VISAS
A visa is an application for permission to enter the U.S. A student visa (F-1) is issued to those who wish to enter
the United States to study. To keep your F-1 status, you must remain a full-time student in good standing with the
institution that issued your I-20. The visa stamp that you got in your country is an entry visa. If it says
"multiple,” that means you can enter and leave the U.S. more than once before the expiration date. If your visa
expires while you are in the U.S., it is okay because the visa is used for entry to the U.S. Once you are in the
U.S., you can stay as long as you have a valid I-20 and maintain your F-1 status. Citizens from most countries
can also travel to Canada or Mexico even if their F-1 visa is expired as long as they have a valid, unexpired I-20.
(Please check with the Student Services and Immigration Advisors BEFORE traveling if your visa is expired!) If
your visa expires and you travel to another country besides Canada or Mexico and you plan to return to the U.S.,
you must get a new entry visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate before you can re-enter the U.S. Be sure your I-
20 has not expired before your date of return to the U.S.