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Obtaining a visa

Contact Information

Contact

International Student Affairs
5 W Hanna St
Greencastle, IN 46135
P: 765-658-4850
E: intlstudents@depauw.edu

Office Hours: M-F, 8am - 5pm

Student Swipe Access is Daily from 8am - 12pm Midnight

Applying for a Visa

To study at DePauw, most international students need an entry visa. This entry visa stamp makes you eligible to enter and reenter the United States. If you are a Canadian citizen or citizen of Bermuda, you do not need an entry visa. Here are the steps to obtain your entry visa.

  1. Obtain Admission from DePauw

  2. Obtain or Update your I-20 or DS-2019

    • New international students should follow guidelines from the International Office of Admission to request a new I-20/DS-2019

    • Current students should request an updated I-20 through the International Student Portal

  3. Visit the Website or Consulate Nearest You for country-specific information on the F-1 or J-1 student visa application process

    • Each country’s visa application process is unique and frequently updated. Please refer to your home country’s current information.

    • You will be able to refer to the website for updated guidance, visa processing times, fees, and interview application instructions. 

  4. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee, if applicable

    • If you are applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa using an initial form I-20 or DS-2019, you must pay the SEVIS fee prior to making your appointment. 

    • If you are a current international student in active F-1 or J-1 status who will transfer your I-20 or DS-2019 to DePauw, you do not need to pay the SEVIS-fee again. 

  5. Complete Form DS-160. This is the US Dept of State’s visa application form. Access to the online form DS-160. Frequently asked questions (FAQs). 

  6. Return to the US Embassy or Consulate website to pay the visa processing (MRV) fee and to make the appointment for the interview, if required. For some countries, the U.S. Embassy uses USTravelDocs for these processes.

  7. Attend your visa interview appointment, if required.

    • Note: Not all countries require interviews but many do.  

    • During the Interview, you must demonstrate “Non-Immigrant Intent”

      • If you are applying for an F or J visa, you will need to demonstrate your intent to return to your home country after you have finished your academic programs.

      • Prepare a few sentences that explain how you will use your degree or research at home after you finish your program.

      • Bring copies of deeds to any property (land, house, apartment) that you own in your home country.

      • Bring bank statements of any accounts you maintain in your home country.

      • If you have an employer planning to employ you when you return, bring a letter from the employer stating an intention to hire you.

    • Refer to NAFSA’s 10 Tips for Applying for a Visa

    • Documents for the visa interview

      • Passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of first travel to U.S.

      • DS-160 confirmation page with your application ID number (Canadians/Bermudans excepted)

      • I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) form

      • Your admissions letter from DePauw University

      • SEVIS fee receipt

      • Proof of financial support. (Bring copies of documents mentioned on your I-20/DS-2019 funding letter or bank statements for personal funds.)

      • Documents showing nonimmigrant intent (see above)

      • Any additional documentation requested by your U.S. consulate or embassy

  8. Receive and review the visa 

    • Make sure that all the information on the entry visa in your passport is correct. Fix any errors before you leave for the United States with the consulate!

For further information about visas, please refer to this US Department of State Frequently Asked Questions page.