F1 visa issued only for 3 months?!

[AimarBK]

Hello there members,

I am an Iranian citizen and have received my F1 visa at USA embassy in Dubai, but surprisingly it is for 3 months instead of 2 years (issued 24th Aug, expires 24 Dec 2012). My master's degree is for 36 months as mentioned in my I-20, and I start in Spring 2013.

I have no idea why they only issued 3 months. Please guide me as I am really worried. Will the university help change the status of my visa once I reach, what is the next step to do?

Am I going to get a new Visa once i reach there with relation to my course duration?

Your prompt reply is appreciated at its earliest.

Thank you.

 

[easteuropean]

Don't worry. The visa essentially says you can enter the U.S. within the 3 months of its validity; however you can remain in the U.S. for as long as the expiration date of the I-94 is - which is stamped at the port of entry. The expiration is usually whatever your program of study requires - in your case, the full 2 years, and it can be extended through your school as necessary - no involvement of the government needed.

If you need to leave the country and reenter, however, you'll need a new visa label in your passport (with exception of limited trips to Canada/Mexico - see google "automatic visa revalidation" for more info.) To get a new visa, which can only be done outside the U.S., you'll need an up-to-date I-20 - talk to the international student advisors at your university before departing the U.S.