• The Visa Application Process (note that applies to F1 visas ONLY)

The following was taken from “Student Visa Applicants (F-1/M-1)” on the AIT (American Institute in Taiwan) website.For more detailed information regarding applying for other visas types of student visas here in Taiwan, click here.

  • Anyone who wishes to study in the United States more than 18 hours per week requires a student (F-1) visa.
  • All student visa applicants, including those who have previously been issued a student visa and wish to apply for a new one, must make an appointment and apply in person at Taipei Office of the American Institute in Taiwan.  Applicants must present a completed I-20 from the school in the United States.  Applicants must also be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient resources to pay for their studies in the U.S.
  • Applicants must bring in the following documents to AIT, Taipei:
    • A valid, signed passport.
    • A signed application with photo(s) [see the AIT website for more information]
    • A non-refundable NT$3,400 visa application processing fee receipt, pre-paid to postal remittance account number 19189005 at the post office, the account name is "AIT Visa Processing Fee". Please present one receipt for each applicant. The receipt is valid for one year.
    • A completed form I-20 from the school in the U.S. Applicants should sign on the bottom part of page 1.
    • Financial support evidence showing sufficient funds are available to cover the first year's tuition and living expenses in the U.S., and also that there is a continuing source of funds available to cover the costs of the entire course of study.
    • Transcripts from their most recent school. (Applying for renew F and M visas needs to bring in all course work of transcripts in the U.S.).
    • Household registration record listing entire immediate family
    • At the time of the interview, applicants should give the interviewing officer the passport, application form, and I-20. The officer will request other documents as they are needed.

 

  • Visa Types

There are three visa options available to Taiwanese students wanting to study in the United States.Prospective students should be very clear on the purpose of the studies they intend to undertake in the USA, as different program types might require entirely different visas.

    • F1:

Anyone who wishes to study in the United States more than 18 hours per week, whether for a short-term English language program or a long-term degree program, requires a student (F-1) visa.

The M1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for international students who wish to pursue a course of study that is not principally academic in nature.Studies normally take place at an established vocational or other recognized nonacademic institution.

    • J1:

J visas are issued for educational and cultural exchange programs designated by the Department of State and the Exchange Visitor Program and Designation Staff.

 

  • Helpful Links:
    • The AIT Visa Section website houses everything you'll need to know about applying for any US Student Visa.
    • Foreignborn.com provides a helpful section on the F-1 and other US Student Visas.
    • For information on appointments and how to submit your documents to the AIT Application Processing Center, please visit the APC web site at http://www.visaagent.com.tw/index_en.htm or call them at 886-2-2709-5106