Renewing Your Visa

You need a new visa stamp if both are true:

• you will travel outside the U.S., and
• your visa stamp will be expired (or will expire) by the time you plan to reenter the U.S.

You may not need a new visa stamp if:

• you are staying inside the U.S. (visa expiration alone does not require action), or
• you are a Canadian citizen (generally visa-exempt for entry, though you still need the correct status documents).

Visa appointments and processing can take weeks, and timing varies by embassy/consulate. Plan travel accordingly and check visa wait times on the Department of State website.

Possible Extra Delay: Administrative Processing

Some applicants are selected for additional security screening (called administrative processing). This can add 4–12 weeks (or more) before a visa can be issued. Administrative processing can occur even if you were cleared in the past.

If you are experiencing an unusually long delay, please contact OISS.

Renewing a nonimmigrant visa is generally the same process as the initial application, because each application is reviewed independently.

Typically, you will:

• complete the DS‑160 online visa application, and
• schedule a visa interview/appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

SEVIS fee (F‑1/J‑1): If your SEVIS ID number has not changed, you typically do not need to pay the I‑901 SEVIS fee again.

You must apply from outside the U.S.:

• You must be physically present in the country where you apply.
• You cannot mail a visa application from within the U.S.

Prepare using the instructions on the specific embassy/consulate website, including any field-specific document requirements (for example, research plans for researchers).

Applying in Your Home Country (Recommended)

When possible, apply in your country of nationality or residence.

Applying in a Third Country

Update: Please read Updated Policy on Nonimmigrant Visa Applications in a Third Country, be sure to check our Immigration Updates page for more changes, and plan accordingly.

Many applicants can apply in a country that is not their home country, but policies vary by location and applicant profile. Before booking travel, review the embassy/consulate’s website carefully—this is especially important if you have had administrative processing in the past.

Canada or Mexico

If you plan to apply in Canada or Mexico, read the consulate’s instructions closely for appointment eligibility and procedures. If you are in a high-technology/technologically sensitive field or are likely to face additional screening, think carefully about third-country processing.

You Must Stick With Your Visa Renewal Plan

Once you submit a visa application, you generally cannot “switch plans” mid-process. If your application is pending, you must wait for a decision before you can obtain the visa needed to reenter the U.S., you cannot use automatic revalidation.

At the interview, you must show you qualify for a nonimmigrant visa. Be prepared to present:

• required documents listed by the embassy/consulate,
• credible evidence of financial support, and
• information about your academic/research plans and the purpose/length of your stay.

Consular officers may also expect evidence of ties to your home country (for example, family, property, employment, or long-term commitments). If a visa is denied for insufficient ties, there is usually no formal appeal; you would need to apply again with additional evidence.

If you are on OPT/STEM OPT/Academic Training and have a pending or approved H‑1B petition: You may still be asked to demonstrate nonimmigrant intent/ties to your home country. Consult your advisor before applying for a new F‑1/J‑1 visa in this situation.

Below is a basic list of what documents to bring when you reenter the U.S. More details on what documents to bring is available at Arriving in the U.S.: Immigration Inspection (for students) or Arriving in the U.S.: Immigration Inspection (for scholars).

Also check your electronic I‑94 after entry to confirm it reflects the correct status.

• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your reentry date
• Unexpired U.S. visa stamp (unless visa-exempt, e.g., most Canadian citizens)
• Unexpired status document: Form I‑20, DS‑2019, or I‑797
• Valid travel signature on your I‑20 or DS‑2019 (commonly required for F-1/J-1, no older than 12 months)

You need to ensure that your I-20 or DS-2019 has a valid travel signature to re-enter the U.S. Travel signatures are only valid for one year, but good for multiple entries. Be sure to request a new travel signature well in advance of your travel. Travel signatures can be found on the second page of your I-20 or the first page of your DS-2019. If you need a travel signature:

• F‑1 and J-1 students should contact their adviser to request a new I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel signature.
• J‑1 scholars may request a travel signature via MyOISS by submitting the J-1 Scholar Travel Signature Request.
• For all other visa types, please contact your OISS adviser.

If you have dependents (F‑2/J‑2), you usually do not need a separate request; all forms are typically issued together.

• Review your documents before finalizing international travel plans.
• It may also be wise to carry your immigration documents when traveling domestically outside your local area, as officials may request proof of status. See Traveling in the U.S. for more details.
• More recommendations about travel may be found on the Current Travel Guidance page.
• Be sure to regularly monitor and stay up-to-date on Immigration Changes, especially prior to traveling.