Applying for your Visa and Study in the USA
The USA has the world’s largest international student population, with over 800,000 choosing to broaden their education and life experience here.
We understand that choosing the University of Hartford among the thousands of higher education institutions to continue your studies is an important decision for you and your family. We also understand that applying for your student or scholar visa is a complex and time-consuming experience. There are four basic steps to this process.
Obtaining Your Student Visa
To apply for a visa, you must first have received a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 from the University of Hartford. The University is a SEVP approved institution authorized to enroll F-1 and J-1 students and scholars.
You must pay a SEVIS fee and fill out other visa applications forms prior to your visa interview. Go to the SEVIS I-901 fee processing website for complete information about paying your SEVIS fee. Follow the instructions carefully.
- Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160: Learn more about completing the DS-160 here. You must:
- Complete the online visa application and
- Print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
- Photo: You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.
You must schedule an appointment for your visa interview, generally, at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be difficult to qualify for a visa outside of your place of permanent residence.
Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early; you may only apply 120 days prior to you arrival to begin school. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply.
While the vast majority of visa applications are approved, U.S. law sets out many standards under which a visa application may be denied. Learn more about the appeal process on the US Department of State website.
The International Center
The International Center will help guide you through the visa process.
The center's mission is to promote international understanding, global citizenship, and cultural diversity, and we hope that your experiences here will prove intellectually challenging, culturally enriching, and personally satisfying.