what to do for student visa?

Students are encouraged to relate for their visa early to provide ample time for visa processing. Students may apply for their visa as soon as they are ready to do so.

The consular officer may need to get special clearances depending on the course of study and population of the student. This can take some added time. For more information on applicants who may comprise additional processing requirements see particular Processing Requirements.

Students should note that Embassies and Consulates are able to subject your student visa 120 days or less, in advance of the course of study registration date. If you apply for your visa more than 120 days prior to your start date or registration date as provided on the Form I-20, the Embassy or Consulate will hold your application until it is able to issue the visa. Consular officials will use that extra time to achieve any of the necessary special clearances or other process that may be requisite.

Students are advised of the section of Homeland Security regulation which requires that all initial or start students enter the U.S. 30 days or less in advance of the course of study start/report date as shown on the Form I-20. Please consider this date warily when making travel plans to the U.S.

A foundation student who wants an earlier entry into the U.S. (more than 30 days prior to the course start date), must qualify for, and obtain a visitor visa. A prospective student notation will be shown on his/her visitor visa and the traveler will need to make the intent to study clear to the U.S. immigration inspector at port of entry. Before beginning any studies, he or she must obtain a change of classification, filing Form I-539, Application for Change of Nonimmigrant Status, and also submit the required Form I-20 to the Department of Homeland Security office where the application is made. Please be aware that there is an additional fee of $140 for this process, and that one may not begin studies awaiting the change of classification is accepted.

Continuing students may apply for a new visa at any time, as long as they have been maintain student status and their SEVIS records are current. Continuing students may also enter the U.S. at any time before their classes start.