Student visa issued, when can I fly?

[rh4stc 0]

I had an interview at the US embassy in Paris yesterday and this morning have received my visa! Yippeee!!!

Anyway, on my Ds160 form, I put my planned arrival date of the 11 Dec, being one month before my course starts.

I was expecting to see this date on my visa, but I only have a issue date of 16 Nov 2010 and expiry date of 14 Nov 2015.

Do I take it that my visa is valid as of now and I could travel out earlier than planned? Also, I'm surprised that I've been given one for 5 years, as opposed to the two years I requested.

I'm very happy.

[Penguin_ie 5,994]

Yep, you can travel today if you like. Happy studying!

[canadian_wife 1,822]

Typically the CBP will only admit you within 30 days of your start date of your course. That date should be listed on your I-20

For verification, call the POE you intend to cross in to verify. It is a long journey to be denied entry.

I crossed with my student visa 32 days before my course started and was given a VERY difficult time

Good luck

PS - remember, you must hold full time status. Plus, even though you are given 5 years to complete your course, you must maintain full time status - failing to do so will violate the terms of your visa under which you were granted it.

[rh4stc 0]

Just called the POE at Philly airport, it is indeed 30 days, thanks Canadian, I had a feeling that was the case, but thought there'd be no harm in asking.

So, 30 days before 10th Jan is 11th Dec I think. Gives me more time to prepare here at least.

[Mrs S91 0]

Glad to hear you got your visa without any problems. Also paris work very quick in you receiving your visa the next day. i will be going for my visa for the third time soon (with the help of a lawyer) so fingers cross. enjoy your studies.

[Neal851 3]

Typically the CBP will only admit you within 30 days of your start date of your course. That date should be listed on your I-20

For verification, call the POE you intend to cross in to verify. It is a long journey to be denied entry.

I crossed with my student visa 32 days before my course started and was given a VERY difficult time

Good luck

PS - remember, you must hold full time status. Plus, even though you are given 5 years to complete your course, you must maintain full time status - failing to do so will violate the terms of your visa under which you were granted it.

Thats right..

[Stanley Hermosill 1]

You can pick up some textbooks on the way to the airport right now! Congrats

[rh4stc 0]

Wheee, arrived yesterday, very simple arrival at Philly airport, only asked two questions, what are you studying and do you have any money on you. Passport and I20 stamped and then even my baggage was the first off the plane onto the conveyor belt!

[sachinky 465]

Cool. When I was entering on my F-1 five years ago, the CBP officer asked me, "You look like you're twelve. Are you sure you're going to college?"

I entered about two weeks before Orientation, I think.