Study:  General Information 

Student visa applicants are encouraged to apply early for their visa.

When Do I Need to Apply for my Student Visa? 

• Students are encouraged to apply for their visa early to provide ample time for visa processing. Students may apply for their visa as soon as they are prepared to do so.
• Students are advised that all initial or beginning students enter the U.S. 30 days or less in advance of the course of study start/report date as shown on the Form I-20 for assistance, please click here . Please consider this date carefully when making travel plans to the U.S.  
• A beginning student who wants an earlier entry into the U.S. (more than 30 days prior to the course start date),  must qualify for, and obtain a visitor visa. A prospective student notation will be shown on his/her visitor visa and the traveler will need to make the intent to study clear to the U.S. immigration inspector at port of entry. Before beginning any studies, he or she must obtain approval for a change to Exchange Visitor status, filing Form I-539 , For assistance, please click here [Link to Tell Us].   Application for Change of Nonimmigrant Status and pay the fee. Also you must submit the required Form I-20.  Please be aware that one can not begin studies until the change of classification is approved.     
• Continuing students may apply for a new visa at any time, as long as they have been maintaining student status and their SEVIS records are current. Continuing students may also enter the U.S. at any time before their classes start.