After going through the complete process from studying for GRE all the way through visa stamping, occasionally due to family situations, financial situations or medical conditions you may not be able to attend the US school for the term you applied though you have visa. This post explains the process of deferring admission in US Universities and other commonly asked questions.
There are three scenarios where you would like to defer your admission.
- You have only applied to a US University, you do not Have an admission Confirmed
- You have admission confirmed and have I20. But, have not yet got Visa stamping.
- You have admission, I20 and have F1 visa stamping done for a particular University.
Let me try to explain your options one by one.
Scenario 1 : You have only applied to a US University, you do not have an admission Confirmed :
In this situation, you have only applied and would like to just defer the application. The idea is you want the school to consider you for a different term. Lets say you applied for Fall and immediately before their decision, you want to defer admission to Spring. You will need to have a reason for asking deferral. Could be anything. Just be honest.
Steps for Deferring admission and Consequences : It is very simple, all you have to do is ask the University admission office or Graduate school to defer your applications. Most of the times you do not have to pay extra fee. Your application is valid for one year. But, some schools want you to pay again. You will have to check with the Univeristy you are applying in specific. Ideally, you will email three people
1. Admissions coordinator at The Graduate School about deferring admission
2. Admissions coordinator at The actual school you applied to i.e., School of Engineering or School of Business etc
3. (If applicable) Depending on school. You will have to email the International students office or International admissions office. Some schools do not have this separate.
You do not have to do anything else. You should get a confirmation from the University official saying that your admission is deferred for Spring. You will be automatically considered for Spring.
Scenario 2 : You have admission confirmed and have I20. But, have not yet got Visa stamping :
This is a much more likely situation where you have applied and have the admission confirmed. The University have sent you an I20 confirming your admission. But, you have not gone for visa stamping. For some reason you have changed your mind and you would like to go to Spring instead of Fall. As always, you will have to state a reason. Be honest and you do not need to lie.
Steps for Deferring admission and Consequences : It is same process as above, all you have to do is ask the University admission office or Graduate school to defer your applications. You will also need to contact the International Student Advisor or the DSO ( Designated School official) who issues you the I20.
Typically, the Universities let you defer for next term or up to term anytime that ranges within one year since you applied. Ideally, You do not have to pay any extra fee But, some schools want you to pay again or ask for fee for reserving the admission. You will have to check with the University you are applying in specific. Here is what you do: you will email these four people
1. Admissions coordinator at The Graduate School about deferring admission
2. Admissions coordinator at The actual school you applied to i.e., School of Engineering or School of Business etc
3. International Student Advisor or Designated School official(DSO) who have sent you the I20.
4. (If applicable) You will have to email the International students office coordinator or International admissions office coordinator. Most schools have DSO and this office together, but in case they are separate.
Process after your email them about Deferral :
You should get a confirmation from the University official saying that your admission is deferred for Spring or next semester. Apart from that, you should get a New I20 from the school. The DSO sends you a new I20 with his signature. You will have to use this I20 for doing any F1 Visa stamping process when you intend to do for visa stamping. You will sometimes be asked by the University to send back the old I20, if so, you will have to send them back. Ideally, they just send you the new I20 and you will have to use this for visa stamping. In fact, what happens is your SEVIS record is updated and new I20 is released that suits for your New visa application. When you go for visa, you will have to have a valid reason if Visa officer asks you at F1 visa stamping in Consulate.
Scenario 3 : You have admission, I20 and have F1 visa stamping done for a particular University:
This is a sometimes a likely situation where you have done everything and something goes wrong. Lets say, you got your visa after the Orientation date due to some query issues or any other emergency. You have been to the F1 visa stamping and got F1 visa for 5 years and the visa states the University name on it. You will need a very good valid reason here because you will be asked the question at Port of entry. You should be able to tell the proper reason before entering US at the immigration checkpoint at Airport. Check Sample Visa and I94 How they look
Steps for Deferring admission and Consequences : It is similar process as above, you email all the three people as said above. And also, the University lets you defer for next term or up to term anytime that ranges within one year since you applied. Ideally, You do not have to pay any extra fee But, some schools want you to pay again or ask for fee for reserving the admission. You will have to check with the University you are applying in specific. Here is what you do, you will email these four people. You MUST mention you got F1 Visa.
1. Admissions coordinator at The Graduate School about deferring admission
2. Admissions coordinator at The actual school you applied to i.e., School of Engineering or School of Business etc
3. International Student Advisor or Designated School official(DSO) who have sent you the I20.
4. (If applicable) You will have to email the International students office or International admissions office. Most schools have DSO and this office together, but in case they are separate.
