Visa Stamp

The physical visa foil affixed to a page in your passport by a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad. The visa stamp is a travel document — it allows you to present yourself at a U.S. port of entry and request admission. The visa stamp can expire while you are in the U.S. without affecting your F-1 status; however, you will need a valid visa stamp to re-enter the U.S. after international travel. Renewing an F-1 visa stamp generally requires an in-person interview at a U.S. consulate, except under limited "dropbox" eligibility.