Renew U.S. Student Visa: Latest Procedures

When to get your U.S. student visa renewed? How does the process go? Still unsure about how to renew U.S. student visa? Thao & Co. can help you navigate the process with ease, paving the way to achieving your academic dreams.

When to get your U.S. student visa renewed?

Issued by American authorities, U.S. student visas grant international students legal entry to pursue academic studies in the United States.

Types of U.S. student visas:

1. ● F Visas
2. ● M Visas
3. ● J Visas

The duration of U.S. student visa validity varies for each type and is determined by the information provided in Form I-94:

1. ● The validity period of an F-1 visa status varies from 2 to 5
   years
2. ● M-1 visa holders are eligible for a maximum stay of one year
3. ● J-1 visa holders are eligible for a stay of one year

According to the form, M and F visa holders are eligible to renew their U.S. student visas. Extending a U.S. student visa generally involves the following requirements:

1. ●  You are an international student pursuing academic studies in the United States with an F-1 or M-1 visa
2. ●  You maintain your current legal residency status in the U.S. and have plans to continue your studies in the country

Important note: Once your M-1 visa expires, you have a 30-day post-completion grace period to finalize your studies and prepare for departure. If you have an F-1 visa, you can remain in the U.S. for 60 days
beyond your educational program’s duration.

Upon completing their studies, J visa holders are typically obligated to return to their home country. Alternatively, they may choose to convert to an F-1 or M-1 visa.

Therefore, you are required to return to your home country for either an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate to convert your visa type or to submit your application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

When to renew U.S. student visa? As per the U.S. government guidelines, it is advisable to initiate the renewal process for your U.S. student visa at least 48 days before your current visa or Form I-94 expires. This proactive approach ensures a smooth continuation of your academic journey without any interruptions.

Can I renew my student visa in the U.S.?

The ability for international students to renew their U.S. visa without returning to their home country can indeed depend on the type of visa they hold. For an M-1 visa, you can extend your stay in the U.S. or change your status to an F-1 student visa, provided you meet the requirements.

For students with F-1 visas, the duration of their visa validity is typically within 1 year, regardless of academic programs. After your U.S. student visa expires, you can still remain in the U.S. to complete your study program within the duration specified in your Form I-94, without requiring an extension.

During this period, if you travel to another country or return to your home country, you will need to renew your U.S. student visa to return to the U.S. Before your trip, it’s essential to consult with your Designated School Official (DSO) who is responsible for assisting international students, regarding your specific situation.

If you change your study major, transfer to a different school, or encounter any circumstances that result in extending the duration of your study beyond what is specified in your Form I-94, you will need to return to your home country or visit a third country to renew your F-1 visa.

In the event that your U.S. student visa requires renewal to stay in the U.S. for work upon completing your studies, you will need to transition from your U.S. student visa to a U.S. work visa.

What are the documents you need to prepare for U.S. student visa renewal?

A complete U.S. student visa renewal application includes:

1. ● A valid passport for travel to the United States, with a validity of at least six months beyond your intended stay and two blank pages
2. ● A copy of your birth certificate or Citizen Identity Card
3. ● Confirmation of completing the new DS-160 F-1 visa application form
4. ● A recent passport-sized photograph (51×51 mm) with white background
5. ● Postal visa renewal confirmation page
6. ● A receipt for the visa application fee
7. ● The original of Form I-20 or DS-2019
8. ● A receipt for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee
9. ● Academic transcripts from your educational progress in the U.S.

Important consideration: Having certified translations for your non-English documents can significantly enhance your chances of getting approved.

How to renew my F-1 U.S. student visa?

The F-1 visa typically cannot be renewed within the United States. If your F-1 visa expires, you will need to apply for a new visa in your home country or in a third country where you legally reside or are present.

Before you dive into the renewal process, you need to reach out to your educational institution to ask for a letter proving the purpose of your stay in the U.S., including the anticipated completion date of your study program.

