Visa Renewal

General Information About Visas

• The visa stamp in your passport may expire while you stay in the US, but the visa must be valid whenever you re-enter the US
• A valid visa is not necessary when returning from Canada, Mexico, and most Caribbean islands if you have been gone for less than 30 days. This exception does NOT apply to students from North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Sudan, Iraq, Iran, and Libya.
• When re-entering the U.S. from abroad (except for above exceptions), your visa should:
  • list your current visa status
  • not have expired
  • have additional entries remaining
    "M" means that you can enter multiple times in that visa status.

Visa Renewal Process

• If your visa has expired or you have used all of the entries, you must have it renewed at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country or another country.
• If you renew your visa in a country other than your home country, please make an appointment to discuss your plans with an ISSS advisor.
• Instructions for renewing your visa can be found at: http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/index.html.

At the Embassy or Consulate:

1. You must submit the following documents:
   1. A passport valid for at least six months
   2. An application Form DS-156, together with a Form DS-158
      • Both forms must be completed and signed
      • Some applicants will also be required to complete and sign Form DS-157
      • Blank forms are available without charge at all U.S. consular offices and on the Visa Services website under Visa Applications Forms
   3. A receipt for the visa application fee
      • You must have a receipt showing payment of the fee for each applicant, including each child listed in a parent's passport who is also applying for a U.S. visa, is needed
   4. An I-20 (or DS-2019) that has been signed for travel by an international student advisor within the past 12 months
2. You should be prepared to submit:
   1. An official transcript of your grades
      • Go to 130 Jesse Hall for an official MU transcript
   2. Financial documents from you or your sponsor, showing your ability to cover the cost of your schooling
      • This can include bank statements and assistantship letters
   3. A letter from your department stating that you are a current student making normal progress in the department
   4. One photograph 2x2 inch square (50x50 mm) for each applicant
      • More Information on photo requirements
3. Non-immigrant Intent Documentation:
   1. Student visa applicants must establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer that they:
      • Have binding ties to a residence in a foreign country, which they have no intention of abandoning
      • Will depart US when they have completed their studies
   2. It is impossible to specify the exact form the evidence should take since applicants' circumstances vary greatly
4. Additional Information:
   1. Please check the website of the US embassy to which you will go to find out if additional documents are required. You must submit these documents to the embassy or consulate
   2. How long will you have to wait for a visa?
   3. More Information