Please remember if your student visa expires while you are in the U.S., you can remain in the U.S. legally if you are otherwise maintaining your F-1 or J-1 status.  The visa is an entry document needed for successful entry into the U.S. under that particular status.  If you leave the U.S. then you must renew your expired visa for reentry.  It is NOT possible to renew your visa in the U.S. 

For more information about renewing your F-1 visa visit the following links in regards to an online nonimmigrant visa application and student visa information. Applications for F-1 visas will need to be submitted to the US Embassy/Consulate in your country of nationality or legal permanent residence. See this State Department page for more information.

Documents needed to renew your visa:

• Valid Passport-dated at least 6 months into the future
• Official Transcripts (in some cases an unofficial transcript will be sufficent, please check with the US embassy)
• Signed I-20/DS-2019 form
• Official bank statement showing availability of adequate funds for at least 1 year
• Any documentation showing your intent to return to your home country
• Any additional documents required by the U.S. Embassy/Consulate, such as a completed DS-160 form