Process after your email them about Deferral :
You should get a confirmation from the University official saying that your admission is deferred for Spring or next semester. Apart from that, you should get a New I20 from the school. The DSO sends you a new I20 with his signature. You will have to use this I20 at the port of Entry. It is very critical you have the updated I20 sent by DSO. You will sometimes be asked by the University to send back the old I20, if so, you will have to send them back. Ideally, they just send you the new I20 and you will have to use this at the Port of entry. In fact, what happens is your SEVIS record is updated and it is reflected in new I20. Be careful and you MUST mention to the DSO that you have F1 visa stamping complete. They will update that information in the SEVIS record. So, when you arrive at the port of entry, the immigration officer knows that you have deferred your admission and you have the right I20 reflecting the same. Here is a similar question asked and answered before : I got visa for Fall 2009. Can I come to US for Spring 2010 ? . Also, Some of you may have ideas to transfer Universities before first semester, if so you should read this article : Can I transfer to another US University before first semester? Transfer in first week? Issues ?
About F1 Visa validity if admission is Deferred:
[Updated with info from CBP response ] One of the most asked questions is, “I have got F1 Visa. But I got my admission deferred. Should I go for visa stamping again, after I get deferral”. Simple answer NO, if it is less than 5 months. One of our readers updated that 5 month rule does not apply to new students, it only applies to returning students. He has shared the email confirmation from CBP officer as well. What it means is that, if your F1 Visa is valid and you have I20 issued for the semester you plan to attend, you are good to go to the same school, without the need to go for stamping gain. Also, if you change schools, you may have to do visa stamping again and you should check with the new school you are coming too about the process. But, if you are going to same school, you must be good to go.
I always recommend that you check with the school DSO or the local US consulate office as these things keep changing.
Hi,
I got an I20 form from a high school I applied to, but I have taken too long to go the consulate and get it stamped. The I20 said the program started August 1st, it’s August 7th do I still have a chance? What do I do?
PLEASE HELP
Hi,
I have received admit for this Fall 2016 and also got the visa stamped. Due to some personal reason I will not be going this Fall. I would be deferring the admission to Spring 2017. In case if again I want to defer my admission to Fall 2017 do I need to appear for Visa interview again?If I get a good university in Spring or Fall 2017 do I need to go for visa interview in this case? My orientation is on 10th August do I need to tell I received admit for this Fall 2016 and also got my visa stamped , but due to some personal reason I will not be able to attend it. I would be deferring my admission to Spring 2017. In case if I again defer my admission to Fall 2017 , do I need to appear for visa interview again? Also if I plan to change my university for Spring or Fall 2017 do I need to appear for visa in this case as well? My orientation is on 10th August do I need to tell the university and CBP before that?
Hi
I got my i20 form a few days ago and i have now scheduled my interview on 17th august in kolkata since it is the earliest date i could get. Now my problem is that my classes start from 22nd august and i am afraid i cannot be there on time. What should i do?
Hello Mam/Sir
I got my visa approved on National University,San Diego on June 9th for summer intake (start date -June 22nd). Due to insufficient time I deferred my intake to fall (Start date August -17th) and received my new i20 .(same university,same course ,same sevis id).
I have booked my flight ticket and flying on August 15th. Please,let me know if I can travel with the same visa stamped on my passport or do i need to renew my visa .Also let me know if I need to make any corrections regarding the start date in my ds 160 application.
You don’t have to renew your visa.You can travel with your new I20. Good luck. If you are still doubtful you can contact CBP through mail.
Thank you. I contacted CBP .They said that I can enter U.S with my new i20 and Visa.
I have received I20 for Fall 2016 from the University and have been issued Visa also for 5 years.
However due to non availability of appropriate housing in on/off campus I may have to defer my admission to next semester that is Spring 2017. University has shown their acceptance to this move.
I would like to know whether I will have to go for Visa interview once again upon receipt of new I20? What has to be done with SEVIS?
Thanks,
Rahul
Rahul,
It is very interesting to hear that there is no housing options off campus as well, trust me there are ways to find housing, if you really want to go. Coming to your questions, the answer is mixed, some say you do not need, some say you need. I do know that one of the students on the blog informed that he used the same visa with a new I-20 issued from school for different term and joined…You can always write to CBP to get confirmation and carry the same as backup. Check with DSO and CBP. Frankly, housing should not be the reason for deferral, you just need to search harder.
