The Hindu : National : U.S. extends duration of student visas

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Feb 16, 2006

National

National

U.S. extends duration of student visas

Initial entry F-1 and F-2 and M-1 and M-2 visas may be issued up to 120 days

NEW DELHI: It is good news for students wishing to pursue higher education in America. The U.S. State Department has extended the length of time foreign students may be issued visas.

Students applying for initial entry F-1 and F-2, and M-1 and M-2 visas may now be issued the visas up to 120 days before their academic programme begins as compared to the 90 days visa under the earlier regulations, according to a U.S. Embassy release.

J-1 and J-2 visitors may be issued visas any time before the beginning of their programmes.

The new regulations are part of the recently announced Rice-Chertoff Joint Vision that will enhance border security while streamlining security process and facilitating travel for visitors to the U.S.

These changes, however, apply only to initial-entry students. Continuing students may apply for new F or M visas any time as long as they have maintained their student status and their Student and Exchange Visitor Information (SEVIS) records are current. — PTI

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