Visa & Immigration Basics

Students and scholars must apply for and obtain a valid visa stamp (also simply referred to as a “visa”) before entering the U.S.

Sometimes students and scholars visiting the U.S. confuse the term “visa” with the concept of “immigration status”. It is important to know the differences between these important words.

If your visa has expired and you are traveling outside the U.S., you must apply for a new visa stamp through the same process as your initial visa application, in order to re-enter the U.S.

The U.S. Department of State may use a security clearance process when deciding whether to grant or deny a U.S. visa. This is called administrative processing, or, a Security Advisory Opinion (SAO).

This benefit allows certain nonimmigrants with expired visas to re-enter the U.S. after visiting a “contiguous territory” for 30 days or less.

You must complete and submit the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application prior to your visa appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.