Before a student can apply for a student visa, they must first apply for a visa document (I-20 for F-1 or DS-2019 for J-1) from Stanford. Click on the appropriate link below:

Graduate Students

Undergraduate Students

Applying for a student visa to study in the U.S.

F-1 Visa Application Process & Instructions
J-1 Visa Application & Process Instructions - Please note that Stanford University does not issue visa documents for the J-1 trainee or intern categories. Therefore, disregard the Form DS-7002 from the checklist of required documents for the visa application.
Links to All U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions Abroad - visit the embassy or consulate website where you will apply for a visa to find information on how to schedule a visa appointment, pay the application processing fee, and review embassy specific instructions.
SEVIS fee (I-901)
Visa Application Forms– Available from this site are the following forms:
- Form DS-156 for all non-immigrant applicants
- Form DS-157 (All male applicants 16-45 must submit this form)
- Form DS-158 (All F-1 and J-1 Visa applicants must complete this form on contact information and work history)

On Arrival in the U.S.

Changing your immigration status in the U.S.

If you are currently in the U.S. on a non-student visa status, you most probably need to apply for student status before you begin your degree program at Stanford. More information on changing your visa status is available here.

Transferring to Stanford from another U.S. institution

Students who are currently at another U.S. institution in F-1/J-1 status and have been accepted to Stanford may be eligible to transfer their F-1/J-1 status to Stanford.

Upon your acceptance to Stanford, you will receive specific instructions on how to initiate the transfer process. You should also contact your current institution on their procedures in transferring you out from their school.