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    noneinview's Avatar
    noneinview Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Sep 23, 2008, 08:35 AM
    F-1 visa renewal in Chennai, India, before its expiry
    Hi all,

    I am currently doing my PhD in a US university. My I-20 is valid till 2011, however my visa expires in June 2009. I am traveling to India in November. Is it possible for me to renew my F-1 visa in the Chennai consulate more than 8 months BEFORE its expiration date? Has anyone done this before? Are there rejections or any other trouble? I would really appreciate a quick response.

    Thanks in advance!
    lawanwadee's Avatar
    lawanwadee Posts: 3,653, Reputation: 124
    Immigration Expert
    		  
    #2

    Sep 23, 2008, 09:54 AM

    If you are in US, your status is on I-20, but if you leave the country, your status is on your visa. Don't get confused between "status" and "visa". You extended your stay while you're in US is extending your "status" not visa.

    In this case, your visa already expired. In order to return to US, you must apply for a new F-1. Normally if you have proof that you're still in school, plus valid I-20, it should not be a problem.
    noneinview's Avatar
    noneinview Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Sep 23, 2008, 10:13 AM
    Hi,

    Thank you for your reply. But I think I made a mistake in the question. My visa has not expired. I had meant to write 'June 2009' NOT June 2008. So, as of now my visa has not expired. I am going outside the US on travel in November 2008. So, is it possible for me to renew my visa during this visit which is more than 8 months before my visa expiration date?
    lawanwadee's Avatar
    lawanwadee Posts: 3,653, Reputation: 124
    Immigration Expert
    		  
    #4

    Sep 23, 2008, 11:11 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by noneinview View Post
    Hi,

    Thank you for your reply. But I think I made a mistake in the question. My visa has not expired. I had meant to write 'June 2009' NOT June 2008. So, as of now my visa has not expired. I am going outside the US on travel in November 2008. So, is it possible for me to renew my visa during this visit which is more than 8 months before my visa expiration date?
    You don't need to apply for a new F-1, just make sure I-20 is valid and don't leave US longer than 5 months or you will fall out of status.
    first_man's Avatar
    first_man Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Nov 11, 2008, 07:25 PM

    Hey Noneinview,

    I was looking for an answer to the same question when I landed in this forum. Please do let me know if you find anything. I would really appreciate any help in this regard.

    Thanks
    mrevalla's Avatar
    mrevalla Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #6

    Apr 5, 2012, 03:54 PM
    Hi,

    I am in the same situation can I apply for visa renewal 6 months before of my visa expiration date.
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