Department of State & Visa Information

The U.S. Department of State issues visas for those wishing to visit the United States. Their headquarters are located in Washington, DC, but visas are only issued at consulates and embassies outside of the United States. For those applying for a visa for the first time, please refer to the Pre-arrival guide. If your visa has expired while you are in the United States, you do not need a new one as long as you have maintained valid immigration status. If you travel home or to a country where automatic revalidation does not apply, and your U.S. visa has expired, you will need to obtain a new one if you are returning to the United States. For additional information about applying for a new visa, please click here.

In an on-going effort to promote education and provide assistance to those wishing to study in the United States, the Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs also maintains Educational Advising Centers worldwide. Here you may also find useful visa information.

A few additional programs sponsored by the Department of State:

Fulbright Program
International Education Week
Silk Road Project