Support migrant centric journalism today and donate
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced in February 2006 that it will allow a student and her/his dependants to obtain their visas 120 days in advance of the start of the academic program.
This statement indicated that an individual seeking initial entry to the U.S. as a student or the dependant of a student, on the F-1, F-2, M-1, or M-2 visa, may be issued a visa up to 120 days in advance of the start date listed on the primary applicant's SEVIS I-20 Form. This does not mean, however, that the student and his/her family are allowed to enter the U.S. 120 days in advance.
Even if the visa is issued early, the applicant cannot enter the U.S. more than 30 days before the start date indicated on the SEVIS I-20 Form issued by the school.
A person who previously has entered the U.S. in F-1, F-2, M-1, or M-2 status may apply for a visa and enter the U.S. at any time, as long as s/he is maintaining status as a continuing student, or the dependent of a student, and the SEVIS records are up to date. A J-1 or J-2 can also receive the visa at any time, but an initial J-1 or J-2 currently can only enter up to 30 days in advance of the start date. This timeframe may also be extended to 45 days, if and when the DHS issues the interim or final rule mentioned above.
As many students get stuck in background checks and experience other delays, we at workpermit.com believe that students should apply as early as possible. By filing early students should have their visas well in advance of their start dates.
