Persons applying for initial-entry F-1, F-2 and M-1 and M-2 visas may now be issued these visas up to 120 days before the program start date as listed on their I-20s.

DOS also announced that initial-entry students may apply for admission to the US up to 45 days before their program start dates, although DHS must publish a regulation to implement this change, which may take several months. Until then, initial-entry F, M and J visa holders should not enter the US more than 30 days before their study or program start dates.

Officers may issue J-1 and J-2 visas to exchange visitors at any time before the beginning of their programs.

These changes apply only to initial-entry students. Continuing students may apply for new F or M visas at any time, as long as they have been maintaining student status and their SEVIS records are current. Continuing students may also enter the US at any time before their classes start.