Seeking Urgent reply - F1 visa

[parth16]

I got my F1 visa in December '07 for 5 years. However, I was not able to go to USA in that semester due to some unavoidable circumstances. I got my attendance defferred for the Fall semester.

Now I am planning to go to US for the Fall semester. I am going to continue with the same university and they have renewed my I-20.

Since my F1 visa is still valid for over 4 years, do I still have to apply for F1 visa again? Or can I travel with the same visa and new I-20?

Somebody please help me, as I am in a big dilemma right now. My school is starting from Aug 26th and I need to be there before that date.

I have been told by several people that I dont need to get my F1 visa again, since it is valid and my I-20 renewed.

Thanking you in advace.

[txh1b]

Has your sevis record changed?

[parth16]

Thanks for the prompt response.

I beleive my SEVIS record has not changed. I have only received SEVIS record once in January '08 withe SEVIS no.

The new I-20 that I received for the Fall semester also contains the same SEVIS number. So I am assuming the SEVIS record has remained the same.

I would appreciate it if I can get more info on this as to whether I need to re-apply for the F1 visa again or the current one will work.

Thanks in advance.

[txh1b]

The same visa will work fine. Confirm with the school's IS.

[parth16]

I have contacted my school and they seem to be unsure of this situation as it has been more than 5 months that I have not attended the school.

But technically, I have not started with my school yet. The 5 month rule applies to the people who take a break for more than 5 months from thier school. In that case they have to apply for the F1 visa again and get a new I-20. But this is not my case though as I have not started studying yet in US.

[txh1b]

Did you try emailing the consulate?

[parth16]

Where can I find the email address from? My point of contact would be Mumbai consulate.

Thanks,

[immihelp]

At https://www.immihelp.com/us-immigrat...te-mumbai.html