Visa Update: US Extends F and M Student Visa Issuance Period to 365 Days

In a recent announcement, the US Department of State has revealed that prospective F-1 visa applicants can now apply for their visas up to 365 days before the academic term begins. This update comes as a much-needed breather for students looking to study in the United States.

However, despite the early application deadline, students will only be permitted to enter the United States on their visa 30 days before the start of their programme.

This change affects both F and M student visas, giving students more time to apply for their visas while still ensuring that they arrive in the United States within an acceptable timeframe.

F and M student visas can now be issued up to 365 days in advance of the I-20 program start date, allowing more time for students to apply for a visa. Students are still not allowed to enter the U.S. on a student visa more than 30 days before their program start date. pic.twitter.com/jHUaNZYkE8

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— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) February 21, 2023

Extended Application Window for F and M Student Visas

The expanded application window for F and M student visas is a significant improvement for international students planning to study in the United States. Universities can now accept and issue I-20 forms 12-14 months before the start of the term, a 6-8 month extension from the previous timeframe.

Previously, visa interviews could only be scheduled up to 120 days before the start of the term, and I-20 forms could only be issued 4-6 months before the start of the term.

This change is expected to reduce the processing time for student visas and reduce wait times for visa appointments, which have previously been a significant challenge for some applicants, who have had to wait more than two years for visa appointments.

Prospective students now have more time to prepare their applications and schedule their visa interviews as a result of this update.

Additional Steps Taken to Ease Processing Time

In recent months, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a number of initiatives to reduce visa processing times, including special interview slots, interview waivers for some applicants, and a plan to allow domestic stamping of H-1B renewals.

US F-1 Student Visa

Here’s your ultimate guide to understanding the F-1 student visa, the application process, and the documents required to get one.

What is F-1 Student Visa and Who Needs It?

The F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa for international students who want to study at a university or language school in the United States.

The type of school and course of study determines whether an F visa or an M visa is required.

An F visa is required for high schools, universities, private elementary schools, seminaries, conservatories, and language training programmes, while an M visa is required for vocational or other recognised non-academic institutions.

Application Process for the F-1 Visa

The application process for the F-1 visa involves four steps:

1. Get accepted into a school/university: Before applying for an F-1 student visa, you must apply for and be accepted by a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

2. Pay the SEVIS fee and get Form I-20: After getting accepted, you’ll be required to pay a $350 SEVIS fee to enrol in SEVIS. The school will then provide you with Form I-20, which will be sent to the consular officer during your F-1 visa interview.

3. Complete the visa application form: You must pay a non-refundable visa application fee of $160 and complete the online form DS-160 for your F-1 visa interview.

4. Attend the visa interview: The visa interview can be scheduled through the US embassy or consulate. The length of the wait varies depending on the location, season, and type of visa.

If you have completed all of the necessary paperwork and meet all of the F-1 visa requirements, your visa request will be approved at the discretion of the consular officer.

Documents Required for F-1 Visa Application

Here are the documents required for an F-1 visa application:

• A valid passport
• The Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160
• The application fee payment receipt
• A passport photo
• A Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status (Form I-20)

Apart from the above-mentioned documents, the US Mission can also ask for additional documents, such as academic transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates, that may be required to prove your eligibility for the F-1 student visa.

Not just that, TOEFL, SAT, GRE, or GMAT scores may also be requested, as well as proof of your intent to leave the United States once your programme is completed and proof of your financial stability.

Validity Period of F-1 Visa for Indians?

The validity period of the F-1 student visa for Indians is 60 months.

Obtaining an F-1 student visa may appear difficult, but with proper preparation, it can be a simple process. Before applying to a school in the United States, make sure to research the requirements and documents required.