
In order to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa in a third country, you must: Have been continuously maintaining lawful non-immigrant status during your stay in the US. Be currently enrolled or planning to enroll for the next academic semester at Carnegie Mellon or have received an authorization to engage in optional practical training (for F-1 students) or Academic Training (for J-1 students).
Is it difficult to apply for a third country visa?
Applying for visa in a country which is not your home country or the U.S., called a “third” country, can be more difficult than applying at home. You may need to prove that you have continuously maintained lawful non-immigrant status during your time in the U.S. or you may be sent to your home country to apply for the visa.
How to apply for a US visa in another country?
Applying for a US Visa in Another Country 1 Find Out if You Need a Visa to Enter all Countries You Are Traveling Through 2 Contact the US Consulate in the Third Country to Determine the Procedure 3 Obtain and Carry all the Documents You May Need to be Granted the Visa
Can a J-1 visa be refused in a third country?
Refusal in a third country is more likely than at home, so you should plan well in advance of your date of travel. This page will explain what steps you should take to get a visa in a third country. To apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa in a third country, you are required to:
Can I change my visa status to a different country?
Yes. In general, you may apply to change your nonimmigrant visa status if you were lawfully admitted to the United States with a nonimmigrant visa, if your nonimmigrant status remains valid, if you have not violated the conditions of your status, and you have not committed any actions that would make you ineligible.

Can we apply for US visa from another country?
You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
Which US consulates accept third country nationals?
U.S. Consulates are located in Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Toronto, Vancouver, Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Matamoros, Merida, Mexico City, Monterrey, Nogales, Nuevo Laredo and Tijuana.
Can I apply for F-1 visa in a third country?
Yes, you may generally apply for an F-1 visa in a “third country” other than your home country. If you have overstayed your visa, however, the 'visa overstay' provisions of the Illegal Immigrant Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRAIRA) require you to return to your home country.
Can I apply for a visa if Im not in my country?
You apply online and then visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country to submit your visa application and documents and have your biometrics taken. If there is no VAC in your country you must apply from the appropriate designated Visa Application Centre (VAC) outside your country.
Can I change my U.S. visa interview country?
If you wish to change your interview location, a new form DS-160 is not required. The Embassy or Consulate at which you actually apply can access your form using the barcode on your DS-160 confirmation page, which you must bring to the visa interview.
Can Indian apply for U.S. visa from Dubai?
You can apply for two main categories of USA visas from Dubai. Each category has further subcategories that align with various types of applicants and their purpose for travelling. It is important to know what visa you're applying for because your visa application process from Dubai depends on that.
Can I apply for a student visa in another country?
You can apply for a Student visa in your home country. Normally you cannot apply for a Student visa in another country unless you have been a resident there for some time.
Can I apply for F-1 visa while in USA?
You cannot apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa inside the U.S. Visas can only be obtained outside of the U.S. at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It is advisable to apply for the visa at a U.S. consulate in your home country, unless circumstances or travel plans make this impossible.
Can I apply for two student visas for different countries at the same time?
Yes of course. You can have valid visas to N number of countries at the same time.
What documents do I need to invite someone to the USA?
Below is a list of the recommended documents to include with an Invitation Letter:Scanned copy of host's ID or passport.Evidence of means of financial subsistence.Proof of homeownership or rental contract.An itinerary of the planned visit.Documentation of the host's time off from work for the visit.
How long does it take to get a visa to the USA?
3 to 5 weeksIt takes from 3 to 5 weeks for a US visa application to get processed. After the processing, the applicant can get a positive reply on their application, and the consulate will deliver the document.
Who is exempt from U.S. visa interview?
APPLICANTS UNDER AGE 14 AND AGE 80 OR OVER Applicants under age 14 and age 80 or older are not required to schedule an interview at the Embassy, regardless of whether they are first time applicants or renewals.
What is the difference between a consulate and an embassy?
