Applying for a student visa can be one of the most challenging steps to becoming an International Student in the United States. Here at ISSO, we have compiled a list of resources, guides, and advice to help you along this process. Take a look at some of our basic frequently asked questions to get you started.
This is a great question.
Iowa State University has the ability to host international student in F-1 or J-1 student status, and there are different benefits to both statuses. The graph below outlines a few major differences between F and J status.
| F-1 Students | J-1 Students | |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Any potential student | Based on funding or an established relationship |
| Program Length | No Limits | No limits for students in degree-seeking programs |
| Change of Major | Allowed | May be permitted. Must have ISSO approval prior to major change. |
| Transfer | Allowed, but must start at new school within 5 months or the next available semester, whichever comes first | Allowed only if it is considered a continuation of the program activity as stated on the DS-2019. Cannot have break in the DS-2019 dates |
| Change of Status | Possible | Possible only if not subject to 212(e) home residency requirement |
| On Campus Employment | Permitted by F-1 Status | Permitted with written authorization from RO/ARO. Authorized valid for 12 month. |
| Other Benefits | Curricular Practical Training, Optional Practical Training | Academic Training |
If you have submitted an International Application to Iowa State and indicated an intent to apply for either F-1 or J-1 status, then your Certificate of Eligibility is issued as part of your application process. There is no additional application to fill out.
Once you are accepted to Iowa State and have submitted all requested documentation to the Office of Admissions, you will generally receive your I-20/DS-2019 within 2 weeks. If you have been accepted and still haven't received your I-20/DS-2019, please check with your Admissions Representative that you have submitted all the required documents or check your spam folder for possible missed correspondence from ISSO.
Before you can submit your visa application, you must first pay the I-901 fee. After paying, be sure to print out your receipt. You will need it for your visa interview.
After paying the I-901 fee, your next step is submitting the DS-160. Here are some things to keep in mind when starting your application.
The best time to apply for your student visa is as soon as you possibly can. A student visa can be issued up to 365 days prior to your program start date, so once you've decided where you want to attend and have your Certificate of Eligibility in hand, you can start this process. The earlier you apply the better chances you have of receiving a visa appointment that allows you to arrive and begin your studies in the semester you first intend to.
While this doesn't mean that you have to complete the DS-160 entirely on your own, it is for the best that you are directly involved in filling it out. Discrepancies between the answers on your DS-160 and the answers you give during your interview can cause unneeded doubts in your visa officer. Completing the DS-160 yourself ensures that the answers are your own.
This is a requirement. Your DS-160 must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to your visa appointment.
The visa interview itself can be the most intimidating part of becoming an International Student at Iowa State. Here is some advice to help make the process less stressful.
Your interviewer is going to be looking primarily for three things:
You should focus strongly on your personal story:
In regards to financials, your officer is going to consider your ability not just to fund your first year, but the full duration of your program. Be prepared to talk about your plans for funding your study. If you have been awarded a scholarship, be prepared to talk about your process for applying and how you qualify for that scholarship.
When establishing ties back to home, think about what you will miss when you are away and what you are most looking forward to upon returning. Think about future job opportunities you may have in your home country and the benefits your studies will provide you after returning.
Below is a basic list of the things to have on hand at your interview, but also understand the time moves very quickly and the officer may not have time to look at everything. Avoid pushing any documents into or at your interviewer. Just have things ready to present if they ask.
You will want to be wary of sounding too scripted. It’s good to think about the answers you will give in advance but if you sound too rehearsed or generalized in your answers it can give your interview officer misgivings.
Remember, your primary purpose in coming to the U.S. is to be a student. Stay focused on your studies and how being a student is your primary goal.
Remember that your visa officer has likely sat through hundreds of these interviews with prospective students. The few minutes you have with them are their chance to get to know you. Think of ways to tie your answers to your personal experience and what it is that makes you stand out.
As an International Student at Iowa State, you are responsible for your own transportation to the U.S.
For this question you can select "self".
If you already know someone who resides in the U.S., then you can list them as your point of contact within the U.S.
If you do not already know someone then you can list our International Orientation and Pre-Arrival Coordinator as your contact:
If you do not yet know where you will be living once you arrive in the U.S., that is fine. You can use the general university address when submitting your DS-160.
Iowa State University
2229 Lincoln Way, Ste 4530
Ames, IA 50014
