We recommend that you have with you at least the following items when you visit a U. S. Embassy or Consulate when you apply for a new visa:

• Letter from your sponsoring department confirming your participation in research/scholarly activities
• New financial documentation showing that you will have financial support once you return to the United States. The financial documentation should be no more than three months old.
• Proof that you will return to your home country once you have completed your program of study (things that bind you to your home town, homeland, or current place of residence: job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc).

Be prepared to explain to the U. S. consular officer why it would be a hardship to you if you were not to receive the new visa. These reasons might include the amount of money and time that has already gone towards your degree and greater career advancement in your home country with a U. S. degree. More info can be found here.

If you are denied a new entry visa, you should request the consular officer provide you with a written explanation for the denial. You can then send that explanation to ISSS by fax or email for our review. In certain cases, this office may be able to assist you in re-applying for the visa. DO NOT RE-ENTER THE U.S. IN ANY OTHER NON-IMMIGRANT STATUS.

Take a look at visa interview tips here.