when can i enter the us with f1 visa

Can I enter US with F-1?

At this time, international students must have the following documents in order to travel to the U.S. in F-1 status: Valid I-20 issued by the UW (valid travel signature required if you are returning to the U.S. to continue studies) Valid passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond your expected return to the U.S.

Can I enter US after I-20 start date?

The Form I-20 lists your program start date, 30 days before which you are allowed to enter the United States. F-1 and M-1 student visas can be issued up to 120 days in advance of your course of study start date. Your type of student visa must match the type of Form I-20 you have (e.g., F-1 or M-1).

Can I enter the US if my F-1 visa is about to expire?

Automatic visa revalidation allows most F-1 students to take a trip of less than 30 days to countries contiguous to the United States and reenter on an expired visa provided you have proper documentation and have not applied for a new visa during the visit.

What do I need to enter the US with F-1 visa?

Immigration Requirements for Entry to the US (F-1 Students)Step 1: Read your SEVIS Form I-20. ... Step 2: Make Sure Your Passport is Valid. ... Step 3: Pay the SEVIS Fee. ... Step 4: Contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate to obtain a valid F-1 visa. ... Step 5: Travel to the US. ... Step 6: Apply for “admission” to the US.

How many years is f1 visa valid for?

For Indian passport holders, F-1 student visas are generally valid for five years from the start date of your programme. However, although your student visa may be valid for five years, your stay in the United States on your student visa is dependent on your status as a student.

Can I travel a day before my visa starts?

Airlines should not have any problem if you have taken a plane out of India - layover in some country mid way - from there to your destination Schengen Country on the day your visa starts is absolutely normal thing to do.

How long can I stay outside US with F1 visa?

5 monthsIf you will be outside of the U.S. for more than 5 months, you will be required to get a new I-20 prior to returning to the U.S. Immigration regulations state that a stay outside of U.S. within 5 months is considered a break in F-1 status.

Can I travel to US with 3 months left on visa?

Q. 1 How long does my passport have to be valid in order to apply for a U. S. visa? You must possess a passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions).

What is the five month rule?

What is the Five-Month Rule? The five month rule refers to the termination of a student's record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) based on the student being away from classes or not in status for five months.

What after f1 visa is approved?

After the Visa Officer says that your US Visa is approved, and before the Visa stamp is printed on your passport, your case could show Administrative Processing. This is a standard process. The applicant would see the status change from Administrative Processing to Issued in few days.

How can f1 visa get green card?

There are four ways through which an F-1 visa international student can get a Green Card.Self-petition as a Person with Extraordinary Abilities. ... Adjust status to a dual intent visa. ... Become an investor in the US. ... Marry a US citizen.

What is the primary inspection for USCBP?

Primary Inspection will be where a USCBP Officer will ask you to present your visa documents and ask questions about where you are arriving from and the purpose of your stay in the U.S. The USCBP Officer can ask any question to determine your eligibility to enter the U.S. If the officer cannot determine your eligibility to enter the U.S. from the documentation you present, or requires additional information, you may be directed for additional questioning at USCBP “Secondary Inspection” at the airport or land crossing.

What is secondary inspection?

Secondary Inspection is a separate, guarded room area where you will be asked to wait to speak individually with a more senior level USCBP Officer. Secondary Inspection also has access to additional information, including more details about your visa/SEVIS record. In Secondary Inspection, you may be advised that you are not able to make any phone calls without permission of the USCBP Officer — please follow their directions. Recent changes in U.S. Department of Homeland Security guidance allows USCBP to ask any question needed to determine your eligibility to enter the U.S., including your past travel history, financial information, information about your family members, previous travel to the U.S., as well as request that you provide access to your email or social media accounts for review. Please note that wait times at Secondary Inspection can be under one hour or it may take many hours. If you have to wait for an extended period, Secondary Inspection offices have bathrooms/toilets and access to water. If there are any concerns, you will be advised to speak with a Secondary Inspection Officer for assistance. Please note there is no way to expedite (speed up) processing at Secondary Inspection, so it is advised to remain calm.

What does it mean to be referred to secondary inspection?

