Feb 25, 2023
Here’s a significant update bringing in a sigh of relief for international students aspiring to study in the US.
The US Government announces a new processing timeline for F-1 visa (student visa) applicants. According to this update, international students can now apply for an F-1 visa up to 365 days before the academic term begins. Earlier they had to apply 120 days prior to the start of the academic term. |
This new processing timeline for student visas applies to both the visa categories, F & M student visas. Therefore, the F & M student visas can now be issued up to 365 days in advance of the I-20 program start date. This latest processing timeline will provide more time for students to apply for a visa. As a result, universities can now accept and issue the I-20 forms 12-14 months before term time.
Previously, visa interviews could be scheduled only up to 120 days prior, and I-20 forms were sent 4-6 months before the term started. This recent change will allow students to apply early and avoid any last-minute visa processing rush.
Additionally, the United States government is also working towards cutting the waiting period for visa processing. To further avoid visa application delays, multiple measures have been taken, this includes special interview slots, interview waivers for some visa applicants and planning to allow domestic stamping of H-1B renewals.
One thing to be kept in mind is that despite the change in the visa processing timeline, the US Department of State has clarified that international students will be able to travel to the US only 30 days prior to the start of their program.
However, this most recent visa update will surely be beneficial for international students aspiring to study in the USA, as they will have ample time for visa processing. This will further minimise the possibility of deferment of academic intakes as well.
So, if you are looking forward to studying in the United States, this is your golden chance to avoid visa processing hassles by applying early for your US student visa. To further streamline this process, you can visit us at KC Overseas and get application assistance from our US counsellors.
Get benefits from our end-to-end services and this latest visa update by approaching us at your earliest!