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How to apply for an exchange visitor visa (J-1)

An exchange visitor visa is required for foreign citizens to enter the United States and participate in an exchange visitor program.

• Apply. Apply to the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno.
• Pay  fee. There is a $220 fee for J-1 visa applicants (fee subject to change)
• Complete DS-2019 form. OISS will provide you with the DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status that qualifies you to apply for a J-1 visa
• Submit DS-160. Complete the DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Application and pay $160 fee
• Attend visa interview. Attend your visa interview at the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate

How to apply for a student visa (F-1)

A student visa is required to attend college in the United States.

• Apply to the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno. After you are accepted, you will be registered in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
• Pay  fee. There is a $350 SEVIS fee for F-1 visa applicants (fee subject to change).
• Complete I-20 form. OISS will provide you with the I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status that qualifies you to apply for an F-1 visa
• Submit DS-160. Complete the DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Application and pay $160 fee
• Attend visa interview. Attend your visa interview at the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate

Nonimmigrant student visa application

All nonimmigrants coming to the United States must complete . This form is submitted online to the U.S. Department of State and is used to determine your eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa. 

Documents required for nonimmigrant student visa application

• Passport. A valid passport is required
• Travel itinerary. Applicable if you have made travel plans to the United States
• Dates of your last five trips to the United States. Your past history and purposes for traveling to the United States
• Curriculum vitae or resume. An overview of your current and previous educational and professional work history
• Other information. You may be required to provide additional information, such as your purpose of traveling to the United States
• Application fee. There is a $160 application fee for nonimmigrant visas

Scheduling a visa interview

After submitting your DS-160, you are required to attend a visa interview at the in the country where you live. The interview process will include digital fingerprinting and potentially require .

Because wait times vary by location, visa category and embassy or consulate, it is important to start the visa application early.

Documents required for visa interview

• Passport. You must ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of stay in the United States
• DS-160 confirmation. You must present a confirmation page for your DS-160 application form
• Application fee receipt. You must show a receipt for your visa application
• Photo. You must upload a photo during your DS-160 application process. If you do not, you must bring a printed photograph to your visa interview
• Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (F-1), Form I-20. If applying for an F-1 visa, OISS will work with you to complete the I-20 form
• Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (J-1), Form DS-2019. If applying for a J-1 visa, OISS will work with you to complete the DS-1029 form
• Additional information. You may also be required to present additional information during the application process, including transcripts, standardized test scores, degree or certificates and more

A student visa for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of your start date at the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno. However, you cannot enter the United States more than 30 days prior to your start date.