What happens to my F-1 visa if I renew my passport?

Renewing Your Passport While Holding an F-1 Visa

Renewing your passport while possessing an F-1 student visa is a straightforward process, generally requiring little more than attaching the old passport to the new one. This is a common scenario for many international students, and understanding the procedure can save time and stress.

The core principle is that your F-1 visa, issued based on the information on your previous passport, is tied to your identity, not your specific passport document. Therefore, if your visa is valid and the information on your new passport accurately reflects your identity as documented by the visa, the visa remains valid. Crucially, you must keep the old passport, which is usually required for the renewal process, and attach it to the new passport. This demonstrates the link between the visa and your identity.

However, there are crucial exceptions to this simple rule. If your F-1 visa has already expired, or if the visa type is no longer valid (e.g., if your intended course of study has changed), then renewing your passport will not automatically renew your visa. You’ll need to apply for a fresh F-1 visa, which entails gathering all the required documentation and undergoing the complete visa application process.

Crucially, any errors or inconsistencies between the information on your new passport and the information on your F-1 visa application might also necessitate a fresh visa application. This includes instances where there has been a change in your name, date of birth, or any other critical identifying detail. In such cases, simply attaching the old passport might not be sufficient, and a new visa application will be required.

In summary, renewing your passport while holding a valid F-1 visa typically allows the continued use of that visa. The old passport should be attached to the new one, and it is important to ensure that the information on both documents is consistent. However, an expired or incorrect visa type or any discrepancy in identity information necessitate a complete new visa application. Always consult with the US embassy or consulate directly for the most up-to-date and accurate advice for your specific situation.