Nonimmigrant Visas
Student and Exchange Visitor Visas (F, M and J visas)
The US Embassy in Baghdad accepts all classes of Student and Exchange Visitor visa applications (F, M and J visas.)
How to Apply for a Visa
In order to study in the United States, you must first apply for and gain acceptance to a U.S. school or exchange program. Your sponsoring institution will provide you with an I-20 Form (for students) or DS-2019 Form (for exchanges). You must have this approved form before pursuing a student or exchange visitor visa.
Please note: You may apply for your visa no more than six months in advance of your travel; however, the visa will not be issued more than 120 days before the start date of your program. Additionally, you may not travel to the U.S. on your student or exchange visitor visa more than 30 days before the start date of your program.
1. Complete the following application forms
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160)
*This application form must be completed and submitted online. - Instructions for completing the DS-160 (PDF 255 kb)
- Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-157)
- Iraq-Specific Guide to Completing the DS-157 (PDF 83 kb)
- DS-158 (Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant) An Iraqi D, E, or G-Series passport valid for travel to the United States.
2. Schedule an Appointment:
Please note: The online appointment system is not yet available.
3. Pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee at http://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/
For more information on the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and the SEVIS fee, please visit: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/factsheet/090104_fs.htm
4. Bring the following to your interview:
- Completed application forms
- Original A, D, E, or G-series Iraqi Passport, valid for at least six (6) months after your date of travel
- Photocopy of the Biographical Data page of the passport
- Civil Identity card
- One (1) photograph, taken within the last six months
- For more information about photograph requirements: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1287.html. Photos must meet these requirements, or the application cannot be processed.
- For more information about photograph requirements: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1287.html. Photos must meet these requirements, or the application cannot be processed.
- 131 Application fee, non-refundable and payable in the Consular Section at the time of the interview (U.S. cash only)
- Approved I-20 Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status), or DS-2019 Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status)
- Receipt of your SEVIS fee payment
- Pre-paid DHL Airway Bill (For more information about using DHL)
- Evidence that you are able to finance the educational or exchange program in the United States
IMPORTANT: Please read the following information about your legal rights and protections as a student in the United States, according to the William Wilberforce Trafficking in Persons Act:
Rights, Protections and Resources Pamphlet (English version)
NOTE: To qualify for a visa as a temporary visitor, you must prove that you are not intending to immigrate to the United States. According to Section 214(b) of U.S. Immigration law, you can prove this by demonstrating strong ties to a residence abroad that you do not intend to abandon. Ties may include your job, family, or house. For more information, please visit: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/denials/denials_1361.html