Student(F/M)
Can I reuse a valid F1 or M1 visa?
Changed Schools Before Initial Entry
If you changed schools before your initial entry (you obtain an F1 or M1 visa annotated for one school but accept enrollment at another school later, before leaving Korea), then you must obtain a new F1 or M1 visa. You may schedule an interview for a new F1 or M1 visa.
Postponed Enrollment at the Same School
If you already have an F1 or M1 visa for the school you wished to attend, but postponed your enrollment at the same school and received a new I-20, you may use your previously issued F1 or M1 visa as long as the SEVIS number annotated on your F1/M1 visa and your new I-20 are the same. If your SEVIS number has changed, you must get a new F1 or M1 visa before traveling to the U.S. Please follow the F1/M1 visa application procedures on this website.
After Absence of Five Months or Less
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)-Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) website, www.uscis.gov, students and exchange visitors may leave the U.S. and be readmitted after absence of five months or less. Upon return to the U.S. they should provide DHS Immigration Inspectors with:
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A valid passport
- A valid student (F1)/vocational student (M1) visa
- A current SEVIS I-20
- Proof of financial support
From this information, persons who were issued new SEVIS I-20s need not renew their prior F1 or M1 visas, even if the institution annotation is different (transferred schools or level of study). Please note that if your SEVIS number has changed (the SEVIS number annotated on your visa and the SEVIS number on your new I-20 is different), we recommend that you apply for a new F1/M1 visa.
It is important to remember that the Department of State is responsible for visa adjudication at U.S. Embassies and Consulates outside of the U.S. We have no role in regulating entry into, and conditions of stay in the U.S., which is solely a DHS responsibility. No prior assurance can be given that any person, with or without a valid visa, will be admitted to the U.S.
Have Been Outside the U.S. for More than Five Months
If you plan to return to the U.S. as a student and have spent more than 5 months outside the U.S., you should apply for a new F1 or M1 visa to avoid problems at the port of entry. You may schedule an interview for a new F1 or M1 visa.
Updated: October 21, 2009