Non-U.S. Citizens Next Steps

Determine what travel documentation you will need

Following receipt of deposit, applicants will receive information from International Short Programs about what travel documentation is needed. Most international participants will need to obtain a Visitor's (B) visa in order to participate in Building Bridges, but there are some countries that participate in a Visa Waiver Program. Citizens of those countries will need a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) instead of a B visa.

Getting an ESTA

1. Go to the ESTA webpage.
2. On the top right, you can choose from many different languages to view the form in!
3. Agree to the terms and conditions.
4. Applicant Information Page: Upload a photo of the biographic page of the traveler’s passport. The entire page must be visible! Fill out the Traveler’s information in English. All information must match what is in the passport.
5. Personal Information Page: On the next page, fill out the required information about the traveler, including home address and guardian information.
6. Travel Information Page: Enter the contact information for University of Kansas International Short Programs. This information can be found in the acceptance letter. For the Emergency Contact section, include the same Emergency Contact information that was entered in the program application.
7. Eligibility Questions Page: Answer the yes/no questions on this page for the traveler.
8. Review Application Page: Review each section and confirm that information is correct and truthful for each response.
9. Payment: Payment must be made via card. Following payment, the result page will be displayed. The traveler may be approved immediately, may have to wait up to 72 hours (the result will be emailed to the verified email address entered at the beginning of the ESTA application), or the traveler may be denied, in which case, they should apply for a B visa.

Getting a B-2 Visa

1. Have at least one U.S. visa-style photo for the traveler ready for upload.
2. Submit a DS-160 (Visa Request) for the traveler.
   1. Please use Google Chrome or Firefox, and if English is not your native language, you can choose your preferred language for pop up help by selecting your language in the dropdown in the top right corner.
   2. Take note of your Application Number and after completing the form, print the confirmation page that has the barcode. This is needed for the interview.
3. Make a visa interview appointment at the U.S. embassy you want (generally this will be the one closest to you in your country).
4. Gather documentation
   1. Required:
      1. Valid passport
      2. U.S.-visa-style photo (at least one)
      3. Application fee payment receipt (if you are required to pay before the interview)
      4. Any other documentation required by the U.S. embassy or consulate at which you will be interviewing.
   2. Recommended:
      1. Program Invitation letter (Will be sent to you after deposit is received.
      2. Bank statements that illustrate travel and the program can be paid for entirely.
      3. An intended flight itinerary (not purchased) to and from Kansas City International Airport (MCI).

Helpful Hints

• Start this process as soon as possible following confirmation that Bridges has received the deposit.
• Answer all questions on all forms and in interviews as truthfully and as completely as possible.
• If assistance is needed, contact us.