow the instructions on the scholar's preferred US embassy or consulate's website to:
      • Schedule a visa appointment.
      • Obtain a list of required documentation to bring to the appointment.
      • Determine if eligible for a visa interview waiver (visa renewals only).
  6. Attend the visa appointment
Documentation:

Below is a list of documents scholars will want to prepare prior to their visa appointment. However, since the requirements can vary by location, be sure to also review the instructions on the scholar's preferred US embassy or consulate's website.

  1. Original I-797C, Notice of Action (provided in the H-1B or O-1 approval packet)
  2. Passport
    • New scholars: Valid at least 6 months beyond the program start date.
    • Current/Continuing scholars: Valid at least 6 months beyond the date the scholar will return to the US.
  3. Copy of the entire H-1B/O-1 petition and supporting documents as submitted to USCIS  (provided in the H-1B/O-1 approval packet)
  4. Form DS-160 Confirmation Receipt
  5. Proof of Visa Fee Payment
  6. Letter from Emory Department
    • New Scholars: Employment offer letter

    • Current/Continuing Scholars: Letter from the department to the US consulate. Download a template letter.

H-4/O-3Dependents

  • In addition to the documents listed above, H-4/O-3 dependents will need to provide documentation verifying the relationship to the H-1B/O-1 Scholar (i.e. marriage license, birth certificate).   

For All TN Scholars

TN Employment Letter

Prior to seeking admission into the US, all TN scholars must receive a TN employment letter. This letter will be issued by Emory ISSS after the TN Request is approved in ISSS Link. The letter will include the following information:

  • Appointment title (job title) and hiring department
  • Appointment start and end date (no more than 3 years)
  • Salary, including fringe benefits
  • Detailed description of job duties
  • Corresponding profession as listed on the NAFTA list of TN occupations
  • Description of TN scholar's qualifications and credentials which demonstrate the professional level status
  • Background information establishing that Emory University is an existing institution
Admission to the US in TN Status

Mexican and Canadian citizens can apply for admission to the US in TN status at the following locations:

  • A US port of entry (POE) (e.g. airport, seaport, and land border)
  • A US pre-clearance/pre-flight station

Before leaving the port of entry or pre-clearance/pre-flight station, a TN scholar should check the entry stamp in their passport (from the CBP offer) to confirm they were admitted in TN status and given the correct TN end date.

Should a TN scholar experience immigration difficulties when applying for admission into the US, they should use the following emergency contact information:

  • If during normal office hours (Monday-Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm), call ISSS at 404-727-3300.
  • It outside of regular office hours, call Emory Police Department at 404-727-6111 and their dispatcher will connect the scholar with an ISSS staff member.

Canadian Citizens Only

Canadian citizens do not need to apply for a TN visa at a US consulate or embassy. Instead, these scholars apply directly for admission to the US in TN status by presenting required TN eligibility documentation to a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the time of admission. A list of these documents is provided below. While TN scholars may enter the US using any port of entry, there are several POEs designated for optimized processing. 

Note for Dependents of TN Scholars: Dependents holding Canadian citizenship do not need to apply for a TD dependent visa at a US consulate or embassy. Like the TN scholar, these dependents apply directly for admission to the US in TD status. However, if a Canadian TN scholar has dependents who are not Canadian citizens, they are required to obtain a TD visa from a US consulate or embassy prior to seeking admission into the US. See the visa application procedures below for general guidance. Since the process can vary by location, follow the instructions on the preferred US embassy or consulate's website for detailed information.

Documentation for Canadian Citizens Entering the US in TN Status:
  1. Valid Canadian passport, covering the duration of proposed TN employment.
    • If the scholar's passport will not be valid for the full duration of the TN employment, ISSS recommends renewing the passport before entering the US.
  2. TN employment letter provided by Emory ISSS (described above)
  3. Resume/CV
  4. Original diplomas, transcripts, licenses, certificates or other documentation (including translations) that is evidence that the TN scholar has the required credentials for the job as stated in the NAFTA list of TN occupations.
  5. $50 application fee, in US dollars
  6. If a petition was filed with USCIS on the scholar's behalf (Note: this is rare):
    • Copy of the I-129 petition, including supporting documentation as submitted to USCIS
    • I-797C approval notice

Mexican Citizens

Mexican citizens must obtain a TN visa in their passports from a US consulate or embassy before being eligible for admission to the US in TN status. Otherwise, the application process is the same. Application for entry in TN status is made at a port of entry (at an airport handling international traffic or at a pre-clearance/pre-flight station directly upon entering the US). At that time, the prospective TN status applicant must present the required documentation listed below.

