US student visas 120 days ahead

The United States will issue student visas up to 120 days ahead of the commencement of academic schedule, as compared to 90 days under previous regulations, the State Department announced.

The United States will issue student visas up to 120 days ahead of the commencement of academic schedule, as compared to 90 days under previous regulations, the State Department announced.

Under the new regulations, announced on Tuesday, 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 those visas up to 120 days before their academic programme starts.

The changes apply only to students entering the US for the first time, the statement said. Continuing students may apply for new F or M visas at any time, as long as they have maintained their student status. J-1 (exchange visitor) and J-2 (spouse or child of J-1) visas may be issued to J-1 visitors at any time before the beginning of their programmes.

The decision is part of steps taken to welcome visitors to the US without compromising on security.

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