Non-Immigrant Frequently Asked Questions

Student Visas

1. Can I enter the United States on my student (F-1) or (M-1) visa, or exchange visitor (J-1) visa before school/ the exchange program begins?
2. Can I take a holiday after I have completed my studies/exchange program?
3. I have not yet received my I-20 or DS-2019 form, but my classes begin in just a few days. It doesn't look like I will receive the I-20/DS-2019 form prior to my scheduled departure from the Netherlands. What should I do?
4. I have been studying in the U.S. and will shortly be going to the U.S. to start or resume my one-year of post-school Optional Practical Training. I have received an Employment Authorization Card from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. Do I still need a student visa to do my Optional Practical Training?

1. Can I enter the United States on my student (F-1) or (M-1) visa, or exchange visitor (J-1) visa before school/ the exchange program begins?
   United States Department of Homeland Security regulations state that holders of F, M and J nonimmigrant visas will not be admitted to the United States until a date 30 days or less prior to the beginning of your program date, as given on your form I-20 (for F or M visas) or DS-2019 (for J visas).
   
   

2. Can I take a holiday after I have completed my studies/exchange program?
   If you have an F-1 visa you may remain in the United States for up to 60 days at the end of your studies; if you have an M-1 visa you may remain for up to 30 days, or in total one year from your date of admission, whichever is shorter. Holders of J-1 visas may remain for up to 30 days. If you wish to remain longer, you will be required to apply for an adjustment of status from F-1/M-1/J-1 to B-2 with the Department of Homeland Security having jurisdiction over your place of residence.

3. I have not yet received my I-20 or DS-2019 form, but my classes begin in just a few days. It doesn't look like I will receive the I-20/DS-2019 form prior to my scheduled departure from the Netherlands. What should I do?
   Please note that students may no longer begin studies at a U.S. school while awaiting adjudication of a change of status application. Students who have not yet received their I-20 or DS-2019 form simply have to wait until they have received all their documents from their school, along with a letter from the school stating that the student may start classes late, then apply for a regular F-1, M-1, or J-1 visa.

4. I have been studying in the U.S. and will shortly be going to the U.S. to start or resume my one-year of post-school Optional Practical Training. I have received an Employment Authorization Card from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. Do I still need a student visa to do my Optional Practical Training?
   Yes. If your original student visa has expired you will need a new student visa to enter the U.S. to begin or resume your Optional Practical Training, even if the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services has already issued you an Employment Authorization Card.