Some US Consulates expect you to make an appointment for a personal interview with a Consular Official that, on the average, is just a few minutes long! Others will ask you to submit an application by mail. All of them will require basic supporting documents.
Some applications can be finished in just one day, but you may need to apply three weeks in advance. The US Department of State website contains Consulate information to help you. Go to http://travel.state.gov.

Contact the US Consulate nearest you and ask the following questions:
How do I apply for a visa?
Will the US Consulate send a Nonimmigrant Visa Application in the mail?
How much is the application fee? Do I pay in US dollars? By check?
What supporting documentation should I bring? On the back of this page you will find a Personal File with documents needed at most Consulates, but you should ask if your Consulate has any unusual requirements. (TAIWAN: In Taiwan, apply for visas at the American Institute in Taipei).

Apply for the visa
At many US Consulates around the world, lines start forming very early in the morning. If the nearest US Consulate is many hours away from your home, stay in a hotel near the Consulate the night before. Suits and ties are not required to apply for a student visa. Since you may be waiting a long time in line, be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Also dress appropriately for the weather if you will be waiting outside.

If the US Consul sent the Nonimmigrant Visa Application in advance, bring it already completed with you. Otherwise, be sure to ask for it when you arrive. Many US Consulates distribute these while you are waiting in line.

At the US Consulate, the Consular Officer will ask you questions similar to these:
Why study in the USA?
Why do you study English?
Why do you want to study at A F International School of Languages Inc.?
How will you use this study in your home country?
What will your job prospects be when you return home?

Prepare your responses to the questions you expect, and gather and organize your documents in a Personal File so that they are ready to present when you go to apply for a visa. You will only have a few minutes to answer the questions you are asked. Listen carefully to the questions; if you don’t understand the questions, ask for them to be repeated. Keep your responses short and to the point. Smile and be courteous. Use your Personal File to back up your responses. If the interview is successful, the US Consular Officer will then place a visa in your passport. This visa makes you eligible to apply for entry to the USA and authorized status while in the USA.

Take a minute to look carefully at your visa. It should indicate the type of visa that it is. Most of them start with the letter "R," meaning regular. Yours should then state "F-1". Remember that a visa is like a key. It does not determine the length of time that you may stay in the USA after you enter. It simply offers you a window of time during which you may enter. You are authorized to stay as long as you have a valid I-94 card and I-20.

If you are denied a visa, you did probably not prove "strong ties" to your home country. Ask for the reasons that you were denied a visa to be put in writing. Although you may need to wait a specified period of time before reapplying, a visa denial is not permanent and may be reconsidered if you can show further convincing evidence. We strongly suggest that you contact us immediately if you are denied a visa so that we can assist you in your second application. ALWAYS be prepared with supporting documentation, such as those in a Personal File.

Your Personal File should include the following documents:

(1) Form I-20 from A F International School of Languages Inc.

(2) Documentation of Ties to Home Country
VERY IMPORTANT: Be prepared to prove strong ties to your home country with official documents. Ties to your home country are ties that will compel you to leave the USA after you finish your studies.
If your family owns a business, take letters from the bank describing the business or papers showing that the business is registered and truly owned by your family.
If your family owns property, take the deeds or papers showing ownership.
If you have a sister or brother who already studied in the USA and then returned home, take a copy of her or his diploma and a statement from her or his employer.
If you and your family have had numerous past visits to the USA, take along passports—even old ones—to show that you have many visas and many visits, but you have still returned to your home country.
If you have membership in a professional organization in your home country, bring proof of this membership.
If you have the prospect of a job offer, get a letter from the company saying that you will be considered for a job upon your return, or that people with the kind of education you are seeking are needed.

(3) Identity Documents
Passport, current and valid
Birth certificate
International Driver’s License
Proof of permanent residence outside the USA
Two recent passport-style photographs

(4) Educational Documents
Letter of acceptance from A F International School of Languages Inc.
Transcripts & degrees from all educational institutions attended including high school
Any school awards, prizes, certificates, letters of recommendation from teachers, or other documentation to show that you excel in your field of study

(5) Financial Documents
You should have documentation of financial support well organized if you carefully followed the instructions for the Application for I-20.

(6) Health Records—These are especially important if you have a condition that needs ongoing treatment.
Immunization records; Medical histories; Dental records; Prescriptions for glasses and contacts
Other important health documents

REMEMBER: The goal is to show intent to return home after studying in the USA.