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How
to Apply for Student/Exchange Visitor Visas (F1/F2, J1/J2,
M)
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Applicants
for F, J or M visas do not need to make appointments for their
visa interviews. They may come to the Consular Section of the
U.S. Embassy in La Paz for their visa interview any day Monday
through Thursday at 8:30 am.
Applicants
for F, J or M visas are required to bring the following items
to their interviews:
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Passport valid for at least six months and in good condition.
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Visa Application Form DS-156
(available online,
at DHL, at the U.S. Embassy in La Paz, and at the Consular Agencies
in Santa Cruz and Cochabamba). Applicants are encouraged to
complete and print out Form DS-156
online. If using the online form all questions should be filled
out before printing the form.
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Male applicants from 16 to 45 years of age must complete supplementary
application Form DS-157
available online,
at DHL, at the U.S. Embassy in La Paz, and at the Consular Agencies
in Santa Cruz and Cochabamba).
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Receipt for the $100 visa application fee (to be paid at any
BISA Bank office).
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One 5 x 5 cm. (2 x 2 inch) photograph taken within the last
six months. The photograph should be non-glossy, have a white
background, and be of good quality. The photo must be facing
forward and only the face should be visible. Both color and
black and white photographs are accepted.
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Photocopy of passport page with picture and biographical information.
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In addition to the $100 visa application fee, many applicants
for F or J visas will need to bring a receipt to their interview
showing that they have paid the new $100 SEVIS fee before applying
for their visa. For information regarding this fee and how to
pay it, please click here.
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All Applicants for F or M student visas must present a valid
Form I-20 for the school they wish to attend. Schools work with
the U.S. immigration services to obtain this form for international
students. Additionally, students must prove they have the ability
to pay the estimated fees and expenses for the first year of
their education. The cost of the first year of studies is detailed
on the I-20. All applicants (including dependents) aged 16 and
above who are seeking F and M visas are required to submit Form
DS-158.
The form is available online
and at the U.S. Embassy in La Paz. Students who are renewing
an F1 visa or transferring schools should bring an official
copy of their most recent transcript showing their enrollment
and grades. For additional information on studying in the United
States, please click here.
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All J visa applicants (and dependents) aged 16 and above seeking
to attend an approved institution of higher education must submit
Form DS-158.
The form is available online
and at the US Embassy in La Paz. Applicants must present a valid
form DS-2019 (formerly IAP-66) provided by the program in which
they will participate, and may have to provide evidence of financial
support. For additional information on the Exchange Visitor
Program, please click here.
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suggestions on what you should bring to the interview, please
click here.
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For information regarding the new SEVIS fee, please click here.
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For information regarding Banco Bisa in Bolivia, please click
here.
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For information regarding waivers of INA 212(E), please click
here.
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For answers to Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Non-Immigrant
Visas, please click here.
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For answers to specific questions, please e-mail us at consularlapaz@state.gov.
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