Application Process

Sample Photos

Sample I20 Start Date

The U.S. now offers 5 year, multiple entry visas to Saudi students studying in the U.S. Please apply early to avoid missing the beginning of classes! While obtaining a visa can be a lengthy process, the U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia currently approves the vast majority of completed student applications submitted by Saudi Arabian nationals.

1. Get a visa photo (see photo enlargement)
   • Photos must be a .jpg between 600x600 and 1200x1200 pixels
   • Photos must be less than 240kb
   • Photos must not be digitally altered
   • You must bring a 5x5cm photo to the embassy
2. Complete the online application
   • Instructions for student applicants (Men)
   • Instructions for student applicants (Women)
   • DS-160 visa application form
3. Schedule an appointment with Visapoint
   • Go here to schedule an appointment
   • Current Visa Wait Times in Dhahran
4. Pay application fees (see image reference to right)

The visa application fee for F1 and F2 visas is SR608. This nonrefundable fee must be paid BEFORE you come to your interview.

You may pay the application fee at any branch of SAMBA bank in Saudi Arabia. If you have a SAMBA account, you can pay online. You must bring the receipt with you to the visa interview.

All visas are returned via FedEx. You must bring cash to pay for a FedEx envelope, regardless of where you live.

Address in Dhahran/Khobar/Dammam   SR65
Address outside Dhahran/Khobar/Dammam SR125

5. Obtain your I-20 (see photo enlargement)

When you obtain admission to a school in the U.S. you will also get a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (I-20) form.

This is the start date of your program.  You must enter the United States within 30 days before this date. You may not enter before the date was passed.  We do not print visas for entry earlier than 120 days before this date.  If your visa is not ready in time to travel before this date, you will need a new I-20 or an extension letter from your school.
Spouses and children under 21 are eligible to apply for F2 visas. Each individual will need an I-20 with their name on it. 

6. Go for the interview

On the day of the interview, only applicants with valid appointments are allowed to enter.  You may enter up to thirty minutes before the time listed on your confirmation sheet.  Only a legal guardian may accompany you into the waiting room, other friends and relatives will not be able to enter.

What to bring: (see image reference to right)

Application:

• Photo(s)
• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• Confirmation page(s) from the DS-160
• I20 form
• SAMBA receipt(s)
• Cash for Fedex envelope

Supporting Documents:

• Old passports
• Scholarship letter or bank documents
• Transcripts from previous school
• SEVIS Receipt

 What not to bring: (see image reference to right)

7. Visa Processing

After your interview, you will be told approximately how long it will take to process and print your visa.  Please remember that this is only an estimate and wait times vary, many visas take up to three months to process.