The information contained on this page is for general information purposes only. Due to frequent government updates, NYU OGS may make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents on this page at any time without prior notice.

Please note, these directions are meant to help you in completing your application but should not be considered legal advice. The US Department of State ultimately provides the decision on your visa application.

You must be accurate and truthful in your application. Be aware that any information you withhold from your application, or inaccurate information you accidentally or intentionally include in your application, could result in a visa denial. This information also includes your social media presence.

Step 3.1
Apply for and receive an F-1 or J-1 student visa.

Use your I-20 or DS-2019 issued by NYU to apply for your visa. Apply for a student visa from a United States consulate in your country of citizenship or country of permanent residence. The application process includes a short interview in English, the application form DS-160 and the application fee.

Complete the DS-160 Application and pay the DS-160 fee.  Questions?  Refer to the US Department of State’s DS-160 Frequently Asked Questions page.

Schedule your Visa Interview.  Here is further information on how to make a visa appointment. We also recommend for you to check on visa wait times in the city you plan to apply.  

Prepare and Attend your visa interview.  We encourage you to read the Department of State information on visa denials, and tips on how to apply for a visa.

Attend a Visa Application Information Session

Get tips on how to apply for your visa once you have your I-20 or DS-2019 from NYU, including where to find the visa application, how to prepare for the visa interview, and more. If no workshop listed works with your schedule, check our recorded workshops page to view a previously recorded session on the Student Visa Application and Interview: What to Expect. To access the recording link above, you must log into Zoom with your NYU ID and password using the SSO option at nyu.zoom.us in the same web browser. You cannot use an external email.

Upcoming Information Sessions:

We recommend for you to review the website of the consulate or embassy you intend to apply for your US visa at to be aware of any updates in their services. To find the website of the consulate or embassy nearest you, review this listing of websites of US Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions.

Additional Resources

US Embassies and Consulates around the world have produced short informational videos to help prepare people for the nonimmigrant visa application process. To find out what the process can be like, check out these links below:

We recommend for you to review the website of the consulate or embassy you intend to apply for your US visa at to be aware of any updates in their services. To find the website of the consulate or embassy nearest you, review this listing of websites of US Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions.

Step 3.2
Contact OGS if your visa is delayed or denied.

If you are told that your visa is going through administrative processing or your visa is refused/denied, refer to our information on visa delays and denials.

Step 3.3
Provide a copy of your visa to OGS.

Once you receive your visa, upload a copy to OGS online by submitting Form 1: Visa Information of the Report Your Arrival eforms.

Step 3.4
Learn more about entering the US.

Once you have your F-1 or J-1 student visa, you can enter the US with your I-20 or DS-2019 and F-1 or J-1 visa. But remember, you can enter the US no more than 30 days before and no later than the beginning date indicated on your I-20 or DS-2019.

Read on to find out what you will need to do to successfully plan your trip to enter the US in F-1 or J-1 status.

Next Steps

Learn more about entering the US.

Plan Your Trip