If you are an international student who has applied for your US student visa, knowing the status of your application across each stage of the student visa process helps you plan ahead and avoid unnecessary delays. Waiting for updates on your US visa status can feel stressful, but understanding the process can help you prepare for and handle each step with confidence.
In this guide, we will guide you through the steps to check your US visa status and answer several questions you may have about the process.
How to Check Your Student Visa Status: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you submit the DS-160 form (Non-Immigrant Visa Electronic Application) and attend your visa interview, you can check the status of your visa application online.
Here’s how you can check your US visa status:
Step 1: Visit the CEAC Website
Visit the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website and navigate to the Visa Status Check portal.
Step 2: Enter Your Details
If you have applied for an F-1 visa, your application type would be Non-Immigrant visa (NIV). Choose Non-Immigrant visa from the dropdown menu and fill in the required information:
Location: Select the location of the consulate or embassy where your visa interview was scheduled.
Application ID or Case Number: Enter your application ID or case number. (You’ll receive your case number from the consulate or embassy.) The application ID can be found on your DS-160 form or the visa appointment confirmation letter — the number starts with AA followed by eight digits.
Step 3: Complete the CAPTCHA Code
The CAPTCHA code confirms that you are not a bot. If the code is difficult to read, you can request an audio code or refresh it for a new code.
Step 4: Submit and View Your Result
Once you submit the required information, you will see one of the following responses depending on the status of your application.
Status and message
Application Receipt Pending
If you have submitted your online non-immigrant visa application (DS-160), it has not yet been processed into the visa system. At some locations, your application will remain in this status until you appear for an interview or until your application is ready for review. Please visit the Embassy or Consulate website for information on the next steps required for visa processing.
Meaning
- Your application has not been processed yet.
- If you are awaiting your visa interview, the application will remain in this status until you appear for an interview.
- For students who do not need interviews and have submitted a mail-in application, this means the embassy or consulate has not yet received the application.
Status and message
Application Received
Your case is open and ready for your interview, fingerprints, and required documents. If you have already had your interview, please check your status after two business days. If no interview was required, check back in two business days for the updated status of your application.
Meaning
- Your application is currently being processed.
- For students who submitted a mail-in application, this means the embassy or consulate has received the application.
Status and message
Administrative Processing
Your visa case is currently undergoing administrative processing, which can take several weeks. Please follow any instructions from the consular officer at the time of your interview. If further information is needed, you will be contacted. If your visa application is approved, it will be processed and mailed back within two business days.
Meaning
- The consular officer has determined that information from additional sources is needed to determine if you are eligible for an F-1 visa.
- It means the embassy or consulate needs more time to review your case before making a final decision. This could involve background checks, verifying documents, or gathering additional information.
- Usually, the consular officer will inform you at the end of your interview if your visa needs to undergo administrative processing. It can take a few weeks or more for you to hear back from the embassy on the status of your visa.
Status and message
Issued
Your visa is in final processing. If you have not received it after 10 working days, please see the webpage for contact information of the Embassy or Consulate where you submitted your application.
Meaning
- This means your F-1 visa has been approved! It is now in the final processing stage, and you should receive it soon.
Status and message
Refused
A US consular officer has adjudicated and refused your visa application. In the event this happens, please follow any instructions provided by the consular officer. If the consular officer informed you that your case was refused for administrative processing, your case will remain refused while undergoing such processing. You will receive another adjudication once such processing is complete. Please be advised that the processing time varies and that you will be contacted if additional information is needed.
Meaning
- This means your US visa application has not been approved.
- Usually, the applicant will be notified of the section of the law that applies to the denial of their visa, so it's important to read the notice carefully.
Next, let us review several commonly asked questions that international students have about visa status updates.
Visa Status FAQs
What Is the Official Portal to Check My Visa Status?
The official portal to check the status of your visa application is the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. You will need the location of your visa interview and the application ID on your DS-160 to check your visa status.
What Happens if My Visa Gets Delayed?
If your study program is starting within 60 days and there are no interview appointments available before it begins, you can request an emergency visa interview appointment. You will need your I-20 and your SEVIS fee receipt to submit the emergency request form.
For an in-depth look into scheduling an expedited visa interview appointment, refer to our detailed guide.
What Happens if My Student Visa Gets Denied?
After all the time you spent gathering the required information and preparing for the interview, getting your visa denied can be very disappointing. Unfortunately, there is no appeal process after a visa denial — the decision is final.
However, you can reapply for your student visa. Since you have already been through the process, you will have a better understanding of the experience and what’s required. While you can reapply three days after the receipt of your denial, we don’t always recommend this approach because the reason for your visa being denied cannot often be fixed within three days.
How Many Times Can I Apply for a Student Visa?
You can reapply for your student visa as many times as needed, as there’s no legal limit on the number of reapplications you can submit. However, you will need to send in a new application, pay the visa fee again, and capably demonstrate that you have addressed the issues cited in your denial letter.
The process of getting your F-1 visa can feel overwhelming, but Shorelight is here to help. Our dedicated advisors will work with you to provide streamlined application support and visa assistance to help you take the next step in your US education journey.
For more information on the F-1 visa application process, contact a Shorelight advisor today >
