Visa Services
United States Visa Guide
Clear steps for F-1 student visas, B-1/B-2 visitors, and post-study work authorizations from Morocco
Application channel
DS-160 online form + in-person interview at US Embassy Casablanca
Processing time
Interview appointment wait 2–6 weeks | Visa issuance 3–10 days
Biometrics
Done at the embassy during visa interview
Visa fees
MRV USD 185 (≈ 1,820 MAD) | SEVIS USD 350 (≈ 3,450 MAD) for F-1
Overview
US visas for Moroccan citizens are processed by the Consular Section of the United States Embassy in Casablanca. All applicants submit the DS-160 form online, pay the visa fee (MRV), schedule an interview, and attend in person for biometrics and questioning.
F-1 students must also pay the I-901 SEVIS fee prior to the interview. Work visas (H-1B, L-1, etc.) require petition approval from USCIS before scheduling the interview.
US Visa Types
F-1 Student Visa
For academic programmes at SEVP-certified institutions. Includes Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT extensions.
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
Short-term visas for tourism, business meetings, medical treatment, or short courses not leading to a degree.
Work Visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1)
Employer-sponsored visas requiring an approved petition (Form I-797) before the interview.
Dependent & Exchange Visas
F-2 for dependants of students, J-1/J-2 for exchange programmes, and immigrant visas for family-based petitions.
Eligibility Criteria
US consular officers evaluate every case based on intent, ties to Morocco, finances, and compliance history. Demonstrating strong connections to your home country is essential.
general
- Valid passport with at least six months validity beyond intended stay and available visa pages.
- Completed DS-160 form and confirmation barcode.
- Payment of non-refundable MRV fee (USD 185) and appointment scheduling on ustraveldocs.com/ma.
- Proof of ability to fund the trip (bank statements, employment letters, tax documents).
- Evidence of strong ties to Morocco: employment, property, family, academic commitments.
student specific
- I-20 form issued by a SEVP-certified school and signed by both school and student.
- Payment receipt for I-901 SEVIS fee.
- Academic transcripts, diplomas, standardised test scores (SAT/ACT/GRE/GMAT) if applicable.
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover first year of study (tuition + USD 10,000–20,000 living expenses).
- Evidence of English proficiency and study plan detailing career goals.
Required Documents Checklist
Core Documents
- DS-160 confirmation page with barcode.
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond intended stay and old passports if available.
- Visa appointment confirmation from ustraveldocs.com.
- One colour photo (5x5 cm) meeting US visa specifications (if unable to upload electronically).
Financial Evidence
- Recent bank statements (3–6 months) in applicant or sponsor’s name.
- Employment letters, salary slips, CNSS records, or business registration documents.
- Affidavit of support (Form I-134) if a US-based sponsor is funding the trip.
Purpose-Specific Documents
- F-1: I-20, SEVIS receipt, acceptance letter, academic transcripts, standardised test scores.
- B-1/B-2: Invitation letter, travel itinerary, hotel reservations, evidence of prior travel.
- Work visas: Form I-797 approval notice, employment contract, supporting credentials.
- Exchange visas: DS-2019 form, sponsor letter, proof of funding.
Supporting Documents
- Statement of purpose explaining study or travel plans.
- Marriage/birth certificates for dependants travelling with you.
- Proof of property ownership or lease agreements in Morocco.
- Any additional documentation strengthening ties (university enrolment, employer letter, business ownership).
Application Steps
1. Complete DS-160 Form
Visit ceac.state.gov/ceac, fill in the DS-160 form accurately, and upload a compliant photo.
2. Pay MRV Fee & SEVIS (if F-1/J-1)
Pay the USD 185 visa fee through CIB (CashPlus) or online as directed. F-1/J-1 applicants must also pay the SEVIS fee at fmjfee.com.
3. Schedule Interview
Create a profile on ustraveldocs.com/ma, enter DS-160 confirmation, select visa category, pay MRV receipt number, and choose an interview date.
4. Prepare Document Package
Organise passports, confirmations, financial evidence, and supporting documents. Bring originals to the interview.
5. Attend Interview at US Embassy Casablanca
Arrive 15 minutes early with required documents. Biometric fingerprints and photo are captured before the interview.
