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Student (F, M) Visas

Capitol thumbnailIf you are planning to study in the United States, you need to apply for a Student (F,M) Visa.

In addition to all the documents listed in the General Documentation Requirements section, please bring the following documents:
  • FORM DS-158 - the Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant form
  • ORIGINAL I-20 signed by your International Advisor for the current educational year 
  • PROOF OF PAYMENT of SEVIS Fee (Form I-797 or I-901)
  • FINANCIAL EVIDENCE that shows you or the person who is paying for your education has sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study. For example, if you or your sponsor is a salaried employee, please bring income tax documents and original bank books and/or statements. If you or your sponsor own a business, please bring the business registration, licenses, and tax documents as well as original bank books and/or statements.
  • TRANSCRIPTS and DIPLOMAS from all previous institutions attended.
  • SCORES FROM STANDARDIZED TESTS required by the educational institution, such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, or GMAT.

ALL RETURNING STUDENTS must also bring:

  • SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS
  • ORIGINAL I-20 signed by your International Advisor for the current educational year.

APPLICANTS WITH DEPENDENTS must also provide:

  • MARRIAGE OR BIRTH CERTICATES to prove student’s relationship to his/her spouse and/or children
  • NOTE: It is preferred that families apply for F-1 and F-2 visas at the same time, but if the spouse and children must apply separately, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder’s passport and visa, along with all the other required documents.

The Consular Sections in Astana and Almaty strive to ensure that all students and exchange visitors have an opportunity for a visa interview before their program start dates.  If you are applying for a student or exchange visitor visa and the next available appointment showing in our automated system is after your program’s start date, you may contact us at USAKZ@State.gov to request an expedited interview. Please include the purpose of your visit to the USA and provide the date that you need to travel to the United States.

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