Being referred to Secondary Inspection does NOT necessarily mean that you have done anything wrong. Similar to your visa interview appointment and visa processing at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate, security procedures must be completed in order to enter the U.S. and can take some time to resolve (based on the type of procedure and number of individuals in Secondary Inspection at the time of your entry to the U.S.). We ask that you be patient. If you are waiting for an extended period of time at Secondary Inspection, you may request from USCBP (which may or may not be granted) the ability to contact anyone who may be waiting for you at the airport. USCBP also has access to contact information for the MIT International Students Office.

How to contact MIT International Students Office?

During normal business hours (Monday-Friday between 9:00am-4:00pm Eastern Time), please contact the ISO main office by phone (617-253-3795).

What documents do I need to travel to MIT?

Students traveling within the U.S. (anywhere outside of Cambridge/Boston) are always advised to carry their original passport, Form I-20, I-94 record, and proof of enrollment at MIT as evidence of their valid student visa status in the U.S. This information can be requested by Federal authorities, especially if traveling by airplane, train, or bus.#N#U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will occasionally conduct enforcement activities (transportation checks, traffic stops) near the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borders, claiming authority to do such random checks within a 100-mile border zone from Canada or Mexico. Therefore, it is important to carry your original visa documentation with you when traveling in these areas.#N#If any questions arise, please feel free to contact your ISO Advisor.

How long does a passport have to be valid?

Valid Passport. It must be valid for at least 6 months when you enter the U.S. Valid American (United States) F-1 Visa. A valid F-1 visa stamped in your passport. If you need to apply for a new visa, bring proof of financial support and your Form I-20 to the American (U.S.) Consulate or Embassy. A current photograph will also be necessary ...

How to contact ISO?

Outside of business hours, you may reach the ISO directly (617-258-5480) or by calling MIT Police (617-253-2996 or 617-253-1212) and MIT Police will notify ISO Staff to contact you by the phone number you provide.

What is a CBP Officer?

A CBP officer is a Customs and Border Protection Officer that checks your documents, asks you questions, and ensures you are properly authorized to enter the US. You find these officers at every US POE and their role is to ensure physical and economic security in the United States. They have a guide they refer to that prompts them on how to act in the best interest of the United States. For students, they typically check your I-20, school info, among other things, and make sure you have all correct documentation for your entry.

What Should I Expect if I Get Sent to a Secondary Inspection?

You will be sent to secondary inspection when the CBP officer believes you need additional screening to enter the US. The reasons for this action could be the CBP officers’ inability to verify your documents, possible fraudulent documents, or the belief that you have different intentions for entering the country.

What Documents Should I Carry as an F1 student to Make Sure I’m Not Denied at Port of Entry?

Make sure you do not put these documents in your checked luggage! Keep them handy with you at all times in case any problems arise — there will be no excuses at the US POE for misplaced documents. You are only allowed to pick up your checked-in bags after the interview with the CBP officer.

Why are F1 visa holders deported?

On the more extreme side, there are even cases of F1 visa holders getting deported because they failed to convince CBP officers of their right to study in the country. This is not the fate anyone desires when trying to enter a country.

How long does a home inspection last?

Usually, the inspection lasts anywhere from under 5 minutes to a maximum of 10 minutes.

What is the purpose of the secondary inspection booth?

The point of this inspection is to verify your details without causing interruption to other passengers who are coming in. If you are taken for secondary inspection, do not worry; as long as your intentions are true and you are genuine with your answers, you will not have any problems entering the US.

Who decides on a visa for the US?

The final decision is always in the hands of the CBP officer at the POE you make it to. The visa is only the first step in the process to eventually be granted access to the US. If you want to know more about this, read the details about what a US visa is, directly from the US Department of State.

How to renew an F-1 visa?

Renewing Your F-1 Visa Stamp 1 When renewing your visa, anticipate delays, especially if you will be traveling during holiday or peak travel seasons. Security checks can delay visa issuance by several weeks. 2 Please note that you do not need to pay the SEVIS fee for visa renewals. The SEVIS fee is a one-time fee paid prior to starting your F-program. 3 You can only renew your visa at a U.S. consulate abroad.

