reapplying for F1 visa

[move along]

Hello,

I was granted an F1 visa to pursue my masters degree in the US in july 2003. The Visa expires in on july 6th, 2008. In the meantime I completed my ist masters, and am now pursuing a second one. My current i-20 expires in december 2009.

I am visiting India in may 2008. I have the following questions

1. Can I go for a visa interview in may 2008, for a new student visa, if my current visa is still valid until july 6 2008?
2. Is this considered visa renewal? or a new visa since I switched my degree program?

3. what documents do I need to carry for my visa interview?

Thanks much!

 

[angela20]

If you depart the U.S. during the course of your studies with a single entry visa or an expired visa you will need to be interviewed again by a consular officer and qualify for a new student visa. Generally, continuing students who can show that they are in good standing in their academic programs should be able to qualify for new student visas to return and resume their studies. Continuing students should be prepared to provide evidence of progress in their program, along with evidence on continuing ability to cover tuition and living expenses.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_4385.html#7