Contact CBP through mail.You will get all the info you might want.And please do share with us.Good luck.
Hi I am admitted TAMUKingsville also I got I20 and visa stamped for TAMUK but by friends are suggesting me to consider for University of Illinois Springfield for MS in CS TAMUK has lot of Indian diaspora specially in this year fall 2016 so friends suggested to change it for better opportunities I already have I20 from UISpringfield can you suggest me procedure to change my University to UIS at port of entry. Both courses are starting at 22 Aug 2016 TAMUK orientation is 9th aug and UIS orientation is 15th Aug.
I was busy in office work till last month so couldn’t do more thorough research on both Universitys before visa interview.
Nikhil,
Usually, your first entry to US on F1 visa should be to the same University that is stamped in your passport. There has been some conflicting info around on this…You can speak to DSO of the University you plan to transfer to give the right suggestion. You can write to PoE as well. .
I have received I20 and have booked dates for Visa. And unexpectedly I have a back in the last semester of BE. What should I do now??
Well, you cancel the appointment, if you have backlogs. You will have more issue, if you try to do something and fabricate stuff.
Hi,
I got a F1 visa(valid for 5 years starting Jan 2016) for MS for Jan 2016.(spring semester) but I could not travel due to a personal issue.
My school accepted my deferral request. But my school issued a new I -20 with a different SEVIS ID.
I contacted the embassy they said my visa will not be valid due to the different SEVIS ID.
So I am re-applying for FALL 2016 and I was redirected to Drop box option.
Have I made a mistake by re-applying while having a valid visa ? Should I request my school to re-issue my i-20 with the same SEVIS ID?
Or should I go along with current appointment through the drop box?
Hi Srikanth,
I have the same issue.I have my visa stamped for fall 2014. I could not attend .I am going for fall 2016 and for a different University. I contacted the CBP and they told me I don’t have to apply for a new visa.All I need to get is a new i20 and SEVIS. You can contact the CBP too and see what they say and please do reply.
hi srikanth,
Even am in the same situation. Got my f1 visa on 22nd dec 2015 for spring 2016 but due to some personal issues I couldn’t make it for last intake.
So I requested the college to deffer my admission they have accepted my request and now they have sent a new i-20 with same sevis ID.
I have mailed the embassy about my current situation and I got a reply from them like
Date/Time Case Opened: 6/8/2016 10:38 PM
Description: Dear U.S.Consulate General Hyderabad,
This is Sangoju Venkata Krishnakanth. Sir, I got my F1 Visa approved on
last year 22Dec 2015 for University of Illinois Springfield(UIS) Spring
2016 and my orientation day was on 15jan2016.
But, unfortunately I met with an accident in the first week of january and
my both knees were severely injured and I was suggested for atleast three
weeks of bed rest and I explained my current situation to my college
Admission Dept. and requested for an extension so that I could come later
and join the college but they have denied my request saying that
orientation day is mandatory but we could help you by deferring your
admission so, that you could come and join for next season i.e.(FALL 2016).
Sir, Now I received my I20 from same college with same SEVIS Id. and I am
planning to join for this Fall season.So, my query is should I schedule for
an VISA Interview again or as I already got my visa approved is there any
other process.I am pretty much confused regarding this please help me.
Please do consider my query as high priority and reply me as soon as
possible.
MY Passport NO : K3606797.
SEVIS ID : N0015461996.
Regards
S.V.Krishnakanth.
Here am attaching the scanned copy of my visa approval.
Origin: Email
Case Reason: Any other query
Public Response: Dear Venkata Krishna Kanth Sangoju,
Thank you for writing to the U.S. Visa Service Desk.
In response to your query, we would like to inform you that if there is a gap of more than 5 months between your visa issuance date and new I-20 start date then you have to apply for new visa. If you wish to apply for new visa please click on the below link: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-visarenew.asp
We hope this information is helpful to you. Please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/gss_india to share feedback on the services we provide.
Sincerely,
U.S. Visa Service Desk
But here your saying like drop box. I don’t have any idea regarding this drop box process.even my f1 visa is valid for 5years and entry(M). Can you please help me on how to start this drop box process any kind of help is very much appreciated.please do reply.
Krishna,
Clear directions on how to apply for renewal using dropbox are on the same page they have given. Scroll down a little on the page.
Thank you bro just now i have seen that.But have you read my complete comment bro, they have said me that there is a gap of 5months between your visa issuance date and your i-20. So you have to apply for new visa again.
