Visa

A visa is an endorsement, usually on the passport, which indicates the type of permission for entry into the country for a specific period of time.  Common visa types are for student, workers and tourists.  The visa is obtained from the US consulate or embassy in another country.  The time period on the I-20 and the time period on the visa may be very different.  The visa indicates that the person may enter the US.  The end date on the student visa may be for only one year.  In another country, the visa end date may be four or five years in the future.  An early end date is not a problem as long as the student remains in the US in good status.  If the student wishes to leave and re-enter the US, then the student must obtain an updated visa from the US embassy or consulate before returning to the US.