Visa changes

Making changes to or extending the I-20 form

If the student is not able to complete his studies by theexpiration date on the I-20 form, he must apply to the school's foreignstudent advisor for an extension at least 30 days before the expirationdate. Usually extensions will granted if the student provides academic ormedical reasons.

If the student changes degree programs (such as from abachelor’s degree to a master’s degree program), the student will need toget a new I-20 form and submit it to the foreign student advisor within 15days of beginning the new program. No changes need to be made to the I-20form simply a change of major.

In order to transfer to another school, the student willneed to notify the current school of the transfer and obtain an I-20 formfrom the new school. The student must provide the foreign student advisor atthe new school with the completed I-20 form within 15 days of beginningclasses at the new school.

Length of stay

The length of time that a student carrying an F-1 visa isauthorized to remain in the US is determined by the INS, not the consularofficer. At the port of entry, an INS official will validate the student’sForm I-94, Record of Arrival-Departure, which states the length of stay.

Typically the student will be admitted into the US for theduration of his coursework. In other words, the student may stay in the USfor as long as he is a full-time student, even if the F-1 visa expires.

However, if the student departs the US with an expired F-1visa, he will need to obtain a new one before returning to the US to resumehis studies. An F-1 visa cannot be renewed or re-issued by the StateDepartment inside the United States; it must be done at an embassy orconsulate abroad.

Renewing a student visa

All applicants applying for renewals must provide thefollowing items.

Apassport valid for at least six months.

Acompleted and signed application form (DS-156) with a photo for each personapplying. A separate form is needed for children, even if they are includedin a parent’s passport. These forms are available at the consular office atno charge.

Paymentfor the processing fee for each applicant.

Anew I-20 or an I-20 that has been endorsed on the back by a school officialwithin the past 12 months.

All applicants applying for renewals should also beprepared to submit:

Acertified copy of his grades from the school in which he is enrolled.

Financialdocuments (from him or his sponsor) showing the ability to cover the cost ofschooling.