Documentation for Mexican Citizens Entering the US in TN Status:
  1. Valid Mexican passport covering the duration of proposed TN employment.
    • If the scholar's passport will not be valid for the full duration of their TN employment, ISSS recommends renewing the passport before entering the US.
  2. Valid TN Visa (see below for visa application procedures)
  3. TN employment letter provided by Emory ISSS (described above)
  4. Resume/CV
  5. Original diplomas, transcripts, licenses, certificates or other documentation (including translations) that is evidence that the TN scholar has the required credentials for the job as stated in the NAFTA list of TN occupations.
  6. If a petition was filed with USCIS on the scholar's behalf (Note: this is rare):
    • Copy of the I-129 petition, including supporting documentation as submitted to USCIS
    • I-797C approval notice

Applying for a TN/TD Visa 

New Scholars: It is highly recommended that scholars follow the procedures below as soon as they receive the TN employment letter issued by Emory ISSS as there may be long visa appointment wait times and visa processing times can vary. 

Current/Continuing Scholars: In general, the process to apply for a visa renewal is the same as applying for an initial visa. However, in addition to following the visa application procedures below, review ISSS' Travel page and submit the Travel Information Update e-form in ISSS Link so ISSS can best advise.

Visa Application Procedures:
  1. Obtain the TN employment letter issued by Emory ISSS.
    • Verify that all information in the letter is accurate.
  2. Determine the nearest/most convenient US embassy or consulate at which the scholar will apply for their visa have an interview.
  3. Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160.
  4. Schedule a visa appointment.
    • Since the process can vary by location, follow the instructions on the scholar's preferred US embassy or consulate's website to:
      • Schedule a visa appointment.
      • Obtain a list of required documentation to bring to the appointment.
      • Determine if eligible for a visa interview waiver (visa renewals only).
  5. Attend the visa appointment.
Documentation:

Below is a list of documents scholars will want to prepare prior to their visa appointment. However, since the requirements can vary by location, be sure to also review the instructions on the preferred US embassy or consulate's website.

  1. Mexican Passport covering the duration of proposed TN employment.
    • If the scholar's passport will not be valid for the full duration of their TN employment, ISSS recommends renewing the passport before entering the US.
  2. Documentation establishing eligibility for TN classification:
    • TN employment letter issued by Emory ISSS
    • Resume/CV
    • Original diplomas, transcripts, licenses, certificates or other documentation (including translations) that is evidence that the TN scholar has the required credentials for the job as stated in the NAFTA list of TN occupations.
  3. Form DS-160 Confirmation Receipt
  4. Proof of Visa Fee Payment
  5. If a petition was filed with USCIS on the scholar's behalf (Note: This is rare):
    • Copy of the I-129 petition, including supporting documentation as submitted to USCIS
    • I-797C approval notice
  6. Letter from Emory Department

TD Dependents (Dependents of Mexican citizens or TD dependents of Canadian citizens, if the dependent is not a Canadian citizen)

In addition to the documents listed above, TD dependents will need to provide:

  • Documentation verifying the relationship to the TD Scholar (i.e. marriage license, birth certificate)
  • Copy of TN's I-94 (if the primary visa holder (the TN) is already in the US in TN status).
 

New Scholars: It is highly recommended that scholars follow the procedures below as soon as Emory sends them a copy of the LCA certified by the US Department of Labor (DOL) as there may be long visa appointment wait times and visa processing times can vary. 

Current/Continuing Scholars: In general, the process to apply for a visa renewal is the same as applying for an initial visa. However, in addition to following the visa application procedures below, review ISSS' Travel page and submit the Travel Information Update e-form in ISSS Link so ISSS can best advise.

Visa Application Procedures:
  1. Obtain the LCA certified by DOL.
  2. Determine the nearest/most convenient US embassy or consulate at which the scholar will apply for their visa have an interview.
  3. Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160.
  4. Schedule a visa appointment.
    • Since the process can vary by location, follow the instructions on the scholar's preferred US embassy or consulate's website to:
      • Schedule a visa appointment.
      • Obtain a list of required documentation to bring to the appointment.
      • Determine if eligible for a visa interview waiver (visa renewals only).
  5. Attend the visa appointment.
Documentation:

Below is a list of documents scholars will want to prepare prior to their visa appointment. However, since the requirements can vary by location, be sure to also review the instructions on the scholar's preferred US embassy or consulate's website. Please also refer to the US Travel Docs Australia website for more details related to the list documents scholars may need to present when applying for an E-3 visa.

  1. Copy of the LCA certified by DOL (provided  by Emory ISSS)
  2. Australian Passport
    • New scholars: Valid at least 6 months beyond the program start date
    • Current/Continuing scholars: Valid at least 6 months beyond the date the scholar will return to the US
  3. Offer letter from Emory department
  4. Evidence of academic or other qualifying credentials such as diplomas, transcripts, licenses, certificates
  5. Form DS-160 Confirmation Receipt
  6. Proof of Visa Fee Payment

E-3 Dependents

  • In addition to the documents listed above, E-3 dependents will need to provide documentation verifying the relationship to the E-3 Scholar (i.e. marriage license, birth certificate).   

New Student Pre-Arrival Checklist

Step 3: Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee
»
Step 5: Enter the US & Arrive on Campus
»

New Scholar Pre-Arrival Checklist

Step 3: J-1 Exchange Visitor Requirements
»
Step 5: Enter the US & Arrive on Campus
»

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