when to apply for your visa
If you are currently abroad, and do not yet have a valid U.S. student visa, you generally apply for one at the U.S. embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over your place of permanent residence. Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office abroad, it is generally more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence.
You should apply for your student visa well in advance of the date you would like to depart for Saint Mary’s College. Remember that you are required to show proof of having paid the new Federal SEVIS Fee when you appear for your visa interview (see the separate Federal SEVIS Fee Information Sheet). Holiday periods are very busy times at the US embassies and consulates world wide, and it is important for you to have your visa in time to arrive and begin orientation and registration activities. Appointments are now mandatory for all student visas, and some U.S. embassies and consulates require that appointments be made at least four to eight weeks in advance. All U.S. embassies and consulates have a website where you can read the latest information on visa procedures. Visit: http://travel.state.gov/visa/questions_embassy.html (_underscore between questions_embassy) to locate the embassy or consulate near you. For information on waiting times for student visa appointments, visit the following link: http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_wait.php
