U.S. News & World Report ranks Rowan University 28th | More

Program helps Rowan freshmen make connections | More

Princeton Review Names Rowan University a "Best in the Northeast" college | More

Engineering Prof hoping to help future coronary patients | More

Computer science prof gets award for robots in the classroom | More

Renewing an F-1 visa

All visa applicants are now required to appear for an interview at the American embassy or consulate. Before you apply, you should understand the process and rules governing the issuing of a U.S. visa. Please read the following information very carefully and contact us if you need more information or help.

Since the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, there have been many changes to Immigration and State Department rules and procedures. In many cases, it can now take weeks or months to get a US visa because of additional security procedures. Therefore, it is not advisable that students leave the United States during the Winter or Spring breaks if they must get a new visa to re-enter the US.

The Rules

By law, all applicants for non-immigrant visas, such as visitor or student visas, are seen as “potential immigrants”; that is, someone who plans to remain in the U.S. permanently. Student visas are only given to persons who can convince the visa officer that they intend to return permanently to their home country. Therefore, you must be ready to convince the visa officer that you will return home permanently after you complete your studies.

Be Prepared

• Take your current 1-20 endorsed for reentry , or if there has been any significant change in the information on it, a new one, valid passport, and all new evidence of financial support.
• Be ready to prove that you have been a full time student and are making normal progress toward completing your academic program. Be able to account for all the time since your last visa interview.
• Take transcripts from every school you have attended in the U.S.
• Get a letter from the International Student Services Office certifying that you have been maintaining your student status.
• If you changed your major, be prepared to explain why and always relate your decision to career opportunities back home.
• It may be difficult to renew a visa if you are on Optional Practical Training after completion of studies since it is harder to convince the visa officer you will return home. If you must apply for a visa in this circumstance, do not leave the United States until you have your OPT authorization (EAD). Be sure to show the EAD and a letter from your employer verifying your employment.
  

Speak in English, even if your English is not fluent. Do not have anyone else speak for you. DO NOT TRY TO NEGOTIATE with the visa officer.