When should I take this step?
No earlier than 90 days before you are scheduled to report at your school; if you apply any earlier, you will be turned down. Don't apply too close to the time you plan to leave, or you may not have time to re-apply if you are turned down for some other reason.

In addition, you have to wait until you receive I-20 from the school that you want to attend. You can only use the I-20 from the school you will be attending.

What kind of visa should I get?
There are three (3) types of visas available to international students: F-1, J-1, and M-1.

F-1 visas are the most common, and they are issued to students who will attend schools for general academic pursuits or English language education. Students with F-1 status must attend school full-time. To apply an F-1 visa, you must fill out form I-17.

J-1 visas are for exchange or visiting students and scholars. In order to get a J-1 visa, you must demonstrate that you are coming to the U.S. for training or education not available in your home country or that you are pursuing studies that you cannot effectively carry out without coming to the U.S. To apply an J-1 visa, you must fill out form IAP-66 (not currently available online).

M-1 visas are issued to students attending non-academic trade or vocational schools. To apply for an M-1 visa, you must fill out form I-17.

What kind of visa should my family members get?
If you are bringing a spouse and/or children with you to the U.S., they must get a dependent visa of the same class as yours: F-2, J-2, or M-2. In order to get dependent status for family members before you come to the U.S., bring your family with you to the U.S. embassy when you apply for your visa. If they will join you later, you must take your I-20 or IAP-64 to a U.S. embassy to prove your legal status as a student. In both cases, you must bring proof of their relationship to you (examples of this are a marriage certificate proving that you are married to your spouse or a brith certificate that lists you as the parent for any children you want to bring with you).

Note: If, for any reason, you lose your student status, your dependents in the U.S. will also lose their visas. Your family's dependent visas are part of your visa.

What do I need to bring with me when I apply??
You need a variety of documents when you apply for your visa. Use this checklist (also check with your local U.S. embassy):

• visa application form (an I-17 if you are an F-1 or M-1 applicant; an IAP-66 if you are a J-1 applicant)
• I-20 if you are applying for an F-1 or M-1 visa; your IAP-66 if you are applying for an J-1 visa
• Passport It must have been valid for at least 6 months by the time you apply for your visa
• Visa application fee
• A recent photo measuring 2 inches by 2 inches (5cm x 5cm)
• Financial proof to show that you have enough money (including financial aid) to pay for your education. You must bring all documents (e.g., financial statement) relating to your financial status
• Diplomas, certificates, and transcripts from schools that you have attended
• Scores on entrance and language exams
• Health records
• Proof of relationship to any family members you want to add to your visa