Where can I print my SEVIS fee receipt?

SEVIS fee receipt (I-901): Don’t have your receipt? You can print it at www.fmjfee.com

How long is an I-20 good for?

I-20 form with valid travel signature. Travel signatures are good for one year, or until the end of the program, whichever date is earlier. *NOTE: F-1 students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) must have travel documents signed every 6 months

Where to make an appointment for a F visa?

Make an appointment to interview for the F-visa at the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy. The consulate will not schedule an appointment for you. Review the Department of State website for visa interview tips.

Where to get I-94 form?

At the port of entry, your passport will be date stamped and returned to you. Obtain your electronic I-94 form at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home.

What is D/S in passport control?

At passport control, an officer will review your documents and handwrite in your passport your visa status and D/S (Duration of Status - meaning your stay will be valid for the duration of your status).

How to retrieve I-94?

You can retrieve a copy of your I-94 by visiting the CBP website. A new I-94 record will be generated each time you enter the U.S., and we recommend you retrieve this record each time you enter. Keep these records as screen grabs or photos as your I-94 is the only documentation proving your date and status of entry.

What does "secondary inspection" mean?

Upon inspection of your documents, you may be sent to "secondary inspection" which means an additional inspection of your documents is required. Often this is done on a random basis and may have nothing to do with your specific circumstances.

How long is a passport valid?

Passport (valid for at least 6 months into the future)

How long before I-20 can I enter the US?

You may enter the U.S. in initial F-1 or J-1 status (meaning you are a new international student, not a SEVIS transfer student) up to 30 days before the program start date on your I-20 or DS-2019. Your I-20 should indicate the earliest date you can enter the U.S.:

What is the next step in the visa-related process?

Port of Entry Inspection. The next step in the visa-related process will be entering the U.S. which involves a passport/document inspection at the port of entry. This is the airport where you first land in the U.S., but could also be a sea port or a land port.

Where to find start date on F-1?

F-1: If you received an I-20, your start date can be found under "Program of Study" on page one:

How to contact SEVP for transfer out?

If you need help contacting the transfer-out school, call the SEVP Response Center at 800-892-4829.

How to transfer records back to the correct school?

You can transfer the record back to the correct school. Contact the DSO at the transfer-out school or the student and determine to which school the student actually plans to transfer. It is a good idea to coordinate with the DSO of the transfer-in school to ensure you have the correct school code. If you need assistance contacting the student or the transfer-out school, or if the student was on OPT, call the SEVP Response Center at 800-892-4829.

What is transfer release date?

The transfer release date is the date that access to the student’s SEVIS record will shift from the DSO at the transfer-out school to the DSO at the transfer-in school. According to 8 CFR 214.2 (f) (8) (ii) (C), the transfer release date is "the current semester or session completion date, or the date of expected transfer if earlier than the established academic cycle." Among the considerations in setting the date are allowing the following:

When do you transfer your SEVIS record?

If the student has received acceptance by another SEVP-certified school with a program start date fewer than 30 days before or after the student’s initial admission into the United States , you must transfer the student’s SEVIS record. Follow the directions in the next question for transferring an Initial record.

What happens if I transfer out of school?

If the student’s record was Active at the transfer-out school, the student’s record will be in Initial status after you submit the Form I-20. You can print a Form I-20 that shows the student’s transfer is pending. The record will remain on the list of Students in Transfer Status until you activate the student’s record.

When to contact DSO for transfer?

Advise the student to contact the DSO at the transfer-in school as soon as possible after the transfer release date. The student should be sure to do the following:

What is incident to status study?

F-1 transfer students are considered to be maintaining status during the timeframe between completion of one program of study and the start a new program of study (does not apply if the timeframe exceeds 5 months).

What is Section 4 A of the Proclamation of October 25, 2021?

Section 4 (a) (v) of Presidential Proclamation of October 25, 2021 charges “the Secretary of Health and Human Services , through the Director of the CDC,” with “maintaining a list of countries where the availability of COVID-19 vaccination is limited , with such countries defined as those where less than 10 percent of the country’s total population has been fully vaccinated with any available COVID-19 vaccine or are otherwise determined by the Director of the CDC to qualify as countries where the availability of COVID-19 vaccination is limited.”