Some people who are in same situation like me are commenting that no need of interview again and you can go for drop box. even i wanted to go for this drop box option.will that create any problem? please reply or any one who have gone through this drop box option please share your experience here so that would be very much helpful.
Krishna,
If you are eligible, you should go for it. Dropbox is probably the best option, it saves everyone’s time. If they are not sure or need more details, dont worry, they will ask you for in-person interview. We have few experiences shared on the blog for H1B dropbox and they went well. It is upto your discretion.
I went through drop box to get a new visa for the next semester. Thanks for the info provided here.
Hello,
Thank you for the great information. I have an issue and I would like your insight on this, I got I20’s from three colleges and have liquid cash of $48K with proper documentation and genuine proofs.
I gave my visa interview and was rejected under 214B.
My interview consisted of only few question like why this college, how many professors did you contact (extension to the 1st question when I said I was in touch with few professors ), whats your family income, and the last question in a low voice did you apply for a loan (no in my case bcoz I had liquid cash in both savings and fixed deposits which accumulates upto 1 and half fee and living expenses, so we planned to take loan in the second year if needed)
My issue is that I am not sure of the main reason of my rejection:
Is it bcoz I did take a loan?
Is it bcoz my sister is working in USA on H1B, she pursued her MS there (which I mentioned in DS160)
Is it bcoz my parents traveled to USA on B2 visa couple of times ?
Is it bcoz I applied to University of Houston and my Sis stays in Houston (If i reapply can I change college to Iowa state uni for which I have an I 20 too)
I wanna know of all the possible negatives so that I can work on it and go again. The thing is the VO did not check any of my documents and I carried a bunch of them every detailed copy. I even asked him of he would like to see my passbooks (no latest huge transactions ) and fixed deposit receipts.
Now that I quit my job at amazon to pursue my masters, I thinking to give it another try by this month ending. Most of the people say it is not a good idea and u need to show the changes you have made since the last time.
All I can think of loan and to carry all my property docs to show strong roots but they are in my father’s name hope that is sufficient. Also parents B2 visa is that prob for my F1.
I know I have provided loads of info, please look in to it and let me know any thing small or big that can b done.
vijigeesh katragadda,
Well, it may not be about documents or anything…VO believes that you could be a potential immigrant. Read 214B refusal from Embassy. Sometimes, you may have done everything right….but, if VO believes that you are a potential immigrant, there is nothing much you can do…You can give it couple more tries to see, if you get a chance to explain that you will come back after MS
Thank you bro just now i have seen that.But have you read my complete comment bro, they have said me that there is a gap of 5months between your visa issuance date and your i-20. So you have to apply for new visa again.
Some people who are in same situation like me are commenting that no need of interview again and you can go for drop box. even i wanted to go for this drop box option.will that create any problem? please reply or any one who have gone through this drop box option please share your experience here so that would be very much helpful.
We can differ our admission even after the deadline,
actually I want to differ for TAMUK from summer intake 2016 to fall 2016 ,but the admit I got is valid upto june6 and deadline for fall is june1 ,is this deadline applicable for only new applicants or even for the students who are differing
Jayadev,
I am assuming you meant ‘defer’…You need to speak to the DSO on how far they can defer. Usually you can defer your admission upto one year, depending on the school and their policy. The deadline is usually for start of classes, and ideally you need to defer your admission before that.
Hi,
I applied for FALL 2016 and got admit for the same. However, I was asked to take prerequisites from SUMMER 2016. I got the I-20 where the term beginning was FALL 2016 and I applied for Visa with the same information and am done with my Biometrics. However, the university recently sent me an updated I-20 where the beginning date is SUMMER 2016. I am going to take the summer prerequisites online from my home country and will join the University in FALL 2016. Now should I reapply for the Visa or should I go to the interview with both the I-20s.
Waiting for an early reply,
Thanks
Juhi,
You need to use the updated I-20 and go for visa stamping. I am not sure, if they would allow you to take the courses from outside of country and how the immigration works. Ideally, you get visa stamping for summer and then take courses in university, while you are living in America, even though they are online. You need to check with the DSO on the same and get clarification.
I come to u.s.a with b1b2 visa after 5 months I extend my visa then again after 5 month I change my visa status to f1 ,is it possible can i go back home country
Khawaja,
While some of it maybe technically possible, the intent of B1/B2 is for either business meeting or pleasure travel. You should not really enter US with intent to change to F1. If you have plans to study, you should enter US on F1.
