Alex251

Hi ruatipoki I dont see any reason why it would be a problem as long as you were legal during the process and fulfilled the 2-year home country physical presence requirement if your J1 visa had such a clause (most J1 have it). The latter is actually very important because it is hard to waive. i was on a J1 a few years before I applied for a F1 and this has never been mentioned as a problem. Good luck on your visa application!

Well, a state ID is a legal US document that only someone with a visa can hold (you cannot have it if you're merely "visiting the US") and they check if you're legal at the DMV when they issue it. This is probably why I was never asked to present my passport. That said, I agree that it is probably better to have your passport!

Mmm.. I did not know about that! I was never ever asked for my passport when I presented my state ID when traveling within the US (which happened to me a lot). But true, you definitely want to be on the safe side. Sorry for giving bad advice, I did not want to mislead anyone!

HI there I strongly suggest you to get a state ID as soon as possible. You just need to go to your closest DMV and show whatever papers they require in your state (requirements vary by state; you can know easily what they want by browsing their website). It's a rather painless process, except for the wait. Then you'll have an ID that is exactly like the ones American have, except it will be written in small prints "temporary visa holder". Once you have it you don't need to have your passport with you for anything. I take the plane within the US on the basis of this state ID. It will make your life much easier because people won't look at you funny anywhere since they'll assume you're a US resident and not a clueless foreigner (even though, as I said, it is written in small prints that you're a temporary visa holder.) Also as others have suggested it's just very simple to ask for the driving license at the same time if you already have a license from your home country. In my state I needed to take a twenty minute test where they basically ask me whether you should stop at red lights. In most states you probably won't have enough documents to ask for the state ID in the first weeks you arrive, but as soon as you'll be here for more than a month you'll be fine (depending on states, you may need to show a variety of cards and bills proving your identity and residence, which you usually get after a month or so.) It sounds intimidating at first sight, but it will make your life much easier!

As bhikhaari said, they usually give 5-year visa. There is no reason they would give you a shorter visa, unless your program is shorter or there is a particular problem with your country. Good luck!

I inquired a bit further on the topic and indeed it seems that $140 would be all I would have to pay to get a new F1. (I am from the EU). No mention of additional fees if my SEVIS gets transferred. Sorry for those who have to pay more...

That's precisely my problem:I'd like to travel but my F1 has just expired, so I'm legal in the US, but I can't come back if I go abroad. Thanks a lot for your very clear answer!

Hi there Does someone know how much it will cost me to renew my F1 visa for one year? I have already paid almost $400 for the Optical Practical Training file and I was wondering if I would have to pay even more for other stuff (F1 renewal or SEVIS). I'd be grateful if some experienced Gradcafé user could share the info! Thanx