What is the I-765 form?

The I-765 form to apply for Optional Practical Training instructs you to submit the form within the United States. We recommend that you follow the instructions on the form. If you follow different instructions, we cannot provide guidance on how USCIS will respond or whether they will accept your application.

What to do if you are stressed at UW?

If you are experiencing stress or anxiety about this situation, we encourage you to reach out to counselors, advisers, or friends to talk about your feelings. UW Counseling Services and UW Hall Health and are available to help. You can visit the ISS Campus Resources webpage for a list of support services.

When is the next school year for nonimmigrant students?

The March 2020 guidance applies to nonimmigrant students who were actively enrolled at a U.S. school on March 9, 2020, and are otherwise complying with the terms of their nonimmigrant status, whether from inside the United States or abroad. A summary of the March 2020 guidance is available below.

How many quarters do I need to complete to get OPT?

To apply for OPT, you must complete one academic year (three quarters) of full-time study IN the U.S. However, students studying outside the U.S. who were originally issued Transfer Pending or Change of Education Level forms I-20 may apply full-time study from outside the U.S. to benefit eligibility.

How long does it take to get an expired travel signature?

If your travel signature is expired, complete the Online Travel Signature request form. Allow up to 10 business days for processing. Once processed, you will receive a digital I-20 with an e-signature sent to your official UW email account.

How long is a student travel signature valid?

It is helpful to review the Travel and Visas information and check the travel signature expiration date on page 2 of the I-20s. Travel signatures are valid for one year for continuing students.

Can I travel outside the United States if I have a Form I-485 adjustment of status application pending?

No, not without advance permission. If you depart the United States with a pending Form I-485, you have abandoned your application unless you receive permission in advance from USCIS to return to the United States. We call this Advance Parole. Additionally, CBP may also consider you ineligible to return to the United States as an F-1 student because your application to change status to that of a permanent resident is evidence of intent to immigrate, which is inconsistent with nonimmigrant student status.

Do dependents have to travel with the primary?

No . However, your primary must be maintaining status. Consult the DSO from your primary’s school to ensure your primary is in status before traveling. You will need a valid passport. See Re-entry for F-1 Non-immigrants Travelling Outside the United States for Five Months or Fewer above

Are there any other requirements for dependents to travel outside the United States?

However, if you are not returning to your country of citizenship, you should check the requirements of the country you are visiting . Some countries will require a visa. You may also need a visa for countries where you are making a connecting flight. Be sure to check before you travel.

Do M-2 nonimmigrants have to travel with the primary (M-1)?

No. However, you must be able to show that your primary (M-1) has been admit ted and has maintain ed student status. We recommend that you consult with the DSO from your primary’s school to ensure the M-1 is in status before traveling. You will need the documents, which are listed in the “What documents do the spouse and minor children of a continuing M-1 student need to reenter to the United States after traveling abroad?” FAQ.

What if I have an expired passport or one that will expire in less than six months?

You must renew your passport before you re-enter the United States. Usually, to enter the United States, you must have a passport that is valid for at least six months after the date you enter or re-enter.

What if my F-1 student visa has expired?

You can stay in the United States on an expired F-1 visa as long as you maintain your student status. However, if you are returning home or traveling to a country where automatic revalidation does not apply, you must have a valid visa to return to the United States.

Do I need a valid visa to visit Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, or the Northern Mariana Islands?

No, unless your travel plans include entry to any other country en route to these U.S. territories. You will need a valid Form I-20 and a valid unexpired Form I-94. Be sure that you do not have a terminated SEVIS record indicating that you are out of status.

Inspection / Questioning at The U.S. Port-Of-Entry

Travel Within The U.S.

Request A Form I-20 with ISO Travel Signature

• Students should check page 2 of their current Form I-20 for an ISO advisor signed travel signature. This signature should be dated at least within 12 monthsof the day you plan to re-enter the U.S. Requesting a Travel Signature for Form I-20 or Form DS-2019: With the ISO working remotely, it is NOT possible to drop off/pick up your Form I-20 or DS-2...

See more on iso.mit.edu

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