International students can now apply for US visas one year in advance

The U.S. Department of State is now allowing international students to apply for a visa one year prior to the state date of their course, it has been confirmed.

A Spokesperson for the State Department confirmed to StudyTravel Magazine, “F and M student visas can now be issued up to 365 days in advance of the I-20 program start date, allowing more time for students to apply for a visa.”

The previous time limit was 120 days prior to the start of a course.

It should be noted that international students can only enter the USA on a student visa within 30 days of the program start date.

The Spokesperson told StudyTravel Magazine that the move, which came into effect on January 26th 2023, was a permanent change “to better facilitate student applicants’ visa interview and travel processes”.

Click here for more information on the current student visa procedures.

As previously reported, the Department of State has already confirmed that some international students may be eligible for visa interview waivers until the end of 2023, a measure to facilitate non-immigrant travel and reduce visa wait times.