6. Visa Processing
If approved, your passport will be retained for visa printing. Track status on the CEAC portal using application ID.
7. Passport Pickup
Collect passport from designated Aramex location when notified via email/SMS. Review visa foil carefully.
Fees & Costs
Fees vary by visa category. MRV is non-refundable. SEVIS is only for F-1/J-1 applicants. Additional costs include document translations, courier services, and travel to Casablanca.
| Fee type | USD | MAD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRV visa fee (B, F, M, J, etc.) | USD 185 | ≈ 1,820 MAD | Pay before scheduling interview |
| SEVIS I-901 (F-1/M-1) | USD 350 | ≈ 3,450 MAD | Pay online at fmjfee.com |
| SEVIS I-901 (J-1) | USD 220 | ≈ 2,170 MAD | Certain programmes exempt |
| Visa issuance reciprocity fee | USD 0 | 0 MAD | Not currently required for Morocco |
| Document translation (per page) | USD 12-20 | ≈ 120-200 MAD | Certified translation to English |
| Courier pickup (Aramex) | Included | Included | Standard pickup at designated location |
Processing Times
Processing depends on interview availability and visa category. Check current wait times on travel.state.gov.
Standard processing
Interview wait: 2–6 weeks | Visa issuance: 3–10 days after interview
Peak season
May–August & December
Schedule interviews early; wait times extend significantly.
Priority options
Expedited appointments granted only for emergencies (medical, humanitarian, urgent academic). Request through ustraveldocs support.
Processing: Subject to approval
Fee: No additional fee
Tracking & Communication
Stay informed through CEAC status updates and Aramex notifications.
CEAC portal
Check visa status (Administrative Processing, Issued, Refused).
USTRAVELDOCS profile
Manage appointment, update contact details, review pickup location.
Email/SMS alerts
Receive notifications for appointment changes and passport ready status.
After Approval
Verify your visa and prepare travel documentation before flying to the United States.
Checklist
- Confirm visa details (name, passport number, visa class, number of entries).
- For F-1 students, ensure SEVIS ID matches the I-20 and programme start date is correct.
- Book travel within the permitted entry window (F-1 can enter up to 30 days before programme start).
- Prepare evidence for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP): financial records, LOA, sponsor letters.
CBP inspection
Present passport, visa, I-20/DS-2019, SEVIS receipt, and financial evidence. Answer questions about study or travel plans.
I-94 record
Retrieve electronic I-94 after arrival at i94.cbp.dhs.gov to confirm admission class and expiry date.
Address registration
F-1 students must report US address to the Designated School Official (DSO) within 10 days.
Common Issues & How to Avoid Them
Weak ties to Morocco
Provide employment contracts, university enrolment, property deeds, family responsibilities, or business ownership to demonstrate intent to return.
Missing SEVIS payment proof
Pay I-901 at least 3 days before interview and print the official receipt.
Inconsistent financial statements
Use official bank statements, explain large deposits, and align sponsor letters with actual account balances.
Administrative Processing delays
Provide complete documentation, avoid restricted technology fields when possible, and monitor CEAC; be patient as security checks vary.
Incorrect DS-160 information
Review entries carefully; bring updated DS-160 confirmation if changes are needed before the interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can I apply for a US student visa?
Once you receive the I-20 and pay SEVIS, you can apply up to 365 days before program start. Schedule the interview as soon as possible to secure dates.
Can I renew my visa without an interview?
Interview waiver may be available if your previous visa expired within 48 months and you meet age/category criteria. Check ustraveldocs.com/ma.
What if my visa is refused under section 214(b)?
You can reapply at any time. Address the concerns (ties, finances, intent) and bring stronger evidence to your next interview.
Do I need to submit original documents?
Yes, bring originals to the interview. The consular officer may review and return them immediately.
How long can I stay after finishing studies?
F-1 students get a 60-day grace period after completing their programme or OPT to depart, transfer, or change status.
Can I switch schools after receiving the visa?
Yes, but update SEVIS with the new school and obtain a new I-20 before travelling. A new visa may be required if SEVIS ID changes.
What is Administrative Processing?
Additional security checks under section 221(g). Processing time varies; track status on CEAC. Do not book travel until the visa is issued.
Do minors need to attend the interview?
Yes, all applicants, regardless of age, must appear in person at the Embassy.