F and M Visas Can Now be Applied a Year in Advance

students visa for USA from India

As a much-needed relief, the Biden administration has announced that international students can apply for a student visa up to a full calendar year before the commencement of their course. However, the State Department has stated that international students will only be issued a student visa allowing them to enter the country up to 30 days before their program starts. Two types of visas, the F and the M are commonly issued to international students studying in the United States.

The State Department has stated that “student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 365 days before the start date of a course of study.”

On Tuesday, the State reported, “However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.” A student with a valid visitor visa (B) can enter the United States up to 30 days before the start of their program. U.S. embassies and consulates only issue student visas after receiving an I-20 form from an applicant’s institute. If you wish to pursue your dream course in the U.S. and want to get students visa for USA from Indianow is your time. 

It is a requirement of the U.S. Department of State that all students sign up for the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS). If the student’s spouse and minor children plan to join them in the United States, the student’s educational institution must issue separate Forms I-20 for each of them.

Students on F visas must leave the United States by 60 days after the end of their formal education or authorized practical training in the United States, whichever comes first, as stated on their Form I-20. In light of the new announcement, colleges and universities can now accept and issue Forms I-20 as early as 12-14 months before the start of classes.

India is worried about the lengthy processing time for first-time visa applicants, especially those applying under the B1 (business) and B2 (tourist) categories. In October last year, the average waiting time for first-time B1/B2 visa applicants in India was nearly three years. When the U.S. government lifted its travel ban due to the coronavirus outbreak, India was one of the few countries that saw a significant increase in visa applications.

Do you wish to learn more about getting a study visa for USA from India, you should connect with our consultants at New Heights Overseas. Visit our website to learn all about immigration pathways and the upcoming rules and regulations through info@newheightsoverseas.com or call us at 9354934050.

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