The types of documents you will need to show to obtain a new visa are similar to those that you had to show for your first (initial) visa application. Read through below for a list of basic documents you may be asked to submit with your visa application.

As you prepare your documents, you can also take steps to prepare your visa application and schedule your visa appointment.

• As of September 6, 2025, visa applicants are being directed to apply for a visa at a U.S. consulate in their country of citizenship or country of residence. If you are from a country that does not currently have U.S. consular services, you can apply at a designated location for nonimmigrant visa services.
• Plan ahead by looking up average visa appointment wait times at U.S. consulates using the State Department's website. The information on this page is only indicative; actual wait times may vary from individual to individual.
• Check the information provided by the U.S. consulate where you will be completing the visa application, for consular instructions about visa application procedures, fees, and other requirements.
• Check the U.S. State Department's information page and frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the online DS-160 visa application

Visa PROCESS

• Once you are ready, start the DS-160 visa application and be sure to read all instructions carefully. Please note that the U.S. State Department is now asking visa applicants to provide detailed information about their social media accounts. Answer all required questions accurately, as incorrect information may impact your visa application and/or future visa applications.
• Pay all required DS-160 visa fees and reciprocity fees (if required), as directed. (Note: F-1 / J-1 visa applicants do not need to re-pay the I-901 SEVIS fee)
• Once your application is submitted, you will be prompted to schedule your visa appointment at a consulate in your country of citizenship or residence.
  • Even if the appointment is for a date later than what you prefer, take the first slot available to you; you may be able to request an earlier appointment if it becomes available, depending on local consular policies and procedures.
• Appear for your visa interview. You will be instructed by the Consulate if you are eligible for a waiver of the interview.
  • Keep in mind that with the exception of the H-1B visa, most nonimmigrant visas require you to maintain ties to your home country that you will not abandon. Any indication that you have immigrant intent may be a basis for visa rejection.
• Wait for any administrative processing to be completed, if necessary. Read through the information about administrative processing provided on this web page.
• Once your visa is issued, prepare for travel to the United States. If you are a continuing student or scholar, you may return to the U.S. once the visa has been issued.
• Be prepared to show your new visa, along with all of the other documents used in the visa process to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, upon arrival.

If you are traveling abroad and will need a new visa before returning, it is highly recommended to contact your ISSS student or scholar advisor if possible, before finalizing any plans. Careful planning and review may be needed especially if any of the following apply:

• You may be outside of the U.S. for an extended period of time (e.g., absent from employment for 30+ days; taking a semester off from school, etc.).
• You have prior citations or interactions with U.S. or state law enforcement, regarding such matters as possible alcohol, driving, or drug-related issues.
• You have engaged in unauthorized employment or previously overstayed a prior visa.
• You have traveled or plan to travel to a country labeled a ‘state sponsor of terrorism’ by the U.S.
• You have started or are in the process of applying for U.S. permanent residence (green card).

Depending on the circumstances, ISSS may recommend that you speak with a qualified immigration attorney who can review travel risks with you.

Obtaining a visa is never guaranteed. Your visa application may be delayed, refused, or denied on different grounds. The following is information on common reasons for visa delays and refusals.

Administrative processing delays and refusals

Many visa applicants may find their application has been temporarily ‘refused’ due to administrative processing. Adninistrative processing takes place whenever a consular officer is required to submit the application for additional background or security checks, which must be completed before a final decision can be made. 

Many administrative processing cases are cleared within a few days, but others can take several weeks or even months. If the visa is eventually approved, you will be notified when the visa is ready to be issued. 

Unfortunately, the U.S. government does not allow outside parties, including host universities, to influence the timing or outcome of an administrative processing case. However, if your visa application has been put under administrative processing, please write to ISSS at oisss@brown.edu so we can advise further, especially if your arrival on campus will be delayed.

REAPPLYING AFTER A VISA DENIAL

Your visa application may be denied on various grounds. The U.S. State Department provides a comprehensive discussion of the most common reasons for visa denials on its website.

• If your visa is denied outright, ask for a written explanation from the U.S. Consulate. Contact ISSS at oisss@brown.edu with details so we can advise further.
• In many cases, visa denials are based on Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which requires the visa to be denied if the applicant has ‘immigrant intent.’ Immigrant intent refers to the belief that you may intend to remain in the U.S. beyond the end of your program rather than return to your home country. 

A visa denial ordinarily cannot be appealed, but unless you are instructed otherwise, you are not prevented from reapplying for the visa. However, to obtain a different result, you must usually provide new or additional information to overcome the objections that led to the initial denial. Consult with ISSS for further guidance.

UPDATE (September 2025): The U.S. State Department has recently updated visa validity periods for several countries, shortening standard F-1 and J-1 visa length to as little as three months / single entry visas. See this notice for more information.

The validity period of your visa can be affected by a number of factors, including the length of your program of study (or your scholar appointment) as well as visa reciprocity schedules. Visa length does not always correspond exactly to your anticipated program length. 

• F-1 student visas are usually valid up to five years, regardless of program length. However, the visa validity may be less than five years depending on the consular officer's discretion and/or the visa reciprocity schedule for your country (see below).
• J-1 visas are usually for the length of program indicated on Form DS-2019.
• H-1B and other employment-based visas are usually valid for the length of the approved employment dates indicated on Form I-797 or employment letter.

Visa Reciprocity and Reciprocity Fees

The length of a visa can be directly affected by visa reciprocity. Visa reciprocity refers to agreements between the U.S. and other countries regarding the length of certain types of visas. For example, students from one country may be eligible for five year F-1 student visas, while others may be limited to shorter visas. In certain cases, additional “visa reciprocity” fees may be charged in addition to regular fees.

IMPORTANT: When planning your visa application it is important to check the visa reciprocity for your country. Keep this in mind, as your visa may expire before you even are able to use it to travel to the U.S.

To check the current visa validity period for your country and visa type:

• Go to the U.S. Visa Reciprocity website
• Find your country from the search filter on the left side of the web page
• Click on the country, and then in the box under “Visa Classification” choose the type of visa you are applying for, e.g., “F” for F-1 student visas, “J” for J-1 visas, “H” for H-1B visas, etc.
• The search results will indicate
  • the visa type
  • whether there are any extra visa reciprocity fees, in addition to visa application fees
  • the number of times the visa can be used ("M" for multiple entry, “1” for single entry, “2” for two entries, etc.)
  • the visa validity duration, e.g., 60 months (five years), 48 months (4 years), 24 months (2 years), etc.