Applying for a Student Visa

If your visa expires while you are maintaining status and in the U.S., nothing happens because it is a travel document only. Please learn more about visa expiration here. However, if you are travelling internationally, you will need an unexpired visa to request entry into the U.S. (with the potential exception when traveling from Canada, Mexico, or certain Adjacent Caribbean Islands).

The visa renewal process is similar to the initial F-1 or J-1 student visa application outlined above. You must obtain the visa from a US consulate or embassy abroad, ideally in your home country where you were last successful, and you will need to establish your nonimmigrant intent and ties to your home country.

Generally these are the documents you need, but each consulate may require additional application materials so check with the consulate at which you will apply. 

1. your passport (valid at least 6 months into the future)
2. most recent I-20 with valid travel signature, and updated proof of funding.
3. a copy of your transcripts and a certificate of enrollment from the Office of the University Registrar, if applying for a visa during your academic program.
4. your EAD card and proof of employment, if you are on OPT or STEM OPT Extension

After your visa interview, you will be notified if administrative processing is necessary.

Log in to Compass to report if your visa is delayed. We will track your application, but are unable to resolve individual cases. Most students receive their visa before the start of their program.

Log in to Compass to report if your visa is denied.

You may reapply and bring additional supporting documents, such as proof of ties to your home country. A support letter from your academic department may be helpful.