How to Get a New Visa

Expired Visas - Did you know that you can remain in the US with an expired visa? However, once you plan to travel internationally, you cannot return with an expired visa. 

Visa Revalidation - If you plan to travel to Mexico, Canada, or the Carribean, you may qualify to travel on an expired visa and re-enter the US without visa renewal. This is called visa revalidation. Learn more about it here. 

Documents for Your Visa Interview - Learn about the complete list of documents you need for your visa application here, according to where you will apply: www.ustraveldocs.com. This site provides links to US embassies and consulates around the world.

Commonly Required Visa Application Documents

• An unexpired passport valid at least six months into the future.
• Proof of financial support as reflected on the I-20 or DS-2019. This may include personal or family bank statements, affidavits of support, or copies of your fellowship or scholarship letter.
• TTU Admissions Letter.Only for those who are applying for their first visa as a TTU student.
• A valid I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel signature. If you are a continuing student, you will need a travel signature to re-enter the US after applying for a renewed visa.
  • Getting a re-entry travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019
• A copy of your academic transcripts (official or unofficial). This is only for continuing students at TTU or those who attended other schools in the US prior to beginning at TTU.

Additional Documentation

Initial Undergrads & Transfer Students will also require the following documentation in addition to the above:

• Copy of passport biographical page with photo
• Supplemental International Student Form (SSIF)
• Financial affidavit (if the bank statement is not under your own name)
• Copy of current visa (for transfer students only)
• Copy of I-94 (for transfer students only)
• eShip Global account (if your I-20 is going outside of the US)

Helpful Links:

• Tips to Apply for a Visa 
• How to Make a Visa Appointment
• Visa Wait Times
• Visa Guidance for Students

How to Create an eShip Global Account

If you are outside the US and need your I-20 to apply for your visa, you will need to contact your admissions counselor to set up an eShip Global Account.

To receive your I-20 documents, we offer two shipping options: regular airmail and eShipGlobal. eShip is required for all I-20s sent outside of the United States (regular airmail is unreliable and takes several months). If you want your I-20 shipped somewhere within the United States, we will do so via USPS at no expense.

eShipGlobal is an online service that allows you to easily pay for express mail delivery with your credit card. You will enter the address yourself to ensure your I-20s are delivered to the correct location. Do not request delivery through DHL.

To pay for express delivery through eshipGlobal, follow these instructions:

1. Visit the eShipGlobal website and select "Sign up" to create your account.
2. Enter the required information and select "Register".
3. An activation email will be generated and sent to the email address you provided. Select on the link to activate your account. A new internet browser will temporarily open and activate your account.
4. You will receive another email indicating that your activation was successful. You can now log into the eShipGlobal website and create a shipment label.
5. To create a shipment label, go to eShipGlobal, enter your email address and password, and login.
6. You will see the welcome page. Select "Receive a Package from Universities".
7. Choose Texas either from the drop-down menu or the map. You can also type "Texas Tech University" in the University Search box.
8. Scroll down and select "Texas Tech University" and select "Continue".
9. Then choose "OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS" and select "Continue". Do NOT choose any other option.
10. Your label information will be show that it will send from the Texas Tech Office of International Affairs.
11. Your profile information should populate in the shipping fields. Make any necessary changes or corrections, and select "Ship/Quote".
12. Enter your payment information and select "Submit". You will receive a confirmation from eShipGlobal when your transaction has been approved. An email will be sent to the Office of International Affairs notifying us of your order.

*Note: Don’t forget that you are required to complete the Check-In Process after you arrive on campus in order to maintain your immigration status. Please reach out to your assigned international advisor to complete the Check-In process if you have not done so already.