Renewal of F1 visa

[Mudit 0]

Hello,

 

I am on F-1 status and my visa just got expired a few months ago. My original visa was issued for University of Minnesota for my masters but now I am in a different University doing my PhD.

I have a valid I-20 for my PhD till 2021 and so I can legally stay in the US for now. But I need to travel abroad and therefore need a valid visa. Can I get a new visa without having to appear for an interview ? Or do I have to go through the same procedure as the first time ?

 

Thanks and Regards

[geowrian 22,337]

If your full time enrollment and SEVIS record remains valid, you can remain in the US even if the visa is expired. The visa is only to apply for admission into the US. The rest is maintaining status.

 

Unless I'm mistaken, interviews for F-1 are not generally waivable.

[Boiler 45,417]

You would need a new interview.

[jan22 3,043]

NobIdy can answer this.  Depends on a lot of factors -- where the original F1 was issued, when it expired, where you are going when you travel "abroad", what nationality you are, policies at the consular section where you would apply, your SEVIS status, when you changed schools/programs, etc.  You need to review the application information for the locale where you plan to apply. 

 

FYI, even if you appear to qualify to submit without an interview, you can always be called in for one -- -which will take longer than if you just applied that way in the first place.  I think it likely that they would want to interview you again, given the length of time already in the US, you going for another degree program after finishing the program for which the original visa was issued, the need to know your financial situation, possible changes to your intentions to leave the United States after completing your studies, etc.