Renewing Your U.S. Visa

To enter the U.S., all international students, with the exception of those from Canada, must have a valid F-1/J-1 visa upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry.

  • Once you have entered the U.S. and you have been granted F-1/J-1 status, you may remain in the U.S. as long as you maintain that status regardless of the expiration date of your visa.
  • A visa is required only to enter the U.S., it does not determine how long you can remain in the U.S.  If you do not plan to travel outside of the U.S. and return, while you are in F-1 or J-1 status, you will not need to renew your visa.

If your visa has expired and you do need to travel outside of the U.S. and re-enter to continue your studies, you will need to re-new your visa. You can re-new your visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country.  You are not able to obtain a new visa from within the U.S. 

Visa processing times vary from country to country.  We recommend that you contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply to learn about the visa application process.

NOTE:  Please see temporary guidance on visa interview requirements through 12/21/2023.