Office of International Services

Getting an Entry Visa

Each Consulate/Embassy has their own scheduling procedures and rules, so be sure check the website for the consulate/embassy where you will interview carefully!

General Procedures for Non-Immigrants

Unless entry visa exempt (Canadian Citizens), all prospective nonimmigrants must apply at the United States Consulate or Embassy having jurisdiction over their place of residence.

The consulate will also require all applicants to present a Form DS-160. This form must be filled out online before the visa interview for most consulates.  If the DS-160 form is completed online, print the receipt and bring it to the visa interview. Without the receipt for this form, the interview will likely not be able to take place as scheduled. One 2 inch by 2 inch photograph will also be required. This photograph will go on the entry visa, if it is approved.

The consular official may or may not require a personal interview.  All applicants should, however, be prepared to present proof of English language proficiency and verification of financial support to establish that all the requirements for non-immigrant status are met. Non-immigrant applicants must also be able to demonstrate that they have a residence in their home country to which they plan to return upon the completion of their stay in the United States.

When the consular official is satisfied that an applicant has met all the requirements, an entry visa will be issued.  Prospective non-immigrants from certain countries may experience delays, particularly if applying in a third world country (other than your home country), while security checks are completed.

When the visa application is approved, an entry visa stamp/page is placed in the passport, noting the period of time for which it is valid, the number of entries allowed,and the non-immigrant category. If the visa application is not approved, the consular officer should provide written explanation for the denial. If your visa application is denied, please contact International Services immediately to determine if we can assist you with reapplication!

The expiration date on the entry visa does not matter as long as you have entered the U.S. before that date. You are able to remain in the United States during your authorized period of stay even if if your entry visa (different from your immigration status) expires during the period you are in the United States. 

The visa/immigration status is noted on your I-94 card, for example “F-1”, “J-1” or "H1B"  Your entry visa has an expiration date, and so does your visa/immigration status (indicated on your I-94), but they are not always the same date.

If you plan to exit and return to the United States to continue your authorized program/employment, you will have to renew your entry visa. 

Yes, you will have to go through the entire visa application process each time you want to apply for an entry visa, even if your entry visa is not yet expired. There are some situations where an entry visa applicant may not need to be interviewed when renewing his/her entry visa. See the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for more information .

No, an entry visa cannot be renewed within the U.S.

Specific entry visa  instructions for non-immigrant categories sponsored by LSU HSC New Orleans can be found using the links below:

Entry Visa Instructions for F1/F-2 Students/Dependents

Entry Visa Instructions for J-1 Exchange Visitors/Dependents (Students and Scholars)

Entry Visa Instructions for H1B/H-4 Workers/Dependents

Entry Visa Instructions for TN/TD Workers/Dependents (Canadians citizens seeking TN/TD status are entry visa exempt.)

 


Disclaimer: The content on these pages is designed for use by LSUHSC-New Orleans sponsored students, exchange visitors and employees. It is not intended to constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for legal counsel.