The United States Department of State has announced an important update that will provide much needed relief to international students seeking to study in the US. The update allows potential F-1 visa applicants to apply for their visa up to 365 days before the start of their academic term. Previously, visa interviews could only be scheduled up to 120 days prior to term start, and I-20 forms could only be issued 4-6 months prior to term start.
This update gives students more time to prepare and apply for their visas, as universities can now accept and issue I-20 forms 12-14 months ahead of term. However, there is one caveat: students may enter the US on their visa only up to 30 days prior to the start of their program.
“F and M student visas can now be issued up to 365 days prior to the start date of the I-20 program, giving students more time to apply for the visa. Students can still enter the US on student visas. 30 days prior to the start date of their program,” the US State Department announced.
The updated policy will provide international students with more flexibility and time to plan and prepare for their studies in the US. With the new policy, they will be able to apply for their visas and complete other necessary preparations well in advance of the commencement of the period. Additionally, universities will have more time to process I-20 forms and assist their international students with their applications.
India is America’s number one priority: Visa officials
Meanwhile, a US visa official said that India is America’s number one priority and visa processing across the country has increased by about 36 per cent after the Covid pandemic.
Addressing a media interaction organized by the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies on Tuesday, Julie Stuffat, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services at the Bureau of Consular Affairs, said, “India is the number one priority we are facing right now. We are absolutely committed to finding a way out of this situation. It is certainly not our norm that anyone seeking a visa appointment or visa in India has to wait for it.”
He further added, “So far this year, we have issued 36 percent more visas to India than before the COVID pandemic. And that is a huge percentage of progress.”
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