STUDYING IN THE U.S.: Detailed Information About U.S. Visa Types

Detailed Description of U.S. Student Visa Types

Important Points:

• You must have Form I-20 for your visa interview. The U.S. Embassy/Consulate cannot issue a visa without it.
• If your intended arrival in the U.S. is more than a month after your interview, a copy of Form I-20 can be used for the interview, but the original I-20 must be presented at U.S. Customs upon entry.
• The I-20 is not a visa. You cannot enter the U.S. without a valid student visa, even if you possess Form I-20.
• Never share your school account login or password. This information is personal and should not be disclosed to anyone, including embassy staff.

Visa Requirements:

To apply for these visas, you must present:

• Acceptance Letter for full-time study at a U.S. government-approved institution, which will issue Form I-20 with a SEVIS number.
• Academic Preparedness shown through transcripts relevant to your intended program.
• English Proficiency or proof that the school will provide additional English training.
• Financial Proof for the first academic year and evidence that you have or will have sufficient funds for subsequent years. Acceptable documents include:
  • Scholarship letters
  • Financial aid from the institution
  • Family business records, tax returns, property documents, or savings books
  • Bank confirmation letters are not considered financial proof.
• Strong Ties to Vietnam indicating you will return after completing your studies.

Required Documents:

Each applicant must provide:

• Valid passport
• DS-160 Confirmation Page (Online Visa Application Form)
• A recent 5cm x 5cm white-background photo taken within the last 6 months (ears visible)
• Visa application fee receipt
• SEVIS fee payment receipt
• Form I-20 issued by a U.S.-approved sponsor

For Dependents Applying Separately:

• Copy of the principal applicant’s I-20
• Copy of the F1 or M1 visa of the principal applicant
• Marriage certificate or birth certificate to prove relationship

For Current U.S. Students Applying for Visa Renewal:

• New or endorsed I-20 (endorsed within 12 months by the school official)
• Academic transcripts

Fulbright/VEF Scholarship Holders:

• Fulbright and Vietnam Education Foundation (VEF) scholarship recipients and their dependents are exempt from visa application and SEVIS fees.

For more details, visit: U.S. Embassy Vietnam