Valid Passport

Official Definition

A passport valid for travel to the United States, and valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay unless the applicant's country is exempt from that rule by agreement.

What Consular Officers Look For

An F-1 applicant brings a passport valid for travel to the United States, and it should stay valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, unless the applicant's country is exempt from the six-month rule. A legible biodata page shows your full name, nationality, passport number, and issue and expiry dates. Earlier US visas in the passport are useful supporting context.

Check the expiry date against the end date of your program on the Form I-20. A passport that will not stay valid long enough is a weakness to fix before you apply.

Evidence Strength

Common Refusal / Processing Triggers

Tips for Strengthening Your Evidence

Relevant Document Types

Typical uploads: passport biodata page and passport pages with earlier US visas.