To study in the United States, you will need a visa. In most countries, first time student visa applicants are required to appear for an in-person interview. Keep in mind that June, July, and August are the busiest months in most consular sections, and interview appointments are the most difficult to get during that period. It will be to your advantage if you apply early.
When To Apply?
All students requiring a student visa coming from Taiwan, may apply at AIT located in Taipei. All student visa applicants, including those who have previously been issued a student visa and wish to apply for a new one, must make an appointment online and have all your documents pre-processed by Atos Origin Application Processing Center (APC) before appearing in person at the AIT office. The APC service fee is NT$260 per applicant. You may pay this fee at the post office: Account #19832104. Your application will not be accepted unless you pay these fees and present the original receipts before your interview.
Initial or beginning students entering the United States can only apply for their visa 120 days or less before the course study start/report date as shown on the Form 1-20. A student who wants an earlier entry in the U.S. (more than 30 days prior to the course start date) must qualify for, and obtain a visitor visa.
All applicant must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online and have a SEVIS generated I-20 issued by an educational institution approved by DHS, which they submit when they are applying for their student visa. The consular office will verify the student's I-20 record electronically through the SEVIS system in order to process the student visa application.
What Do I Need To Apply?
All applicants for a student visa must provide the following:
1. Your appointment confirmation ticket and a valid passport signed by you.
2. An application form DS-156 completed in English with one photo. Please include a Taiwan telephone number on the form. Local addresses may also be written in both Chinese and English for clarity. The photo should be 2 inches (50 mm square) full-face (eyes facing camera) taken within the past six months. The head, from top to chin, should measure between 1 to 1 3/8 inch (25 to 35mm). The photo should be in color with a white or off-white background.
3. Male applicants older than 16 and younger than 46 must also submit a completed form DS-157, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (in English).
4. A completed form DS-158, Contact Information and Work History For Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant (in English).
5. A non-refundable NT$3,300 visa application processing fee receipt, pre-paid to postal remittance account number 19189005 at the post office, The account name is "AIT Visa Processing Fee". Please present one receipt for each applicant. The receipt is valid for one year.
6. A completed form I-20 from the school in the U.S. Applicants should sign on the bottom part of page 1.
7. Financial support evidence showing sufficient funds are available to cover the first year's tuition and living expenses in the U.S., and also that there is a continuing source of funds available to cover the costs of the entire course of study. If someone other than the applicant is paying for the education, applicants should present documents proving their relationship with the sponsor. Applicants for students visas must be prepared to show they have compelling ties that will cause them to return abroad after their studies.
8. Old passports. If applicants do not have their previous passports, either due to loss or some other reason, applicants must present a certified copy of their entry and exit record. This record is issued by the Bureau of Entry and Exit located at 15 Kuang Chou St., Taipei, Telephone 02-2388-9393.
9. Transcripts from your most recent school. (Applying for renew F and M visas needs to bring in all course work of transcripts in the U.S.)
10. Household registration record listing entire immediate family.
NOTE: At the time of the interview, applicants should give the interviewing officer the passport, application form, and I-20. The officer will request other documents as they are needed.
Types of Visas
Student Visa (F-1)
This visa is the most common for those who wish to engage in academic studies in
the United States.
Exchange Visitor (J-1)
This visa is for people who will be participating in an exchange visitor
program in the U.S. The "J" visa is for educational and cultural exchange
programs.
M-1 Visa
This visa is for those who will be engaged in non-academic or vocational study
or training at an institution in the U.S.