I don’t understand your point so I ask again please
I was came to u.s.a two years ago with b1b2 visa before my entry expire I extant my visa entry homeland security gave me 6 months more before my extention expire I file to change my status to f1 ,after one year they approved my case now I addmission in a language centre ,now I need go back to home after my class complete ,my visa has valid ,if I go back to home country I come back to u.s.a on my b1b2 visa ,
Khawaja,
If the intent is to study, why don’t you get F-1 visa stamped and return on the same? If you try to return on B-1/2, then you may run into issues at PoE. This is b/c you maxed out your last B-1 stay, then had it extended for 5 months and then moved to B-1/2.
The PoE officer may feel that you are avoiding F-1 and don’t have any reason to travel to US on tourism or business. IMO, go for F-1 stamping, which may or may not run into issues as well.
Hi
I have F1 visa approved on Nov 2015 and I have differed for May 2016.
As it crosses 5 months from visa issued date, should I appear for visa again?
Note: Sevis id and college are same on which visa is approved.
Please advice
Naran,
You do not need to. One of our readers confirmed that it does not apply for new students. He has shared with me the proof as well and he is in US. You may write to CBP officer, to get confirmation.
Hi Kumar,
Thank you for quick response.May i know contact details of CBP officer.
Naran,
You can check here : http://www.cbp.gov/contact
Hii,
I completed my whole visa stamping process last year for Fall2015. However, due to some family emergency, I deferred my attendance to Fall2016. I have received new I20 from the University but SEVIS ID is updated and it is reflecting SEVIS ID# on my new I20. I have asked the university administrative officer to update my old SEVIS record with the information. I am told to carry both old and new I20’s. Is it enough or do I need to request SEVIS department to transfer my SEVIS to new..Please help me out !!! Also, do I need to carry any additional documentation stating the reason for attendance deferment.
Arun,
Your DSO is your best source for any advice. If they say, it is enough, then it would be enough. I suggest that you contact CBP officer, if you are still concerned, check http://www.cbp.gov/contact
Hi,
I’m Dev. I got my F1 visa stamped for fall 2014. I went to US but I had to comeback due to an emergency.I didn’t enroll though. Now I want to join for fall 2016 . This time I got in to a better university. What are the difficulties I would have to face for obtaining a visa again? Please advice.
Dev,
It should be same as before, the VO may ask the reason for your sudden departure…if that is logical enough, I am sure, you have same chances. It always depends on the VO discretion…Hope it goes well.
Hi Kumar,
I contacted the CBP yesterday. They told me I don’t have to apply for a new visa. All I need is to get a i20 and SEVIS from the new university that I want to go to.
Thank you
Dev,
Thats great to hear. Thanks for sharing !
Hello Dev!
My situation is also similar to that of yours. I understand that your have a valid F1 VISA for a different SEVIS nr and a different university, from the one that you will be attending in Fall 16. In my case, I have been outside the US for over 9 months and will be going to a different school from Fall 16. And the international office at my univ told that same, that my VISA is valid. But from the web I get mixed opinions on this. You said that CBP replied you that you need not take the VISA interview again and with a new I20 and a new SEVIS, you can reenter the US. Is there any changes to that so far? Or has your univ approved the same? Thanks!
Hi
I have entered us for spring 2016, but due to family emergency i had to come back to india. so i defered my admission to summer intake for same school. My question is does my sevis number changein this case. If yes what could be the solution for this.
Hello ashkit, I’m in the same situation.Did you get any information on what too do?
Hello Mr. Kumar
Here’s my situation and I really am hoping to get an expert advice on the same.
I’m looking forward to pursue my masters degree from the City University of New York for the Spring 2016 intake. Unfortunately I got issued with a 221g on from the consulate and background check is underway. The last date for registration is 28th January , 2016.
Since all my documents are legit I’m pretty hopeful about getting a positive decision from the consulate. Yet that wouldn’t be of much use as I’m almost past the deadline already. The only smart choice I can think about is to request for a defer of admission. My question is would i require to attend another interview at the consulate if I already have a valid visa?
Flemin Reji,
Not required to go for another interview, if you go to the same school. Read last section of How to defer admission visa validity
Hello Admin,
Pls I want to know how I can defer my admission as F1 holder. I’ve completed one semester (Fall) in my school and from the pattern at which things are going back home, I don’t get enough financial resources that I was almost kicked out this semester. So I’m thinking of pausing for one semester and do side jobs and save some money and return back in June.
Kindly assist me with this.
Augustus,
It is illegal to work off campus without proper authorization. If you are running into extreme situations with finances, you can request for off campus work authorization under Severe Economic Hardship option. Check with your DSO and financial aid office for more details. If you want to take a break with your education, you can take a semester break and return home, settle things and go back after a semester to US. Check with DSO on this option as well.
