On 21 February 2023, the US State Department announced an expansion of the time period during which international students may apply for an F or M-class visa to study in the United States. Up that point, students were able to apply only 120 days before their planned programme starts. Under the revised rule, the US will accept student visa applications up to 365 days in advance.

F and M student visas can now be issued up to 365 days in advance of the I-20 program start date, allowing more time for students to apply for a visa. Students are still not allowed to enter the U.S. on a student visa more than 30 days before their program start date. pic.twitter.com/jHUaNZYkE8

— Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) February 21, 2023

The move appears designed to smooth visa processing backlogs and to allow both students and US institutions to plan farther in advance.

"As a former Consular Officer, I still remember all of the times I had to turn students away for applying 'too early' or giving them an administrative processing slip for them to return within the 120-day window – which was so frustrating for international students," US immigration attorney Mandy Feuerbacher said on LinkedIn. "This is going to be a huge help for international students applying for the F-1 or M-1 student visa this year, especially given all of the visa backlogs that still exist for students."

The new application window went into immediate effect with the 21 February announcement. Applicants are cautioned, however, that a related, long-standing rule remains in place: students with approved visas can only enter the US within 30 days of their programme start date.

Please see this for a more detailed briefing on visa rules, including current waiting times for interview appointments.

For additional background, please see:

• "US foreign enrolment once again exceeds one million students"
• "EnglishUSA advances sector-specific recommendations for federal policy makers"
• "US visa processing delays worsening at midpoint of 2022"