International Students wishing to study in the United States are required to have and maintain an F-1 visa.

As long as you are maintaining your status, being enrolled full-time, progressing in a positive direction with your program (passing classes), and staying in good academic and social status you can remain in the US while on an expired visa.

If you are currently on OPT or STEM OPT extension on an expired F-1 visa you are fine to remain in the US as long as you are currently employed and have not accrued 90 days of unemployment.

However, if you are planning on traveling outside of the US on an expired visa, you will need to have your visa renewed.

How to renew your student visa (F-1):

You will need to contact your local US Embassy and see what the requirements are. Some embassies will allow you to do the renewal from the US others may require that you or a family member do the renewal process in person.  You will need to get the list of documents and requirements needed for the renewal. Below is a list of what may be required.

• You will need to fill out the DS-160 form online and submit
• Pay the renewal fee
• Schedule the appointment with the embassy (if required)
• Submit the required documents
  • Passport
  • Confirmation page from the DS-160 form
  • Application payment receipt
  • Photos
  • Copy of your current I-20
  • Copy of current schedule and transcripts