Non-Immigrant Visas

Student/Exchange Visitor Visas

Individuals wishing to study in the United States must qualify for one of three visa classes: an F visa for academic students, an M visa for students in technical disciplines, or a J visa for academic or cultural exchanges. 

Students and exchange visitors who have been accepted into an academic or exchange program approved by the Attorney General of the United States may apply for a student visa at the Embassy between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday, except for U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago holidays. The requirements and application procedures are outlined below. 

Exchange Visitor Visas (J Visa) 

The exchange visitor (J) nonimmigrant visa category is for persons approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States.  In carrying out the responsibilities of the Exchange Visitor Program, the State Department designates public and private entities to act as exchange sponsors. Designated sponsoring organizations facilitate the entry of foreign nationals into the United States as exchange visitors to complete the objectives of one of the exchange visitor program categories, which include au pair, alien physician, research scholar, trainee, and camp counselor among others.  For more information on exchange visitor visas, please visit the State Department website. 

NOTE: Applicants qualifying for J-1 status may be subject to a two-year residency requirement in their home country before being eligible for other immigrant and nonimmigrant visas.

Academic and Technical Student Visas (F and M Visas)

F and M student visas are for individuals accepted into an accredited educational program in either an academic or technical discipline.  Once accepted by a U.S. institution, students should work with the school to secure a valid SEVIS I-20 approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  For more information on student visas, please visit the State Department website.

Information on studying in the United States is available online.

NOTE: Student visas are issued no more than 120 days prior to the start of the academic program.  DHS will not permit students to enter the U.S. on a student visa more than 30 days prior to the start of the program. 
 
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System

All students and exchange visitors are registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) once they are accepted into an accredited program.  SEVIS is an Internet-based system that maintains accurate and current information on non-immigrant students (F and M visa), exchange visitors (J visa), and their dependents (F-2, M-2, and J-2). SEVIS enables schools and program sponsors to transmit mandatory information and event notifications via the Internet, to DHS and State Department throughout a student or exchange visitor's stay in the United States. The U.S. institution is responsible for entering information for the I-20 student visa form into SEVIS.  Each student or exchange visitor is required to pay a US$100 SEVIS fee online, at Western Union or by mail, and must show proof of payment at his/her interview.

Application Process

Applicants for F, J, and M visas do not need appointments.  They may bring their documents and application forms to the Embassy, Monday through Thursday between 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM, except U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago holidays.  At the time of their interview, applicants for F, J, and M visas must present the following documentation: 

• An I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status (for academic and language students); or
• An I-20M-N, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status (for vocational students); or
• A DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (for exchange visitors); and
• A current passport as well as any previous passports containing U.S. visas;
• A completed Electronic visa application form, or DS-156;
• A completed Contact Information and Work History form, or DS-158; 
• A completed Supplemental Non-Immigrant Visa Application form, or DS-157, for males ages 16 to 45;
• One passport sized photo (2 inches by 2 inches) with a white background;
• A TT Post application receipt as well as a receipt for payment of the SEVIS fee;
• Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended as well as scores from standardized tests required by the U.S. institution; and
• Financial evidence from sponsors that demonstrates ability and willingness to pay the tuition and living expenses for the duration of the program.  The financial support documents can show support coming from the student’s own funds, the funds of parents, spouse or other family, and from governmental or non-governmental scholarships, etc. There must be proof of the student's ability to pay for the first year of schooling based on the I-20 figures. This proof should be based on liquid assets such as bank and income statements.
• Applicants with dependents must also provide proof of the student’s relationship to his/her spouse and/or children (e.g., marriage and birth certificates.). 

All J-1, F-1 and M-1 visa applicants must demonstrate non-immigrant status, specifically, permanent residence and strong ties to Trinidad and Tobago.

Submission of any fraudulent document may render you permanently ineligible for a visa to the United States.