Visa Information & Application Process

A list of all U.S. embassies and consulates can be found at www.usembassy.gov. We recommend that you check with the U.S. embassy or consulate nearest to you to get updated information regarding the documentation you will need to provide in order to apply for a student visa.

Students are required to provide their visa application form (with the appropriate, non-refundable fee), their passport, an I-901 SEVIS fee receipt, the Certificate of Eligibility (Forms I-20 or DS-2019), along with your acceptance letter issued by NJIT, and original support documents from financial sponsors (family, friends, organizations, etc.).

What to Bring With You to the Visa Interview

Be sure to bring the following with you to the visa appointment:

• Passport
• Required photo(s)
• Proof of visa fee payment
• SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
• U.S. non-immigrant visa application forms
• NJIT acceptance letter
• Form I-20 or DS-2019 issued by NJIT
• Test scores and academic records
• Proof of financial support
• Evidence of ties to your home country
• Any other documents required by the embassy or consulate

What you need to know

Financial certification

The consulate officer will require evidence of strong ties to your home country such as family, business, or financial support in your country. You must demonstrate that you have a residence abroad that you do not intend to leave behind following your completion of studies.

Educational goals

You should be able to explain why you chose NJIT and why you want to study in the United States, instead of studying in your country. Be very clear about your educational goals and career plans back in your country after graduation.

Be clear

Your interview will likely be only a few minutes long; make sure you respond to questions in a clear and concise way, to give a leave a good impression on the visa officer. 

Leaving family behind

Be prepared to explain how your family will be financially supported while you are NJIT if they will remain in your country while you are pursuing your degree in the United States.

English proficiency

Your interview will likely be conducted in English.

Visa denials and visa delays
The most common reasons for visa denials are:

• Lack of evidence to prove financial capability to study in the United States
• Lack of evidence to prove strong ties to the home country otherwise known as "nonimmigrant intent"

If your visa application is denied, you will be able to reapply for a visa; however, please alert the Admissions Office (admissions@njit.edu) as well as the Office of Global Initiatives (global@njti.edu).

Visa delays can happen due to many different factors, including but not limited to: holidays, request for additional information, security clearance, etc. We recommend that you apply for your visa as early as possible. Students can apply for their visas up to 120 days prior to the start of their program (see your I-20 or DS2019 for your program start date).

F or J Visa
Most students come to the United States on an F-1 student visa. This visa type will be used for students coming to NJIT to pursue their degrees. NJIT will issue a Form I-20 for students who are applying for an F-1 visa.

If you are participating in the exchange visitor program, you need to obtain a J-1 visa. Generally, a J-1 visa is required for students who are sponsored by a government agency or are a participant in a formal exchange program with NJIT and an institution abroad. In some cases, J-1 students may have requirements that prevent them from remaining in the U.S. upon completion of studies.

Other Visas
DO NOT enter the U.S. as a tourist with a B-1, B-2 visa stamp or with a WT (waiver tourist) if you are a citizen of a country that is eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.

If you enter as a tourist, you must apply for a change of status to F-1 or J-1, in order to enroll as a full-time student. Unfortunately, the change may take several months to process and you cannot begin your program until your new status has been approved. Waiver tourists are not eligible to change to any other non-immigrant status. Therefore, if you plan to come to the U.S. to study, it is very important that you enter with an F-1 or J-1 visa.

Students Currently in the United States

Transfer students:
F-1 visa holders enrolled at another institution in the U.S. are responsible for contacting their current/former school to request the transfer of their SEVIS record to NJIT (SEVIS school code: NEW214F00245000).
The release date should be on or after the completion of studies and/or OPT (but before the start of the term). We do not require a transfer in form.

Incoming NJIT students must submit an I20 request on the myglobal portal with their current immigration information and financial documents. Access to this portal is only available after the enrollment deposit is submitted.

Once the I20 request is conditionally approved, students will receive information regarding enrollment steps such as orientation, the check-in process, and course registration.

The NJIT I20 will be issued within 1-2 business days after the SEVIS record is received from the current/former school (with an approved I20 application).

Note regarding students on OPT: The transfer of the SEVIS record will end OPT immediately therefore students should ask their school to schedule the release of the record after they complete OPT and SEVP portal reporting.

Other Visa Status:
If you are currently holding another visa type and wish to apply for a change to F-1, please see the change of status information.

Canadian Citizens
Canadian citizens are exempt from visa requirements, but must present the following documents upon entering the United States:

• NJIT Form I-20
• Proof of SEVIS I-901 Fee Payment
• Proof of financial support matching the information on your Form I-20
• NJIT acceptance letter
• Canadian passport

Other than the visa requirements for entry into the U.S., all travel documents and regulations for Canadian citizens are the same as for other F-1 visa holders. Since changes in these requirements are possible, it is best to check with the nearest U.S. consulate to learn if any changes have taken place.

Arrival:
By law, international students may not enter the US more than 30 days prior to the start date indicated on their I20 or DS2019.