International Students

Current Students

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Renewing Your Visa

It is not a problem if your Student (F-1) Visa expires while you are studying at Liberty. Your visa can be renewed the next time you travel outside the U.S. (e.g. summer break, Christmas, mission trip).  

You can remain in the US with an expired visa as long as you are meeting the full-time enrollment requirements of your Student (F-1) Status.
 
If you leave the United States with an expired Student (F-1) Visa, you must apply for another visa at a U.S. Consulate abroad while outside of the country in order to return to school. It is not possible to renew a Student Visa in the U.S. While Liberty University cannot guarantee that you will obtain a visa, following these tips will prevent many problems that could result in failure to obtain a visa renewal. 

Documents You Should Always Take With You When You Travel:

Immigration Documents

  • I-20 with recent DSO (Foreign Student Advisor) signature
  • Passport with old visa. (Your Passport must be valid prior to your departure, and if renewal is necessary you must contact your embassy and/or consulate office in the U.S. as soon as possible to obtain a new updated passport. Click here for a list of foreign embassies and consulate offices in the U.S.).
  • Copy of I-94. The original will be taken from you when you depart the U.S.
  • Transcript from the Registrar’s Office
  • Enrollment Verification Letter from the Registrar’s Office
  • Your class schedule for upcoming semester 

Financial Documents

  • Statement of account (print from ASIST)
  • Evidence of a payment plan for current or upcoming semester
  • Affidavit of financial support

Interview Tips 

  • Make an appointment at the US Consulate prior to leaving the U.S. Embassies
  • Speak English. The interview will be in English and not in your native language.
  • Speak for yourself. Do not bring parents or family members with you to the interview.
  • Be organized. It should be clear to the consular officer what written documents you are presenting and what they signify.
  • Show ties to home country. Under U.S. law, all applicants for nonimmigrant visas are viewed as intending immigrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. You must be able to show that you have reasons for returning to your home country that are stronger than those for remaining in the United States.
  • Be prepared to address questions about your dependents. If your spouse and children are remaining behind in your home country, be prepared to answer questions about how they will support themselves in your absence.
  • Maintain a positive attitude. Do not argue with the consular officer. If you are denied a visa, ask for the reason for the denial in writing.
  • APPLY EARLY!