Non-Immigrant Visas

Exchange Visitors

On February 15, 2003, the Department of State implemented a new system for the electronic monitoring of the foreign student and exchange visitor issuance process.  The student and exchange visitor information system (SEVIS) is mandated under U.S. law and applies to all students and exchange visitors.  Effective immediately, all foreign students and foreign exchange program visitors who enter the United States on an F, J, or M nonimmigrant visa must have their educational institutions provide electronic evidence of the student/exchange visitor’s acceptance.  Educational institutions in the United States are aware of this new requirement.  It is your responsibility to ensure that the institution that has accepted you provides the necessary information. 

Applicants for F (student), M (vocational training), or J (exchange program) visas can appear without an appointment at the U.S. Consulate General between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. on any Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, excluding U.S. and Moroccan holidays.  While student and exchange visa applicants do not require appointments, we require the use of the Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF).

IMPORTANT NOTE to Student and Exchange Visitor Visa Applicants: You will not be admitted to the consular section for a visa interview unless you have paid the SEVIS I-901 fee.  Payment can only be verified by a valid I-901 fee receipt. Student Visa Applicants should visit http://www.fmjfee.com and http://www.ice.gov/sevis for further information on payment.

EACH APPLICANT MUST BRING TO THE INTERVIEW:

• A passport valid for at least six months with valid visa pages.
• A receipt, if applicable, for a non-refundable application fee in Dirhams equivalent to $131 US Dollars.
• All applicants for nonimmigrant visas must use the Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF).  The EVAF must be filled out completely, with a full frontal view photograph against a white or off-white background stapled or glued to the visa application in the appropriate space.  The photograph must be taken in the last six months and must measure 50 mm x 50 mm with the head centered in the frame.
• All male nonimmigrant visa applicants between the ages of 16 and 45 must also
  fill out and submit form DS-157.
• Student and exchange visitor visa applicants must also complete form DS-158.
• A valid DS-2019*, confirmed by the educational institution electronically at the SEVIS web address.
• Proof of SEVIS fee payment: Persons applying for student and exchange visitor visas with I-20 or DS-2019 forms with an issuance date of September 1, 2004, or later are required to pay a $100 SEVIS surcharge fee before applying for their visa. Applicants must present their I-901 receipt as proof of payment. For more information, please visit http://www.ice.gov/sevis for general information or the SEVIS fee payment website.
• Spouses and minor children accompanying the student to the United States should bring marriage certificates and birth certificates with them to the interview, to prove the relationship between themselves and the principal applicant.

* The Form DS-2019 is a certificate of eligibility for nonimmigrant J-1 exchange visitor status issued by graduate schools and professional organizations indicating that a student has been accepted for a course of study.

In some cases, visa applications may be subject to additional administrative processing.  Please be informed that the U.S. Consulate General will contact visa applicants as soon as the administrative processing for their applications has been completed.  In order to enable us to do complete processing your application in a timely manner, please do not contact the Consulate General regarding the status of your visa application.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR STUDENT AND EXCHANGE VISITORS

Please be aware that United States Department of Homeland Security regulations state that holders of F, M, or J Nonimmigrant Visas will not be admitted to the United States until thirty days or less PRIOR to the start of your program date as indicated on your Form I-20 (for F or M visas) or DS-2019 (for J visas).    

An immigration inspector may deny you entry into the United States if you appear in the US prior to this thirty-day period.  Please consider that date carefully when making your travel plans to the United States. 

Please note that before a visa can be issued, all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including for student and exchange visas, must demonstrate strong social and economic ties to their country of residence such that compel their return after a temporary visit to the United States.