Hi, I am currently in the states and applied for change of status from J1 to F1. My visa application is still pending and university starts January 19th. I don’t think I will get approved in time so my American university said I am allowed to defer to fall semester.
If they approve my F1 visa will I be able to use same visa for fall semester? Do I have to leave the U.S. and come back when school starts? Am I allowed to leave the country?
Please help!!!!
hello all
i lost my passport,and i have my visa approved very recently.my question is do i need to go for visa interview again if i defer my admission or else am i eligible for drop box ? please some one answer……thank you
am in the same situation if you get any response please tell me please…………
No you do not have to go for interview again. I returned in a month after joining MS last year. I am getting back to the same course same Univ, this Fall and I did not go through an interview. I applied through drop box and got my passport in a week.
Hope this helps!
Hi. I fall in the 3rd scenario. I have completed the entire process including visa stamping. But now I want to postpone my master’s by around 2 years due to family issues. Can you kindly tell me whether I will have to only book a new visa interview or do I have to fill a new ds-160 form, pay sevis fee and then pay and book a visa interview. Thanks in advance
Hi,
I am in the same situation. Did u get any solution?
Hi ,
my F1 visa cancelled on 22nd of this month at San Fransisco board of entry.
what is the next step i have to do for my better career ?
sridhar,
What was the reason for cancelation? It would be better to get in touch w/ an attorney who can look at the case details and suggest you available options.
Hi
I have my i20 for spring intake I went to consulate and got my visa rejected I want to re apply again but the are no dates in India asmy i20 is expired on 6 Jan 2016 . Can I get extension from npu university for spring 2016 intake ; what is the procedure for extension of i20 .after getting extension can I move for consulate interview plzz explain what to do next step.
. THANKS IN ADVANCE
It is up to the school, if they want to give you extension depending on their classes start date. Please check with DSO at the school you have admission from and explain your situation, they can help you.
Hey,
I got admission into a university for Spring but i need to defer my admission till Fall.
Would there be any problem?
And what do i need to do?
thank you.
Fred, There is no problem as such. You need to work with school and defer the admission. The article talks about the process.
I got registered for the classes and attended the classes for one month and then I had to take a leave of absence for this semester(Fall). The university cancelled my i20 and gave me a new i20 with a different sevis id.
Should I go back to the visa interview again or just paying the sevis fee should be enough to re-enter into US.
Note: I’ve not been out of US for more than 5 months
You do not need to go back for visa interview as you are still under 5 months. Nevertheless, you may double check with the DSO, just to double check, if anything has changed.
Hello Virat..I am in same situation. I went for Fall 2015, returned on Sep 26th due to family emergency. University sent new I20 with new Sevis for Spring 2016.
Do I need a new visa?
Hi, i got my F-1 visa but I have requested from the university to differ my admission to next year (Fall term) and I have been granted. I would like to go attend my brothers graduation next month in a different state. Will i need a visiting visa for this? and will i need another f-1 visa for the fall term i have been differed to? Thank you!
Hi Kumar, The information you have provided about 5 month USCIS rule is not correct or partially correct. This applies to returning students only. That means a new student who never entered in US can travel using a valid f1 visa (may be more than 5 months old, although still valid) and new I20 (with unexpired program start date).
A student who is registered in classes and then takes a leave of absence of more than 5 months (doesn’t matter if student is inside US or not), the F1 status and F1 visa becomes invalid. Now that 5 month rule kicks in and student must get a new F1 visa in order to return to classes.
I have confirmation from all possible sources (University DSO, USCBP and US Consulate in India).
Thanks
Ankush
Ankush, Thanks for the correction. Do you mind sharing the emails/soruces, hiding all personal details so that I can post it for everyone’s benefit. You can email to redbus2us@gmail.com
Hi Ankush,
I would like to get a confirmed source for this information because I am having thesame situation at the moment.
Thank you.
My I20 was dispatched by the university,but because of incorrect address details, i haven’t received that I20 so i have requested for another new I20 from the university and they agreed to send the new I20. Will the SEVIS number will be different from Old I20 to new I20?
You will get same SEVIS number. However in certain cases the number can change. I believe as long as your university, program is same, number will not change.
The date my progam starts on my I-20 is different from that on the Ds-160 due to deferred admission. What am to do from here, please I need urgent response.
Thanks.
I did get my F1 visa and i20. However, I want to get my i20 deferred but the university says thats not possible. Will my visa be still valid if the university cancels my I20 ? How do i go about this?