The embassy is the seat of political exchange, so it is usually located in the capital of the host country. Consulates are located in other major cities — financial capitals, tourist areas or large cities with healthy job markets.
What is Third Country National visa?
What is a Third Country Visa? A Third Country Visa (TCV) is a process by which an alien, who is already in the U.S., can apply for a non-immigrant visa with a U.S. Consulate located in Mexico or Canada.
Is Canada accepting third country national visa appointments?
At this time, the U.S. Consulate in Toronto is the only consulate that will limit petition-based visa renewal services to Canadian residents. All other U.S. consular posts in Canada will have appointments available for third-country nationals who are not Canadian residents. BAL Analysis: Foreign nationals in the U.S.
Can I go to other country for H1B stamping?
Most visa holders return to their home country to obtain the H1B stamp (it cannot be done in the U.S.), but you can also elect to be processed in Mexico or Canada. If you are transferring your H1B status to a new employer, but still have time left on the stamp in your passport, you do not need a new stamp.
Why do consulates deny visas?
Consular officers at US border consulates may deny visas whenever they believe there are fraud indicators present and it is impossible for the applicant to overcome the implications because s/he is not in their home country or in the U.S.
What is a TCN visa?
A TCN is someone who is seeking a US visa in a country which they are not a resident or citizen of. It’s important to remember, however, that there are risks involved in trying to obtain a visa at a US border consulate or embassy as a TCN. Furthermore, the consulates in both Canada and Mexico have placed specific limits on which TCN’s may apply ...
Can a US consulate deny a visa application?
It should be noted that the US Consulate may refuse to entertain or deny a visa application for those trying to renew an F-1, J-1 or any other visa where the applicant must prove that they do not have immigrant intent and/or have strong ties to their home country. 2. US Consulates in Mexico: Generally, TCN’s who reside in ...
Can I apply for a visa if I overstayed my I-94?
TCN’S who been ‘out of status’ in the U.S. or have overstayed their I-94 are not eligible to apply for a visa at a border consulate. In other words, if you have remained in the U.S. longer than the period authorized by the immigration officer when you entered the U.S., you must apply for a visa in your home country.
Can a TCN apply for a visa in Mexico?
US Consulates in Mexico: Generally, TCN’s who reside in the US and who are renewing a visa in any category except B-1/B-2 or H-2 are welcome to apply for a US visa in Mexico. Renewals can only be in the same category. This means those who have changed status in the US to another status are generally not permitted to apply for a visa as a TCN ...
How long do you have to wait to get a visa in a third country?
Although unlikely, if your application is subject to a security clearance (administrative processing) then you may be stuck waiting in the third country for several weeks while waiting for your approval. Denial of a visa application in a third country is especially problematic because you will not be allowed to return to ...
Why is it bad to be denied a visa in a third country?
Denial of a visa application in a third country is especially problematic because you will not be allowed to return to the US until you have returned to your home country and obtained a visa there. Have been continuously maintaining lawful non-immigrant status during your stay in the US.
What is a third country?
A country other than your home country is often called a “third” country. Applying for visa in a third country is oftentimes more difficult than applying at home and there are additional risks. If a third country US consulate has concerns about your application, it will be denied. Although unlikely, if your application is subject to a security clearance (administrative processing) then you may be stuck waiting in the third country for several weeks while waiting for your approval. Denial of a visa application in a third country is especially problematic because you will not be allowed to return to the US until you have returned to your home country and obtained a visa there.
Do US consulates accept third country visas?
US consulates and embassies may have different processes and timelines for visa applications. Before you finalize your travel plans, consult the US Department of State website for procedures at individual consulates and to make sure they accept third country visa applications and to see how long it will take to obtain a visa appointment.
Who may not apply for a visa at the US border?
Border? Individuals who have been out of status in the United States because they violated the terms of their visa or overstayed the validity indicated on their admission stamp or paper Form I-94 are not eligible to apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate at the border.
