Student(F/M)
When can I apply for my student visa (F1 or M1) or dependent of student visa (F2 or M2)?
You may apply for a F or M visa up to 120 days prior to the initial report date on your SEVIS Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (I-20). If you are a continuing student in active student status who departed the U.S. and wishes to return to resume studies, you may apply for a renewal visa at any time.
All nonimmigrant visas (NIV), including F and M visas, only allow the bearer to apply for admission to the U.S. Admission into, and the conditions of stay in, the U.S. are determined by the immigration inspector at the port of entry.
Please be aware that U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations state that holders of F or M visas will not be admitted on their initial trip to the United States until a date 30 days or less prior to the beginning of the report date on the I-20 . Please consider that date carefully when making your travel plans to the U.S. However, returning students on a valid student visa are not subject to this restriction.
Updated: October 21, 2009