New regulation for F-1? Do I need a new F-1?

[haveheart 0]

I checked with the International Students Adviser of the school I was planning to attend and he told me that technically I would need a new visa to return to the U.S. BUT he also told me that in reality that is not necessary and I can use my old visa even if I have been away from classes for more than five months, as long as it's within its expiration date.

Another International Student Adviser from a school I have previously attended told me the same thing!

Is there any new regulation regarding this? Online I've found I need one but those people who work with it daily gave me the same information. What's the real deal?!

thanks everybody!

[Harsh_77 718]

If you are out of country, have and existing F1 visa and valid I-20 and are returning to same school then your F1 is valid.