Can I re-enter the US with an expired visa?
Nonimmigrants who are already in the United States, have an expired visa, and remain in legal status are encouraged to apply for a new visa at non-border U.S. Embassies and Consulates in conjunction with foreign travel for business or pleasure. Those who plan to visit Canada, Mexico or, in the cases of students and exchange visitors, adjacent islands, may re-enter the United States within thirty days on expired U.S. visas as long as they possess a valid admission stamp or paper Form I-94 unless they are excluded from automatic revalidation, as noted below.
What is a third country national?
A third-country national (TCN) is a citizen of a country other than Mexico who applies for a non-immigrant visa with their non-Mexican passport. Routine appointments for applicants not ordinarily resident in Mexico are not available at this time.
Can Mexican citizens apply for a visa?
Mexican citizens applying with a Mexican passport may apply for their first visa or to renew a visa in any visa category. Third-country nationals residing in Mexico with immigration status (FM2 or FM3) may apply for their first visa or to renew a visa in any visa category.
Where to go to get a visa for a long term resident?
Additionally, there are certain types of visas where the Dept. of State strongly recommends that you visit the US Consulate in your home country or the country where you are a long-term resident in order to obtain the visa. These commonly include visas like the F-1, M-1, J-1 or B-1/B-2. These are visas where you have to be able to show strong ties to your home country or country of residence such that you can overcome the assumption that you have immigrant intent to come to the U.S.
Is it difficult to get a visa in another country?
Over the course of last 15 years, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get Visa in a different country
Can Iranians travel to Canada?
Many Iranians have relatives in Canada or Australia and will apply for a U.S. tourist visa while visiting relatives, but this is not ideal if you want the best chance of receiving the visa. If you do apply at a third-country consulate, don't be surprised if the answer takes a while. The consulate might put your application on hold, ...
Does the visa bar apply to Canadians?
Interestingly, this bar does not apply to people who did not actually receive visas. That includes people who entered the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program, Canadians, and others who are visa-exempt.
Is it easier to get a non-immigrant visa in your home country?
In the end, it might be easier (if you have a choice) to simply apply for your nonimmigrant visa in your home country.
How soon can I apply for a non-immigrant visa?
You are encouraged to apply for your nonimmigrant student visa as soon as you have your I-20. To ensure you get an early and timely date you may apply at any time. However, a student visa may be issued no more than 120 days prior to the start date mentioned on your I-20. back to top.
When did the Department of State update its immigrant visa application forms?
On May 31 2019, the Department of State updated its immigrant and non-immigrant visa application forms to request additional information, including social media identifiers, from most U.S. visa applicants worldwide. For more details please click here. back to top.
What is a nonimmigrant visa?
A U.S. nonimmigrant visa grants you permission to travel to a Port of Entry (airport/seaport) in the United States. When you arrive at your destination Port of Entry, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer who processes your entry will determine the length of time that you may remain in the country.
When did the R-1 visa go into effect?
The requirement for an approved petition went into effect November 28, 2008. All applicants applying for an R-1 nonimmigrant visa are required to have an approved petition from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For more information, please visit the USCIS website.
When can I inform the consular of the new I-20?
If you received an I-20 after scheduling your appointment, then you can inform the U.S. consular officer of the new I-20 at the time of the interview.
Who has the final say on visa cases?
Immigration law delegates the responsibility for issuance or refusal of visas to consular officers overseas. They have the final say on all visa cases. By regulation, the U.S. Department of State has authority to review consular decisions, but this authority is limited to the interpretation of law, as contrasted to determinations of facts. Whether an applicant meets all of the necessary qualifications for a visa is a factual one. Therefore, it falls exclusively within the authority of consular officers at our Foreign Service posts to resolve. Please visit the Department of State's Consular Affairs website for more details.
Do visas require administrative processing?
Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after your interview with a consular officer. You are advised of this possibility when they apply. This web page on the Consular Affairs website has more information about administrative processing.
