Student Visa Program

Overview

U.S. Embassy Jakarta welcomes Indonesian students to study in the United States. We hope that you find the student visa process to be one of the easiest parts of studying in the U.S.  

There are four steps to apply for a visa:

STEP 1: Be accepted for admission to and enroll at an accredited U.S. institute of higher education.

STEP 2: Fill out an on-line visa application and pay the application fee.

STEP 3: Register with SEVIS and pay the SEVIS fee.

STEP 4: Schedule and complete a student visa interview. 

STEP 5: Pay additional $195 reciprocity fee for approved F1/F2 student visas.

Apply to School

  • The U.S. government offers complimentary advising to Indonesians interested in studying in the U.S.  To learn more, visit: https://educationusa.state.gov/
  • After you are accepted into and enroll at an accredited university, college, or vocational institute of higher education in the U.S., your education institution will send a form called an I-20 or DS-2019 to you. This form is required to apply for a student visa and must be brought to the interview. 

Fill Out a Student Visa Application and Pay the Fee

  • Apply for your student visa as early as possible!  We recommend applying at least one month in advance.  Visas usually take one week to process, but it can take longer. 
  • Complete the online visa application, also known as form DS-160, at: https://id.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/
  • Pay your visa application fee, also known as an MRV fee, in cash at CIMB Niaga Bank or through Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) at any bank that conducts transactions with Bank of America.
  • Print your DS-160 form. Bring these documents to your interview.

Register with SEVIS and Pay the Fee

  • The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a web-based technology system that monitors nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors continually during their course of stay in the U.S.
  • Register with SEVIS and pay the SEVIS fee at http://fmjfee.com
  • Print your SEVIS fee receipt and bring it to your interview.

Schedule and Complete a Visa Interview

  • Student visa interviews are conducted at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta or the Consulate in Surabaya, Monday through Friday, except on U.S. and Indonesian holidays.
  • Students are guaranteed an interview appointment within two business days.
  • Schedule your student visa interview appointment at: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/id
  • Print your interview appointment confirmation and bring it to the interview.
  • According to U.S. law, student visa applicants may only apply for a student visa up to 365 days before the start date listed on their I-20 or DS-2019.
  • After you are issued a visa, do not enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to the start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019.

Documents to Bring to the Interview

  • Original I-20 or DS-2019
  • DS-160 form (Please ensure that the barcode is legible.)
  • SEVIS fee receipt
  • Interview appointment confirmation
  • Current passport (Valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to enter the U.S.)
  • Any previous passports
  • Photograph (See https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html  for requirements.)
  • Scholarship letter (If you have received a scholarship to finance your studies, please bring your scholarship notification letter.)

Reciprocity fee for Student Visa

Effective June 20, 2023, there will be an additional $195 reciprocity fee for approved F1/F2 student visas. This issuance fee will apply to Indonesian citizens and is to be paid at the U.S. Embassy Consular Cashier after the consular officer has approved the F1/F2 student visa. For more information about U.S. Visa Reciprocity please visit our website at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/Indonesia.html

Four Tips for a Successful Visa Interview

  1. Discuss your career aspirations and reasons for studying the U.S.
  2. Demonstrate that you have financial resources to pay for your education.
  3. Be honest.
  4. Show that you have ties to your home country and plan to return to your home country after your studies are complete.

Maintaining Your Status

  • While studying in the U.S., it is important to maintain your status.  Students who fail to maintain status can have difficulty obtaining new visas. To learn how to maintain your status, visit: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/maintaining-your-status

Parent Travel

  • Parents who wish to travel with their son or daughter must apply for a visitor visa, also known as a B1/B2 visa.
  • Parents cannot use a visitor visa to live with their children studying in the U.S. Short stays, under 6 months in duration, are permitted on a visitor visa.
  • To apply for a visitor visa visit: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/id/ 
  • Visitor visa interviews are conducted at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta or the Consulate in Surabaya, Monday through Friday, except on U.S. and Indonesian holidays.

For any inquiries related to student visas, email: jakstudent@state.gov