US Visa Application and Interview

Assalamualaikum and hi!

I just went back from my visa interview this morning and I hope this will help.


1st step: Receive I-20

Get the Form I-20 from the university that you're going to attend.


2nd step: Complete the DS-160 form

Fill in DS-160 form and submit it online. Click Here


3rd step: Pay the Visa Fee

F-1 visa fee is $160. There are three options for visa payment:
a) Electronic Funds Transfer
b) JomPay
c) Cash at Ambank

I paid my visa fee at Ambank. Before going to the bank, I printed out the applicable "U.S. Visa Application Deposit Slip" available Here

Please note the expiration date on the deposit slip. Do not make the payment by using the deposit slip that has expired.

After making your payment, you will get a receipt from the bank. Keep your receipt. You will then schedule your appointment using your Bill A/C No. (receipt number).


4th step: Pay the SEVIS Fee (I-901 Fee)

For the non-immigrant student with Form I-20, the SEVIS fee is $200. You can pay the fee using a credit card. Click here or here

After making your payment, please print out the SEVIS I-901 Payment Confirmation because it is needed during the interview at the US Embassy.


5th step: Schedule An Appointment

To schedule an appointment, you will need these documents:
a) A valid passport
b) Visa application fee payment receipt (Ambank & SEVIS fee receipt)
c) DS-160 confirmation page
d) Email-address

You can schedule your appointment Here


6th step: Attend the interview at the US Embassy Kuala Lumpur

What do I need to bring?

• Interview Appointment Confirmation Letter
• DS-160 Confirmation Page
• F-1 visa applicant: Original Form I-20
• Fee receipt from Ambank
• Proof of Payment of SEVIS Fee Receipt
• Passport and IC
• One recent photo (white background only)

Suggested supporting documents:

• Current school results / ADP Transcript
• TOEFL and SAT score report
• Bank statement / Financial Affidavit (important)
• University offer letter

Based on my experience this morning, 

1. My appointment session was at 8.30 am and I arrived at the US Embassy around 7.30 am. I waited outside the US Embassy before being called by the police (or the guard, whatever..) fifteen minutes prior to my visa appointment.

2. I surrendered my I/C and handphone at the guard house and went through the security scanner before entering the US Embassy.

3. I queued up at the counter for document checking (I-20, passport, SEVIS fee payment confirmation etc.). It was super efficient here! It took only two minutes to verify my documents.

4. After that, I lined up again for the interview session at another counter. There were three counters opened for the interview. I just waited in line for 10 minutes before my turn. 

During my turn, the consular asked for my Financial Affidavit (FA), Passport and I-20. She went through my FA and began to ask me a few questions such as "Since you're a Petronas scholar, so are you bonded with Petronas? If yes, for how long?" "Are you doing 2+2 year program in ADP?" "Which University did you attend previously?"

"Okay your visa is approved"

Alhamdulillah my visa interview went smoothly and quickly.  I entered the US Embassy at 8.25 am and went out at 8.45 am. The procedures were arranged systematically! Yass soon I can pursue my dreams in Uncle Sam's country :)

Oh ya, they will keep your passport in order to process your visa for a few days. You will receive an email when your passport and visa are ready for pick up or delivery. 

That's all guys! Goodluck for your visa application!