Now, Indian students who wish to pursue higher education in the United States will now be able to apply for their visa up to one year or 365 days—in advance of the expected start of their academic programme.
After receiving their visas, students will only have 30 days before the start of their academic term to go to the United States.
The ‘F’ and ‘M’ student visas, for study at a university and a vocational or associated training programme, respectively, will now be issued up to 365 days before the start of the I-20 programme, according to the US state department.
Students will have more time to apply for a US visa as a result. Previously, I-20 forms and visa interviews could only be scheduled up to six months before the expected start of an academic programme.
Why change of rules?
This is due to the up to two-year wait period for prospective students’ visa processing.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a number of measures over the past few months to simplify the process and shorten the wait time, including unique interview slots, interview waivers for select applicants, and a plan to permit domestic stamping of H-1B renewals.
What determines the eligibility for an F or M visa?
Either a F visa or a M visa is required, based on the applicant’s choice of course of study and school. The F category visa is granted to applicants who intend to enrol in a university or college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, or another academic institution that offers language instruction.
A person may apply for a M visa if they intend to enrol in a vocational school or other recognised non-academic institution other than a language programme. After getting the admission letter from the relevant US-based institution, one can apply for these visa types. Both visas are valid for stays in the US of up to 60 months.
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