Helpful Links
EducationUSA
EducationUSA is a global network of hundreds of advising centers supported by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. EducationUSA advisers work in a variety of host institutions, such as Fulbright Commissions, IIE offices, AMIDEAST offices, American Councils, U.S. embassies and consulates, bi-national centers, universities, and public libraries who share a common goal: assisting students from their country in accessing U.S. higher education opportunities.
Find the EducationUSA center nearest you
U.S. Department of State (or State Department)
The U.S. Department of State is the Federal governmental office responsible for international relations of the United States. This office is equivalent to the foreign ministries of other countries and is led by the current Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
USCIS is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and is responsible for the administrative functions related to citizenship and immigration. This office promotes national security by administrating immigration services and benefits, issuing employment authorization, adjudicating petitions for non-immigrant students and temporary workers, and granting U.S. citizenship. Check here for detailed information about the student visa process and related regulations.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the second largest investigative agency in the federal government. ICE's primary mission is to promote homeland security and public safety through the criminal and civil enforcement of federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and immigration.
Current Travel Advisories
Travel Advisories are issued when long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable lead the State Department to recommend that Americans avoid or consider the risk of travel to that country. A Travel Advisory is also issued when the U.S. Government's ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff.
Visa Wait Times
Advance travel planning and early visa application are important. Use this website to find out the typical wait time to receive an interview appointment to apply for a student visa or the typical wait time for your visa to be processed.