Applying for a Student Visa to the United States

This first pilot version of the DS-160 will only be available in English. Future versions will allow the user to see translations of the site in Arabic.

*There is no longer a written application form*. After completing the new DS-160, the applicant will electronically submit the application and will be provided with a confirmation page that includes only limited biographical information, your photo and a bar code. Applicants must bring this confirmation page with them to the interview, along with a photograph (see photo requirements above), and a photocopy of their passport photo page and name translation page.  Although uploading a photo is part of the application process, we still require visa applicants to bring one photo with them in the even that the system will not accept the uploaded version.

Please note: if the online application has not been completed fully and properly the applicant’s case cannot be processed and a new interview appointment will be required.

Click here to start the application. 

(Note: Completing the application does NOT automatically schedule the interview appointment, read below on how to schedule the interview after completing the online form.)

HOW DO I SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT?

Once you have completed the above, click here to make your interview appointment. You must complete your DS-160 before scheduling an appointment.  The appointment system will require you to enter the barcode number on the DS-160 confirmation page in order to proceed to the appointment calendar. 

All applicants for non-immigrant visas must make an appointment using our online system. This allows us to provide timely and professional service to all applicants. The waiting time for an interview appointment for applicants can vary, so early visa application is strongly encouraged.

   
PLAN FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING

Some applicants will need additional screening, and will be notified when they apply. Administrative processing can take several weeks, so applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of travel plans.

Fees

All non-immigrant visa applicants, including children, must pay an Application Processing Fee for Nonimmigrant Visas of US$131 or equivalent in Libyan Dinars. This fee is paid at the Consular Section of the US Embassy at the time of the interview. This fee is for the visa application, and in no way guarantees visa issuance. Fees are not refundable. Additionally, if the visa is issued, there will be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee, if applicable. If there is a fee for issuance for the visa, it is equal as nearly as possible to the fee charged to United States citizens by the applicant's country of nationality.

What Do I Need to Bring TO THE INTERVIEW?

Applicants should gather the following documents:
1.    Valid Passport with at least one blank page.
2.    The 131 U.S. dollar (or equivalent in Libyan Dinars) non-refundable application fee
3.    DS-160 application confirmation sheet
4.    A photograph according to the photo requirements discussed above
5.    A photocopy of the passport photo page and passport page containing applicant’s name in English.
6.    Appointment confirmation sheet
7.    The original I-20 or DS-2019
8.    SEVIS fees (I-901) must be paid on-line and at the time of the interview the proof of payment must be submitted to the Consular staff. (For more information about the SEVIS fees please contact our Public affairs Office or the SEVIS payment website at  www.fmjfee.com.)
9.    Any documents supporting your financial ability to afford studying in the United States of America (Bank Statement, Governmental scholarship proof). documents do not need to be notarized
For more information, you may also contact the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli from Sunday to Thursday between 12:00 PM and 4:45 PMat +218-91-379-4560 or by email to TripoliConsular@state.gov.

Please note that we will only process cases meeting these requirements, and that unprepared applicants may be asked to make another appointment.