I did get my F1 visa and i20. However, I want to get my i20 deferred but the university says thats not possible. Will my visa be still valid if the university cancels my I20 ? How do i go about this?
If the university cancelled your i20 then you have to face the interview again because if i20 cancelled then sevis I’d will be terminated so that while you entering into to USA you might have a problem with immigration department.
Try to convince the university ppl.explain your situation to them.
Good luck anu.
I got registered for the classes and attended the classes for one month and then I had to take a leave of absence for this semester(Fall). The university cancelled my i20 and gave me a new i20 with a different sevis id.
Should I go back to the visa interview again or just paying the sevis fee should be enough to re-enter into US.
Note: I’ve not been out of US for more than 5 months
I got Visa stamping done for a university but the stamping is only approved for 2years usually its 5 why is it so and actually i was approved 221 g form during my interview and visa was pending. So is it because of that ? And i want to defer it and what should I do about it.
I have got a visa stamped for fall2015 for a particular university. And I want to defer the term from fall 2015 to spring 2016. Kindly let me know, do I need to go again for visa stamping.?
If i travel to US for 1-2 weeks and differ the term. Can I maintain my student status active?
How can I maintain my visa status active and avoid reapplying the visa?
We have exactly the same problem.
Hi, Did you get any response? I am also in same situation. I did get confirmation from US consulate that I can travel on same visa (issued for Fall 15) in Jan 2016 for Spring 16 term. Still I am little nervous about the whole thing.
I want i20ofstudyvisa.
Hai really I am facing very big problem, when I was in 4 months pregnancy got f1 visa for summer intech. In that situation also I was traveld to USA but I didn’t Find any insurance here my husband also struck in India . I want to go to India but how much possibility to my husband to get f2 visa, if am in India.
hello. i already got the f1 visa and i already arrived here in USA yesterday. and may orientaion/summer class will begin on june 22, 2015 and the class will start on june 29. The problem is, i want to defer my summer class to fall or spring. it is possible that the school will approved my deferral? and what are the consequence if will defer my class? and what should i do to do that. thank you. need your suggestion as soon as possible. thanks
i got admit on may intake but 2days b4 departure my bro met an accident si onformed them to come june intake so they send new i-20 and I make all arrangement to leaving unfortunately my bro passed away 2 days before am not able to travell immediately . my I-20 mentioned need to report no later than 19th june what should i do ? dad says don rescheduling u r trip and intake u may ask college to get one week permission . is it possible to travel after one week ? 19th is a last date i may travel 24th .is any problems arrived in port of entry ? will they allowed or I need to apply new I-20 ? pls give some ideas
I got visa and I deferd my admission.
Some people told me that u need to answer some qstions at port of entry.
What kind of questions will be asked at port of entry?,
And should I need to carry updated bank statement and other financial docs?
Hi..
I have taken Authorised early withdrawal from university(USA) because of Family Emergency reason. Can i Get renew my visa again?Can Visa Officer understan me?
Hello everyone,
My agent said i got I20 from college. In fact, i don’t want to go that college i request my agent to make my process for pending. Finally , unfortunatelly I20 delivered. But i haven’t tried for US visa and SEVIS too.
What happen if i apply another college ? Does it problem to US visa case?
The university ppl told me that they’ve sent my i20 yeasterday,How long does it takes to reach me from california.
I got admission from university Sofia thorough the consultancy,I got the visa too,now I want to defer my admission,I asked the consultant to defer they said if want to defer u have to pay first semester fee.then i mailed to university about my situation and I asked them to defer my admission,they sent me a link of deferment fee,
Now my problem is I dont know the student login id and password,if I pay the the fee for deferment will the university send new i-20 to my address or to consultancy address?
Please reply me as soon as possible..
the I20 will be mailed to the present address given in your account. Also, ask them your credentials stating that you lost them or something…
BTW, are you sure about that university, because i’ve never heard about it, think twice before paying fees because if its not worth, ten don’t waste money..instead of that you can apply for new collegefor next intake
But I got the visa,university name has been printed on my visa.so I’m going to that univeristy
who told you that?
I’ve got VISA on one college but i attended a diffferent college, now I’m pursuing in different college
Some people told me that if I go with another i20 then the immigration department will cancel my visa.so I’m planning to go with this university i20 once I reach there I’ll change my university.
So my qstion is if pay the deferment fee i20 will SNEd to me or to the consultant
Hi Praveen,
I think you applied through Study Metro, who told that you can get CPT within one month.
