Studying Abroad in the USA – Get Your Visa in 4 Steps

In this blog post I will write about my experiences in the application process. I myself spent a semester abroad at the University of Southern Indiana with the exchange programme ISEP and for that needed a J-1 visa. With other organisations, you may need a different visa category, for example the F visa. The steps in the application process may also differ. So before you start, find out which visa you need and be sure to follow the guidelines of your organisation!

Step 1: DS-2019 document

If you would also like to complete a semester abroad in the United States of America with ISEP, the application process for the J-1 visa begins with the receipt of the DS-2019 document. This will be sent to you by email a few weeks after you have been accepted by ISEP. This document is very, very important! While the visa itself is an entry ticket to the USA, only a valid DS-2019 entitles you to a legal stay. Therefore, do not lose it! Once you have received this document, sign it and we will move on to the next step.

Step 2: DS-160 document

After you have signed the DS-2019, you must complete the DS-160 document. This is an online form in which you have to answer questions about yourself and your environment. Set aside enough time for this! This document is like an online application form and is relevant for the interview. You also need to upload a passport photo here.

Step 3: Paying the fees

Now it gets a bit tricky! Go to the website of the US Consulate in Vienna, click on "Visa" in the menu and you will find a link to the third-party provider “USTravelDocs”. On the “USTravelDocs” page, you have to create an account, pay the fee of 185 US dollars (as of 2025) and book an appointment for the visa interview. You also have to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee of 220 US dollars (as of 2025). Go to www.fmjfee.com to do so.

Step 4: Interview

Before a decision is made as to whether your visa application will be approved or rejected, you will most likely have to go through an interview. The whole thing takes place at the Unite States consulate in Vienna and you will be asked questions about yourself and your online application may also be discussed. You can find tons of information about the process on YouTube. It is important that you always remain yourself and answer all questions truthfully. In my case, the whole thing was over after two minutes. You can find out exactly what you need to bring with you on the consulate website. Once you have successfully passed the interview and your visa application has been accepted, your DS-2019 will be signed and your passport and visa will be sent to you by post.

Now it's time to book your flight and off you go to America! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

Would you like to find out more about the ISEP exchange programme? You can find more information about the programme and the application process in the TU4U intranet on the page “ISEP - International Student Exchange Program - outside Europe”.