Office of International Programs

All new incoming F-1 and J-1 international students and scholars must apply for a student visa to enter the US.
Students and scholars may not use a B visa to study or work in the US. 

1. Be admitted to the University.
2. Get your DS-2019 (J-1) or I-20 (F-1) from ISSSO.
3. Go to F-1 Student visa page or J-1 Student visa page to learn how to set up a visa appointment. 
4. Pay the SEVIS fee.
5. Go to the visa appointment. 
6. Come to the US up to 30 days before your program start date. 

Helpful links on getting the visa process started:

• Helpful Tips for your visa appointment

• F-1 Student Visa Process

• J-1 Student and Scholar Visa Process

• Learn more about visa wait times

• Pay I-901 SEVIS fee

Returning international students and scholars must renew their visa at a US embassy or consulate outside the US ONLY IF

• They have plans to travel out the US AND
• The visa in their passport will expire before returning to the US 

Contact issso@appstate.edu if you have questions about your student visa status.