Even I am also planning for Sofia, but doing some research on that.
Can you please help me providing some info that made you chose this university..
I got the admission in Sofia university through the consultancy and my visa also approved.but now I want to defer my admission for next intake.but the consultant saying that if u want to defer ur admission u have to pay the first semister fee. other wise university will cancel your sevis then u need to go visa interview again.
I’m worrying about this.
Does the university have patient to cancel the sevis before its 1 year validity?
Anyone can reply me as soon as possible.
For deferring, you’ve to send out a mail to college, don’t rely on consultancies. Once you send a mail, follow up & if you don’t get a reply within a week, bug them by calling until they accept your deferring. This is the first step.
And no, most of the universities doesn’t cancel the SEVIS for 1 year. So, it’ll be perfectly valid for 1 year, and also, the college will send you a new I20 for the next intake. Check for SEVIS number, 90% it’ll be same as the one in previous I20, & if it is different, bug college again until they send you new I20 with same SEVIS. So, for next intake you can go directly with existing VISA…Don’t rely on consultancies, they are very good at robbing your money & misleading
i mailed to university about my situation and I asked them to defer my admission,they sent me a link of deferment fee,
Now my problem is I dont know the student login id and password,if I pay the the fee for deferment will the university send new i-20 to my address or to consultancy address?
Please reply me as soon as possible..
I have completed my MBA by 2012 and returned to India. Now I m planning to enter USA with New course in a new university, I have valid F1 visa till july 2016.
Do I need to go for stamping once again?
I have to apply for new VISA?
Minimum how many months visa is needed to enter USA as a student ?
Please help me. Thanks
Since, you’ve completed your graduation, you’ve to go for new VISA again. I’m about 80% sure, cross check with other sources
I am an international student I have doubt regarding sevis status will you please clarify my doubt that would be helpful for me, I came to US in fall 2014 and next I have transferred to other university in spring 2015. Now, in that university we have quarter semester and now I want to transfer to other university for summer 2015 which starts on may 4 2015 and now which I am in current university ends my quarter semester on march 16 2015. Now can you please help me I have doubt that will my sevis maintain the status without registering the subjects because the new university starts the classes on may 4 2015.
Hi,
I got my F1 Visa in July 2014 but because of some issues i was unable to attend the Fall 2014 intake and now i would like to defer my admission to Spring intake and also want to transfer my admission from this University to the other one. Will they transfer my admission even after deferral or will they insist me to study in their University only??
Need your suggestion!!!
Thanks
Dear Kumar,
i got admit for term fall-2014,even i got VISA stamped but due to personal reasons i deferred my admit to Spring-2015.But this time my Sevis id changed.So my doubt is can go with same VISA or should i need to re-apply?
Hi Yashawant
My case is same as of your please let me know what yo did. Are you gain going for visa
My case is same as of your please let me know what u did. Are you gain going for visa again? please reply me on my mail id [email removed spam]
Hello,My case is same as of your please let me know what you did. Are you gain going for visa
Did you get any response?
If I am in USA for Fall 2014 intake and due to late arrival due to visa delay .I cannot able to catch up the study. Is it possible to deffer it or withdraw it and start from spring 2015 intake. Do I need to pay tuition fees again.
Hi
Myself kaushal and i needed advice in following case. Please let me know what to do.
In August 2014 I applied for F1-Visa and I got approval (Validity till Jun 2018) on September 2nd but my orientation date in university was September 3rd and hence I have to deferred my admission to next semester (Spring 2015) in same university. I am supposed to get my new I-20 in coming two weeks.
So do I have to go for visa interview again.
Hi kaushal , I am exactly in same situation. Got admission for Fall 15 and then F1 visa in July 15 but had to defer to next semester. I contacted US Consulate as well as USCBP (Customs and Border Protection). Both of them confirmed that I can travel in Jan 2016 for Spring 16 term on same visa with new I20. Please let me know if you get any other information. Thanks
Hi,
Is it possible to defer admission while inside USA. I am an international student, I am asked to pay the fees in Sep. I will be arriving in US in Aug. Is it possible for me to remain inside USA and defer the admission to a later date?
Thanks
Hi,
I have my visa stamping done for fall 2014 term. i wan to defer my admission to fall 2015 term.. will i have to re-appear for visa again next year ?
my term start on 3rd sept for fall sem….
Hi did you get any answer 🙁
Hi,
I have my visa stamping done for fall 2014 term. i wan to defer my admission to fall 2015 term.. will i have to re-appear for visa again next year ?