Janice Lozano
International students with F or M visas are permitted to enter the United States no more than 30 days before their program of study begins. Students should immediately contact their designated school official (DSO) upon entering the country and once again when they arrive at their school. Students are not permitted to enter the United States earlier than 30 days before the start date of their program unless they apply and qualify for a visitor (B) visa.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How many days before classes can international students enter the USA? | No more than 30 days before the program start date listed on the I-20. |
| What if an international student arrives more than 30 days before the start of their program? | They must separately apply and qualify for a visitor (B) visa. |
| What if an international student arrives more than one week late? | They should defer to the following semester. |
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What You'll Learn
- International students can enter up to 30 days before classes start
- Students with F or M visas cannot enter earlier than 30 days before
- Students with visa delays should contact their academic department
- Students must enter before classes start, no later than one week after
- Students can depart and re-enter the US on their student visa
International students can enter up to 30 days before classes start
International students can enter the United States up to 30 days before the start date of their program. This applies to students on F, J, or M visas. This means that if your program starts on September 23, the earliest you can enter the US is August 24.
It is important to note that this is not always the same date as the start of classes or the orientation date. The program start date is listed on your I-20, which is a document that outlines your earliest permissible admission date. You should refer to this date when making travel plans.
If you wish to enter the US earlier than 30 days before your program start date, you will need to apply for a separate visitor (B) visa. This will allow you to enter the country, but you will then need to apply for a change of status to a student (F or M) visa before your program starts. This process can be lengthy, and you will not be able to begin your course of study until the change of status is approved.
It is also important to remember that, as an international student, you must immediately contact your Designated School Official (DSO) when you enter the United States. You will also need to contact your DSO again upon arriving at school, no later than the program start date listed on your Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status."
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Students with F or M visas cannot enter earlier than 30 days before
International students with F or M visas cannot enter the United States earlier than 30 days before the start of their program. This rule is in place even if the student has valid F or M visas. The 30-day limit is not calculated on a monthly basis but rather as exactly 30 days. This means that if a student's program starts on September 23, they cannot enter the US earlier than August 24.
Students who wish to enter the US earlier than 30 days before the start of their program must apply for and obtain a visitor (B) visa. Once admitted to the US with a visitor visa, they must then apply to change their status to an F or M visa before the start of their program. Students may not begin their course until the change of status is approved, and processing times can be lengthy.
Students with F or M visas are advised to carefully plan their travel to the US, taking into account the 30-day limit. They should refer to the program start date listed on their Form I-20 or DS-2019 to ensure they do not enter the country more than 30 days in advance. It is important to note that entry to the US after the program start date is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of the Port of Entry Officer and the academic department.
In addition to the 30-day entry limit, students with F or M visas must also comply with other requirements. For example, upon entering the US, students must immediately contact their Designated School Official (DSO) and complete Immigration Status Verification (ISV). Students are also required to attend all classes and maintain normal academic progress. If a student is unable to study full-time, they must notify their DSO to discuss a possible reduced course load or other options.
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Students with visa delays should contact their academic department
International students with F, J, or M visas are not permitted to enter the United States earlier than 30 days before the start date of their program. Students who wish to enter the US earlier than 30 days before their start date must apply and qualify for a visitor (B) visa.
Students should be mindful that a late entry letter does not guarantee entry to the US, as students should ideally be entering the US by the program start date listed on their I-20. Upon entry to the US, international students must immediately complete Immigration Status Verification (ISV) so that the Office of International Services can properly activate their SEVIS record.
Students should also be aware that their school's international student office can only provide guidance and support. They cannot make decisions on behalf of the US government regarding visa approvals. To check the status of an F-1 student visa application, students can visit the US Department of State's Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website and enter their CEAC barcode and application location.
In addition to contacting their academic department, students facing visa delays may consider deferring their studies. However, deferring enrollment may have financial and academic implications, and the process can be time-consuming and require additional paperwork. It is important to make the decision to defer as soon as possible and to be mindful of any deadlines, which may vary by school and program.
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Students must enter before classes start, no later than one week after
International students with F or M visas are not permitted to enter the United States earlier than 30 days before the start date of their program. This rule is in place even if you have been issued a student visa, which can be issued up to 365 days before the start date of a course of study. If you wish to enter earlier than 30 days before your start date, you must apply for a visitor (B) visa.
Upon entry to the U.S., international students must immediately complete Immigration Status Verification (ISV) so that their SEVIS record can be activated. Students are also required to attend the New Student Orientation, and those who are unable to enter the U.S. in time due to visa delays should contact the Office of Orientation Programs and their academic department.
In general, students cannot arrive more than one week after classes start and must be enrolled full-time for that semester. If a student is going to be more than one week late, they should defer to the following semester. A late entry letter from the academic department can be issued, but it does not guarantee entry to the U.S. as students should ideally enter by the program start date listed on their I-20.
It is important to note that students on F or M visas must depart the United States within 60 days after the program end date listed on Form I-20. Students may request an extension through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if needed.
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Students can depart and re-enter the US on their student visa
International students with F or M visas are not permitted to enter the United States earlier than 30 days before the start date of their program. Students wishing to enter the US earlier than 30 days before the start of their program must apply and qualify for a visitor (B) visa.
Students on F or M visas can depart and re-enter the US on their student visa. However, they must maintain their student status and have a valid passport to re-enter the US. Students with F visas must depart the US within 60 days of the program end date listed on Form I-20, including any authorized practical training. Students with M-1 visas must depart the US within 30 days of the program end date.
Students who have received approval for Optional Practical Training (OPT) but depart before starting work will lose their OPT status and may not be able to re-enter the US. Students with OPT approval who have secured a job may travel and re-enter the US to resume work.
Students should consult with their Designated School Official (DSO) before travelling outside the US. They must have a current SEVIS Form I-20 endorsed for travel, and their DSO should be able to verify that their SEVIS record is accurate and up-to-date. Students must also have a current passport valid for at least six months after the date of their re-entry.
Students must take action to maintain their legal status or depart the US after completing their program of study. F and M students must complete their program of study and any authorized practical training before departing the US.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can enter the USA up to 30 days before the start date of their program.
You can apply for your visa up to 365 days before the start date of your course.
If you want to enter the USA more than 30 days before your course starts, you must apply for and qualify for a visitor (B) visa.
Students are expected to enter the USA by the program start date listed on their I-20. If you arrive more than one week after classes start, you may not be allowed to join the course and may have to defer to the following semester.
You can arrive in the USA up to 30 days before your course start date, regardless of when your orientation starts.
