India Press Releases

U.S. Student Visas: Secure Borders and Open Doors in the Information Age

February 15, 2006

NEW DELHI, February 15 -- The U.S. Department of State has extended the length of time for which foreign students may be issued visas.  This is one of the elements of the recently announced Rice-Chertoff Joint Vision that will enhance U.S. border security while streamlining security processes and facilitating travel for visitors to the United States.

 Students applying for initial-entry F-1, F-2, and M-1 and M-2 visas may now be issued those visas up to 120 days before their academic program start date (as compared to 90 days under previous regulations).  J-1 and J-2 visitors may be issued visas at any time before the beginning of their programs.

 These changes apply only to initial-entry students.  Continuing students may apply for new F or M visas at any time, as long as they have maintained their student status and their Student and Exchange Visitor Information (SEVIS) records are current.

 As part of the Joint Vision announced by U.S Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, this change reflects the Department of State's ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety of U.S. citizens and visitors to the U.S. by keeping U.S. borders secure, while also taking significant steps to ensure that doors remain open to those seeking to visit, study or conduct business in the U.S.