Applying to Rene an F-1 or -1 Visa

Applying to Renew an F-1 or J-1 Visa

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Students should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate they plan to visit for detailed requirements. Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the visa applicant's interview by a Consular Officer. Applicants are advised of this requirement when they apply. Most administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of the visa interview. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visa, well in advance of the anticipated travel date. Below are the basic documents needed to apply for the renewal of an F-1 or J-1 Visa.

Active Form I-20 or DS-2019 which has been signed for travel by the ISC immigration adviser within one year prior to the re-entry date.

Proof of full-time enrollment, copy of current transcripts and MyUCF () registration for future terms (if enrolled for the upcoming semester).

Proof of current financial support (e.g. financial statements, affidavit of support from sponsor, or letter of financial assistance from UCF).

Valid passport for a minimum of six months beyond the re-entry date to the U.S.

Enrollment Letter issued by an ISC immigration adviser verifying student's status. Letter takes two business days to process and may be obtained by submitting a Travel Authorization Request Form.

Visa application form, fees and photographs (according to Embassy required format).

APPLICANTS WITH DEPENDENTS MUST ALSO PROVIDE

All immigration documents for F-2 or J-2 dependents.

Additional funds are needed for each F-2 or J-2 dependent, thus the amounts on financial documents will need to be higher.

Proof of relationship to spouse or children (e.g. marriage and birth certificates).

If dependents apply for a visa without the presence of the principal F-1 or J-1 student, they need to bring copies of the student's documents.

STEPS FOR VISA RENEWAL PRIOR TO LEAVING THE U.S.

1. Students must identify the visa application requirements for the Embassy or Consulate where they plan to apply for a visa renewal. Visit

2. Acquire all documents the Embassy or Consulate needs to issue a visa.

3. Make a visa appointment.

4. Reserve a flight that allows sufficient time to obtain a visa. Certain individuals may be subject to security clearances, which can result in delays of 20 additional business days or more. Students should be aware of the negative effect a delay may have on completing courses when traveling in the middle of a semester.

5. Preparation and organization is important during a visa interview. Students must be mindful that the purpose of a student visa is to study. They must also show they have reasons and plans to return to their home country.

International Services Center 12701 Scholarship Drive, Orlando, FL 32816-0130 ? Telephone (407) 823-2337 ? Fax (407) 823-2526 ? Email isc@ucf.edu

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UCF - International Services Center

Applying to Renew an F-1 or J-1 Visa

APPLYING FOR A VISA RENEWAL AT A U.S. EMBASSY OR CONSULATE AS A THIRD COUNTY NATIONAL

?? Not all Embassies accept third country visa applicants and the decision to accept applications vary throughout the year. Scholars must contact the Embassy prior to making travel plans and ensure their application is accepted.

?? Canada and Mexico are popular locations for visa renewals and have various locations. Scholars may visit http:// travel.visa/temp/without/without_1260.html#TCN for locations and information on how to make an appointment. Please note that citizens of countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism are ineligible to apply at an Embassy or Consulate at a U.S. border.

?? Students who have applied for a visa renewal in a contiguous territory (Canada, Mexico and Caribbean Islands) and are awaiting a decision (visa has not been issued) may not re-enter the U.S. using the automatic visa revalidation. If the visa application is denied, students cannot re-enter the United States until they obtain a new visa from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

AUTOMATIC REVALIDATION OF VISA FOR RE-ENTRY TO THE UNITED STATES

The "Automatic Revalidation of Visa" means that for F and J visa holders a valid U.S. entry visa is not required to travel to a contiguous territory (Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean Islands excluding Cuba) for less than 30 days. Under the Automatic Visa Revalidation rule, if a scholar in F or J status enters the United States from the contiguous territories after an absence from the United States not exceeding 30 days, the entry visa is considered to be automatically extended to the date of re-entry. Automatic Revalidation does not apply to:

?? Students whose visa has been cancelled by the consulate office.

?? Students who have applied for a new visa while in Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean Islands excluding Cuba. Applicants for a new U.S. visa while in one of these countries must wait for a decision before being eligible to re-enter the United States. Certain individuals will be subject to a security check and delays of 20 business days or longer may occur. Scholar will not be allowed to re-enter the United States until their visa is renewed/approved. If the visa application is denied, the scholar cannot re-enter the United States until they obtain a new entry visa from the U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country.

?? Students traveling from a contiguous territory (for example, Canada or Mexico) to a noncontiguous country (for example, India or China) with the intention of returning to the United States via a contiguous territory (Canada or Mexico). This rule does not apply to F and J visa holders who are citizens of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan and Syria.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO ENTER UNDER AUTOMATIC REVALIDATION

When re-entering the United States from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean Islands excluding Cuba using automatic visa revalidation, students must have in their possession:

A valid and unexpired I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel authorization signature by an adviser at the International Services Center.

A valid I-94. Students should not surrender their valid form I-94 to immigration officials upon departure from the United States (applicable to those scholars with the older I-94 card).

3) An original, unexpired passport.

Apply for the visa stamp by contacting the consulate office of that country in the United States.

International Services Center 12701 Scholarship Drive, Orlando, FL 32816-0130 ? Telephone (407) 823-2337 ? Fax (407) 823-2526 ? Email isc@ucf.edu

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