A visa in your passport issued by a U.S. consulate governs when and how often you can enter the U.S. but it does not determine how long you can remain in the U.S. Therefore, you may stay in the U.S. beyond the expiration date of a visa as long as your immigration status and your immigration document (Form I-20, Form DS-2019, or Form I-94) remain valid. However, if your visa has expired and you are traveling outside the U.S., you must apply for a new visa stamp through the same process as your initial visa application, in order to re-enter the U.S.
Visa Renewal Process
See the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa application section of the OISS website for additional guidance.
You may only renew your U.S. visa at a U.S. embassy or consular office outside of the United States. Contact the U.S. embassy/consulate, generally in your home country, to set up an appointment. The wait time for an appointment and for visa issuance varies. As of 2025, OISS is aware that Visa Renewal appointments and processing times is generally increasing. The U.S. Department of State has published a chart on global estimated wait times to receive an interview appointment, but OISS cannot verify this is up-to-date.
It’s best not to leave the U.S. with an expired visa unless you already have a scheduled interview appointment in your home country. If you are not sure which embassy/consulate you should contact, see this list of U.S. embassies.
When you arrive for your visa appointment, you may be required to show a number of documents, including:
- Current I-20 or DS-2019
- Valid Passport
- Current financial documentation that lists the sources and amounts of financial support you have secured for the current or upcoming academic year. the amount must match or exceed the amount listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019.
- WashU transcript – order your WashU transcript from the Office of the Registrar (current students enrolled at WashU)
- EAD card and proof of employment (students on OPT and STEM OPT only)
- I-797 approval notice, letter confirming continued employment with WashU and your two most recent pay statements (H-1B only)
Important notes about financial information and ties to your home country
When applying for a non-immigrant visa, you must provide credible financial documentation and any other required materials listed on the U.S. embassy or consulate website to establish your eligibility.
Additionally, be prepared to answer questions about:
- Your intended length of stay in the U.S.
- How you plan to use the academic experience gained upon returning to your home country.
U.S. consular officials will evaluate your ties to your home country, which may include:
- Family relationships
- Property ownership
- Employment commitments
- Bank accounts or financial investments
Even if you are on F-1 OPT, STEM OPT, or J-1 status, you must still demonstrate ties to your home country to qualify for a non-immigrant visa.
Expired Visa
Again, as long as you are maintaining your immigration status in the U.S., you can remain in the U.S. with an expired visa.
If your U.S. visa has expired and you travel outside the U.S., you must obtain a new visa before you return in order to enter the U.S. Remember, a visa is your “entry stamp” to enter the country. Applying for a new visa usually requires several weeks so you must plan your travel accordingly. Certain visa applicants may be subject to further screening or Administrative Processing which can add 4-12 additional weeks to complete the visa application review and issuance. If you have questions about administrative processing or if you are experiencing a lengthy delay, please contact OISS.