F-1 VISA and passport requirement

[hsmehta88]

Hello All,

My sister is going to apply for F-1 VISA. Her passport is valid until July 2017 and I-20 states study period of 36 months. Does she need to renew her passport? I would really appreciate your help.

Thank you.

[rayb]

Hsmehta

Your sister should plan on renewing her passport well before it is within 6 months of expiring. Normally, she can renew through her country's embassy in the U.S. (though the procedure varies by home country). For Filipinos, for example, they must apply to renew their passport in person at a Philippines Embassy, Consulate or Outreach occasion.

--Ray B

Hello All,

My sister is going to apply for F-1 VISA. Her passport is valid until July 2017 and I-20 states study period of 36 months. Does she need to renew her passport? I would really appreciate your help.

Thank you.

[hsmehta88]

Thank you and how about F-1 VISA duration?

Hello Ray,

Thank you very much for your swift response. I was wondering about the time duration (years) ,for how many years will US embassy give the F-1 VISA. Is it still going to be 5 years? Or to have in normal 5 years VISA, should she reapply for the passport? I am wondering since she has 3 years left on passport, they might give 2.5years of VISA considering 6 months requirement. Please advise me.

Thank you.

[rayb]

It takes 7-12 years for an F1 Priority Date to be current and a visa available, depending on country of applicant. At the time the applicant receives her visa, her passport needs to show at least 6 months before expiration.

--Ray B

Hello Ray,

Thank you very much for your swift response. I was wondering about the time duration (years) ,for how many years will US embassy give the F-1 VISA. Is it still going to be 5 years? Or to have in normal 5 years VISA, should she reapply for the passport? I am wondering since she has 3 years left on passport, they might give 2.5years of VISA considering 6 months requirement. Please advise me.

Thank you.