Renewing an F-1/J-1 Visa

If your F-1 or J-1 visa has expired, you only need to obtain a new visa if you plan to travel outside of the U.S. and return to resume your studies or practical/academic training. The process is very similar to when you may have originally applied for an F-1 or J-1 visa before your program of study.

  You can only apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate/embassy outside the U.S. 

Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas (NIV) should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence. Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere.

    Plan ahead! Review appointment wait times and plan carefully around breaks.

It can take additional time after your visa interview for social media vetting and/or to receive your passport.

   Review specific instructions for the F-1 student visa or J-1 exchange visitor visa process. 

  Review our visa interview tips to be prepared!

Documents generally required for a visa renewal:

• Passport — valid at least six months into the future
• Valid Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 — printed with recent travel signature 
• Current transcript or enrollment letter — available from the Registrar’s Office
• Original funding documents — personal bank statement or letter of financial support from your sponsor. The original bank statement should be in your name or be accompanied by an original letter of support from the person whose name is on the statement. If Babson College is your funding source, it is recommended that you get a letter written on Babson letterhead that details your funding. If you have already paid tuition for next semester, you may wish to obtain a statement from Student Financial Services which verifies this. All financial documents should be less than one year old.
• Proof of non-immigrant intent — evidence you intend to return home upon the completion of your studies. Review our tips.
• Proof of SEVIS Fee payment — you do not pay the SEVIS fee again for a visa renewal, but must have proof of payment. For details, visit: https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faq 
• Completed visa application (Form DS-160)  — view information available on the DOS website. You typically must complete the Form DS-160 before you can schedule an appointment.
  • Visa application fee(s) — check with the U.S. consulate/ embassy for the current fee amount(s) and payment instructions
  • Photograph(s) — for the prescribed format, visit www.travel.state.gov/