Nonimmigrant Visa Services

To apply for a student visa (F-1 or M-1) or exchange visitor visa (J-1), applicants (or a designated representative) must visit the US Embassy, Sunday through Wednesday between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in order to schedule an appointment for an interview.

To make an appointment, please bring:
1) A passport valid for at least six months from the date of the interview.
2) A fully completed, signed and printed electronic version of the DS-156 (found on line at: http://evisaforms.state.gov) with supplemental forms DS-157 (http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/79964.pdf).
3) One photograph (see information on photo requirements).
4) A photocopy of the personal data page of the passport, date of passport issuance and expiration, and of most recent U.S. visa.
5) The I-20 or DS-2019 form (the original and a copy). 
6) The receipt of payment of SEVIS I-901 fee (see http://www.fmjfee.com).
7) $131 non-refundable application fee (Only the new series of U.S. bills will be accepted).

For the interview, please bring:
A passport valid for at least six months from the date of the interview; all supporting documents demonstrating economic and social ties to Syria, as well as academic eligibility; evidence of financial support sufficient to cover the full period of studies; and evidence of previous academic record.

Before a visa can be issued, all applicants must demonstrate strong social, familial, and economic ties to their country of residence, which compel them to return after a temporary visit to the United States.

Nonimmigrant visa applicants are advised that the United States Government has instituted measures aimed at enhancing background checks on visa applicants. These new measures may result in longer waiting periods to receive visas.  For this reason, the Embassy urges applicants to apply for nonimmigrant visas well in advance of planned travel dates.

Please address all other inquiries about nonimmigrant visas to the consular mailbox at:
nivdamascus@state.gov, or browse our website at: http://damascus.usembassy.gov/consular.html
 
Note: Interview Appointments ARE not scheduled via E-Mail or telephone.