Late F1 visa adjudication. What to do?

[maiyess 0]

In September 2020, I had an appointment for the F1 visa at the embassy and I got accepted. However, I didn't know that I had to leave Italy in the 1 month window after receiving the visa.

My classes started in January 2021, so we decided for me to send my passport via courier to the embassy in December 2020 so that the 1 month window would overlap with the start of my classes.

Unfortunately, COVID got worse and with all those flights being cancelled and stuff, I decided to not go in January and keep being a remote student for the time being. Now that everything kinda settled in (and for other personal reasons), I decided to go in the States but now there's a problem:

 

What do I do?

Do I just send them the passport and they give it back with the visa or do I have to re-do the appointment?

Is the start date of classes on the I-20 a problem? (In the appointment, the start date was in January 2021, but if asked I can onbtain an I-20 of any future date from my university)

If I have an updated I-20 given to me from my university, do I send it with my passport?

 

I tried calling already but I still have doubts regarding this situation.

If anyone is nice enough to replay to me, then thanks a lot!

 

[designguy 1,179]

Status of Operations:  The United States Embassy and Consulates in Italy remain unable to resume routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services at this time. We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date. If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-it/niv or (+39) 06 9480 3777 to request an emergency appointment.

 

https://it.usembassy.gov/visas/

[Coco8 1,042]

Did you talk to the international office at your university? I believe this is a common issue so you should talk to them, because they would know what's going on at the border. 

 

The updated i-20 does not need a new F1 visa. My understanding is that the visa is still valid. However, you need to know what officials at the border are saying/deciding. It seems a practical issue and they can decide to allow you in, because there are extreme circumstances as to why you couldn't fly last month. That shouldn't require a new visa.

 

I would ask you university for a letter that you have been attending classes online and print out whatever you are doing for class, like your partial grades, or syllabus of classes. Email correspondence with your professors. 

 

The 1 month thing for the visa is because, under normal circumstances, you cannot start classes a month late. However, you have been enrolled and attending class.

Edited February 19, 2021 by Coco8