International Student Services

How to Apply for F-1 Student Visa

Congratulations on being accepted to Pacific Lutheran University! With your “Visa Eligibility From (I-20)”, you may now start your process to apply for F-1 student visa. 

Each US embassy and US consulate sets its own interview policies and procedures regarding student visas—consult with your local U.S. embassy and consulate offices for specific instructions.

Plan ahead! 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.

If you are successful at the interview and granted for a student visa, you should be able to receive your visa within the wait time set by the U.S. Embassy. Check the regular visa wait time here.  

After receiving your student visa, please contact PLU Office of Admissions for notification. For undergraduate students, contact International Admission (intl@plu.edu). For graduate students, contact Ms. Pat Wodaege (wodaegpd@plu.edu)

General Application Process for F-1 Student Visa

1. Pay SEVIS I-901 fee online.  Be sure to print out and keep your payment receipt!
2. Pay the visa application fee as instructions on your local U.S. embassy or consulate’s web site 
3. Make an appointment for a visa interview at local U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country
4. Complete following forms:

5. • Form DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application  

   • Form DS-158 Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant 

   • Form DS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application. Required if you are male aged 16 to 45. Also required for citizens of/or born in Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria applicants AND over age 16.

General Items to Bring to Your Interview

• Valid Passport
• I-20 issued by PLU
• Letter of Acceptance from PLU
• SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
• Visa fee payment receipt
• Completed Form DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application
• One 2 x 2 (5.1 cm x 5.1cm) photograph in prescribed format
• Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended if available (college, university, high school, or middle school)
• Scores from standardized tests such as the TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, etc (if available).
• Financial documents showing source and amount of funding available to pay for your education in the U.S.
• Any information that proves that you will return to your home country after finishing your studies in the US. This may include proof of property, family, or other ties to your community.