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US to issue student visas 120 days before classes begin
2/16/2006
The United States will now issue student visas for foreign students up to 120 days before classes begin, as compared to 90 days under previous regulations, reports BDNEWS.
Under the new set of laws, the State Department announced that the students applying for initial-entry F-1 (academic student), F-2 (spouse or child of F-1) and M-1 (vocational training) and M-2 (spouse or child of M-1) visas may now be issued such visas up to 120 days before their academic programme start date.
The announcement said: "This change reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety of our citizens and our visitors by keeping our borders secure, while also taking significant steps to ensure that our doors remain open to those seeking to visit, study or conduct business in the US."
The changes apply only to initial-entry students, the announcement said.
Continuing students may apply for new F or M visas at any time, as long as they have maintained their student status and their Student and Exchange Visitor Information (SEVIS) records are current.
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