Students and exchange visitors

May I enter the United States on my student (F-1) or (M-1) or exchange visitor (J-1) visa before my enrollment/program begins?

Students and Exchange Visitors may who are beginning new programs may not enter the United States with their F-1, M-1 or J-1 visas more than 30 days before the start date indicated on their I-20 or DS-2019 forms.  If you wish to enter the U.S. more than 30 days before your start date you must obtain a B-2 Prospective Student visa to enter the U.S.  After entering the U.S. but before beginning your studies, however, you must obtain a change of classification to student status by following standard rules established by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  For details, see the USCIS web site at www.uscis.gov.

How long may I remain in the United States after I have finished my studies/exchange visitor program?

F-1 visa holders may remain in the United States for up to 60 days following completion of their studies or practical training programs to prepare for departure or to transfer to a new program.  Note:  the duration of status of an F-1 student in a publicly-funded secondary school cannot exceed enrollment for more than 12 months.

M-1 visa holders may remain in the United States for the time needed to complete the course of study indicated on Form I-20, plus 30 days.    The time permitted in the U.S. cannot exceed one year, however.

J-1 visa holders may remain in the United States for up to 30 days following completion of their exchange visitor programs.

My student/exchange visitor program begins in a few days and I have not received my I-20/DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility.  Can the school/institution fax or email the document to the Embassy?

No.  Students and exchange visitors must submit an original I-20/DS-2019 signed by the authorized official before a visa may be issued.

I have finished my degree program in the U.S. and will return there soon to start Optional Practical Training (OPT).  I already have my employment authorization card from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.  Do I still need a student visa?

Yes.  If your original student visa has expired you need a new student visa annotated for OPT to enter the United States.  The employment authorization card is not a substitute for a visa.