Applying for a Visa to Study in the United States Non-Immigrant Visa Unit U.S. Consulate, Hong Kong

We are proud of our customer service: More than 90% of applicants are successful We welcome student applicants! Students do not need appointments: walk in any day 8:30-10:30 a.m., but please come prepared

How Do Students Apply? Pay non-refundable application fee of $800 HK, in advance at any Dah Sing Bank Complete forms DS-156 (online “ EVAF ” ) and DS-158 Males between must also submit form DS-157 Attach a recent photo, guidelines specified on web-site

What is “ EVAF ” ? Electronic Visa Application Form Online version of DS-156 Required if you apply any day except Wednesday Form will be printed out on three pages, including the final page which contains a bar-code.

Good vs. Bad Quality Bar Code

What ’ s a Good Visa Photo? taken within the past six months applicant faces the camera directly hair tucked behind the ears no hats measure 2 inches (50 mm square) face size should be mm, head centered in the frame

What to Bring to the Interview Required forms, completed, with photo I-20 from school and SEVIS fee receipt Receipt from Dah Sing Bank Passport (valid for a least six months beyond intended stay in U.S.) Transcripts/grades and other documentation demonstrating financial situation (Note: returning students should bring transcripts from U.S. schools.)

What is SEVIS? Student and Exchange Visitor Information System Department of Homeland Security electronic system to confirm student enrollment Must pay SEVIS fee of US $100 prior to interview: More info at:

Think beforehand about why you want to study in the U.S. and why you chose that particular school. What possible major(s)? Documents showing family ’ s economic situation – parents ’ job letters, etc. Any evidence of previous U.S. visa issuance Additional Info You May Wish To Have At The Interview:

The Interview All students must be interviewed at the U.S. Consulate, 26 Garden Road. Located right next to the Peak Tram Station For Student Visa or Exchange Student applicants, there is no need to make an appointment Students may come in to the Consulate between 8:30 and 10:30 any weekday (except local and U.S. holidays)

What will an officer look for? The U.S. law requires that the student must demonstrate that he or she: is a bona fide student has a residence abroad and no intention of abandoning it will depart the U.S. upon finishing the intended course of study has funds available to meet all expenses for at least the first year of study

How Long Will It Take? Approved visas will be returned by the Hong Kong Post in about 3 days. You cannot receive your passport the same day. Students can apply 120 days in advance of scheduled start date for their academic program, but no earlier. Please apply as early as possible! Please note that students may not enter the United States using their student visa more than 30 days before their program begins

We encourage students to come to study in the U.S. Remember, the vast majority of student visa applicants in Hong Kong receive their visas. Thank you for considering an American education. Thank you for considering study in the United States.

Contact Information U.S. Consulate, 26 Garden Road  Information Unit Fax number: In-person enquiry hours: 3:00 – 4:00 pm, Monday-Friday Call Center (10 HKD/min)