US Embassy Tel Aviv Student Visa Program Weizmann Institute Belfer Auditorium October 5, 2010

Student and Exchange Visitors Visa Program Exchange Visitor: J Visa Student Visitor: F Visa Applying for a visa: before, during and after the Interview Travel to and status in the United States Additional Questions

Exchange Visitor Visa: Quick Facts Exchange visitors must apply for (J) visas J-1 applicants receive Form DS-2019 and complete DS-160. US law requires that J-1 visa interviews be conducted in English.

Student Visa: Quick Facts Degree seeking students must apply for visitor (F) nonimmigrant visa F-1 applicants receive Form I-20 and complete DS-160. US law requires that F-1 visa interviews be conducted in English.

Before the Interview Gain acceptance to a SEVP certified school or exchange visitor program The educational institution will submit your information to DHS to create a SEVIS generated 1-20 (for students) or DS-2019 (for exchange visitors)

What is SEVIS? Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) helps the US government keep track of international students and exchange visitors. A specific number will be assigned to you and printed on your visa, beginning with N000.

Be Prepared Apply early to give ample time for visa processing Do not finalize travel plans or purchase nonrefundable tickets until the visa has been issued

For the Interview Fill out the DS-160 electronically and print confirmation page. 5 cm x 5 cm color photograph Machine Readable Visa (MRV) green receipt. Original DS 2019 (for Exchange Visitors) or I-20 (for Students).

For the Interview Cont. Previous passports with US visas Evidence of financial means: statement from your bank, proof of scholarship, etc. If you have a scientific or technical background, bring copy of CV and letters of invitation from the sponsoring institution

Arrival and Departure Participants must arrive within 30 days of the beginning of the program. Participants will be able to stay for the duration of the program. J-1 have 30 days to depart the US. F-1 have 60 days to depart the US or transfer to another school.

Staying in Status If you depart the US with an expired visa, you will need to obtain a new one before returning It is important that you depart the US on or before the last day authorized by DHS Violating US immigration laws may cause you to be ineligible for a visa in the future

Accompanying Family Members Spouses and children may apply for "derivative" visas (J-2/F-2) J-2 visa holders may study but may not work unless they have permission from USCIS F-2 visa holders may study but may not work in the US.

Spouse Employment Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization Include copy of J-1 (principal alien’s) Certificate of Eligibility (Form IAP-66) Filing fee ($340) and two passport photos May be filed electronically – see USCIS website for more details

Required Documents for Departure Passport with valid visa. DS-2019 or I-20 in sealed envelope attached to your passport ▫Customs and Border Patrol officers will open the envelope when you arrive in the US. Phone number of the point of contact at your program.

2 Year Home-Country Physical Presence Requirement Exchange Visitor Program participants with the Fulbright Program will be subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement.

How Do I Open a Business in the US? The Treaty Trader (E-1) or Treaty Investor (E-2) visa For aliens coming to the US to carry on substantial trade in services or technology or to develop and direct operations of an enterprise DS-160 and DS-156E

How Do I Apply for a Green Card? To apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen relative(s), U.S. lawful permanent resident, or by a prospective employer, and be the beneficiary of an approved petition.

What if we are European Citizens? Citizens of Visa Waiver countries may travel without visas by filing ESTA applications The purpose of stay in the United States must tourism or business for a maximum of 90 days

Questions?