FAQ About Nonimmigrant Visas
Student Visas
Q: What items do returning students need?
A: Returning students must present their previous visa, I-20 form and financial sponsor’s documents. Returning students should also bring transcripts from their current school and from all schools attended in the United States.
Q: What happens if I am away from classes for five months?
A: If you are outside of the United States for five months or more you will need toobtain a new I-20 form and a new student visa from the Embassy. The only exception is if you were participating in a study abroad program approved by your school. Individuals in this category will need to provide proof that they departed the United States at the conclusion of their studies, generally within 30 days from the last day of classes.
Q: How long may I stay on my F-1 student visa?
A: Applicants for student visas are admitted for the duration of their studies. As long as you are studying and maintain your status as a student you are eligible to remain in the country. If you stop attending classes or fall out of status you must depart the United States.
Q: I have been accepted by a U.S. school that issued me an I-20. Why isn’t that enough for issuance of a student visa?
A: The approved I-20 is just one piece of information the interviewing officer must consider when deciding whether a visa may be issued. Remember, under section 214(b) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, you still must prove that you will leave the United States after the purpose for which you entered the United States comes to an end. In student visa cases, the applicants may intend to stay in the United States for many months and even years pursuing a course of study. Consequently, we must consider your overall circumstances when deciding whether to approve a student visa. Student visas must be denied if it appears that the student cannot or will not complete a full course of study in the United States. The fact that a school has admitted a student to study and issued the student an I-20 is, therefore, only one factor we consider.