A student does not need a new visa if it has not expired. However, students in the following circumstances may need to get a new visa and should contact the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in their home country to confirm:
- Students whose visa has expired
- Students who have reported their passport (and visa) lost
- Students who have updated their name on their passport
- Students who have taken an absence from the U.S. for 5 months or longer
- Students who have been dismissed and are reentering the U.S. with a new SEVIS record
- Students who have violated their F-1 status and have NOT been reinstated to valid F-1 status
- Students whose visas have been revoked by the Department of State
U.S. Department of State information on obtaining an F-1 Visa.
F-1 Visa for Students on OPT
Students on OPT do not need to get a new visa if the visa has not expired.
Documents Required for Visa Renewal
ISSO recommends students check the U.S. Consulate or Embassy policies in the country where they will renew their visa.
Visa Renewal as Third Country National
It may be possible for students to renew their visa in a country other than their home country, but there is a higher risk of facing complications, and ISSO therefore recommends that students renew their visas in their home countries to reduce those risks. Some countries have policies that do not permit third-country nationals from renewing their visas in that country. It is always recommended that students check the U.S. Consulate or Embassy website before applying.
Processing Time for Visa Renewal
Wait times vary from country to country. For current information, please refer to this Department of State website.
Validity of New Visa
The validity period varies from country to country. For current information, please refer to this Department of State website.