To renew your U.S. student visa, you generally need to follow these steps:

1. ● Step 1: Complete a new DS-160 form to apply for a non-immigrant visa to the U.S. (You need to be careful to avoid inconsistencies with your old Form DS-160).
2. ● Step 2: Continue by logging into the USTravelDocs website. Click on the button “Schedule My Appointment” and fill in the required information, including questions about the conditions for renewing your visa via mail.
3. ● Step 3: Print out a deposit slip and take it to a local courier to pay the MRV fee. Then, you will be instructed on how to register for document delivery.
4. ● Step 4: You print out the Postal Visa Renewal Confirmation Page. After that, prepare your U.S. student visa documents and arrange them in order. Then, bring them to the designated courier to send them to the U.S. Consulate. You can track the current status of your shipment using the tracking number on the Air Waybill (AWB) receipt.
5. ● Step 5: Consular officers will review the submitted documents and send the results to the address you registered in your online account.

Unless you are eligible for Mail-in Visa Renewal Program, in step 2 you will need to schedule an appointment and come for an interview similar to your initial U.S. student visa interview.

How much does U.S. student visa renewal cost?

The current total expense for U.S. student visa renewal is 185 USD. You will also need to pay for delivery fees.

Besides, you need to pay several additional fees, including:

1. ● SEVIS fee: 350 USD
2. ● If you intend to change majors or schools, the readmission document fee typically falls within the range of 30 to 100 USD
3. ● Translation fees may vary based on the agency you choose
4. ● The cost of printing documents may vary based on the agency you choose
5. ● Express delivery fee may vary based on the location you choose

How long does the processing time for renewing an F-1 visa take?

It may vary based on the time of submission, as follows:

1. ● Preparing documents: Generally, it takes 1 to 2 days to prepare your documents. This includes completing the form, paying the fees, and arranging for document delivery by post.
2. ● Submitting your documents and waiting for the Consulate’s approval: Typically, this process takes 8 to 10 days. However, during peak seasons when the demand for visa extensions is high, the approval period may extend up to 21 days.
3. ● Receiving your result: After approval, your passport will be returned to the address you provided earlier, usually within 2 to 4 days.

5 Tips to increase your chances of successful student visa renewal

Here are crucial considerations to enhance your chances of successfully renewing your visa:

1. ● Academic transcripts: It’s crucial to demonstrate consistent academic progress. For U.S. student visa renewals, maintaining a GPA above 2.75 is advisable. Additionally, minimizing the occurrence of failing grades (F) and avoiding the need to retake subjects can strengthen your application.
2. ● Minimize school transfers: Once you decide to transition to a new school, you will have to convince the Consular officer of your decision during your interview.
3. ● Take your ESL (English as a Second Language) course on time.
4. ● Avoid legal problems and stay out of court proceedings.
5. ● Provide full and precise translation of your U.S. student visa renewal documents.

Are you searching for reliable visa translation services? Look no further than Thao & Co. We specialize in delivering precise and professional certified translation services, making us your go-to companion for all your visa translation needs.

From academic transcripts and degrees to bank statements, Thao & Co. handles all your U.S. student visa renewal documents with speed, accuracy, and affordability. Trust us to take the stress out of the process.

Our team of professional linguists who possess specialized degrees in English linguistics from top universities delivers precise translations that meet all the legal requirements of USCIS certified translation for your U.S. student visa renewal.

By choosing Thao & Co.’s certified and notarized translation services, you can expect:

1. ● Commitment to on-time delivery of translations within 24 hours for standard papers and documents
2. ● Thao & Co.’s Certification of Translation Accuracy is provided completely free upon your request.
3. ● Strict confidentiality of all client and project information through rigorous Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
4. ● Our team of experienced linguists ensures meticulous translations that meet U.S. student visa renewal requirements, boosting your chances of success
5. ● Thao & Co.’s proprietary platform helps you keep track of all project progress

Ready to renew your U.S. student visa? Thao & Co. is here to help! For a free consultation on U.S. student visa renewal, leave your details on our Get a Quote page, we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!

So far, we have discussed the major considerations regarding U.S. student visa renewal and how to ensure your academic journey stays free of visa issues. We hope that this information will prove beneficial and increase your chances of successfully getting your U.S. student visa renewed!