Immigration Updates and Alerts
The following information is provided for you regarding immigration alerts and updates. If you have any questions or need further assistance please contact the International Students & Scholars Office. For additional resources, see UMass Lowell's immigration resources webpage.
F-1 Visa Issuance Window Extended by U.S. Department of State
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced that for F-1 students, "visas for new students can be issued up to 365 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date."
Please note that even if this new visa issuance guidance has been publicly issued by DOS, it does not necessarily mean that each U.S. Embassy and Consulate abroad will be able to issue nonimmigrant student visas that far in advance. The ISSO recommends that new students consult their local U.S. Embassy/Consulate abroad if there are questions regarding visa appointment wait times and timelines for obtaining their F-1 visa.
USCIS Announcement (3/6/2023) - Expansion of Premium Processing for Certain F-1 students seeking OPT and STEM OPT Extensions
USCIS has announced on 3/6/2023 the expansion of premium processing for certain F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT)or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) OPT Extensions who have a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and wish to request a premium processing upgrade. Please note the below phases listed in the USCIS announcement:
Beginning March 6, USCIS will accept Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, filed either via paper form or online, for certain F-1 students who already have a pending Form I-765, if they are filing under one of the following categories:
- (c)(3)(A) - Pre-Completion OPT;
- (c)(3)(B) - Post-Completion OPT; and
- (c)(3)(C) - 24-Month Extension of OPT for STEM students