Q: I was granted F-1 ( Student Visa) for five years on MPH course at Texas Health Science Center at Houston in Fall 2007.I studied there for one semester that is Fall 2007 and took Break ,in other words "Leave of Absence" due to my father's chronic health condition and family issues for three semesters that is till January 2009.I am planning to resume my studies from Spring 2009 and my University has granted my Leave of Absence till Spring 2009.According to US visa official website I have to appear for visa again.But what should I do with my original priorly obtained visa stamp? Should I have to go to US embassy and cancel it and than apply for new one or should I have to directly apply for F-1 visa again as I did last time?I hope you will help me in solving this confusion.
A: If your visa has expired, simply get a valid I-20 and apply for a new one using exactly the same procedure you used the first time. The consular officer will cancel the old visa - if it needs canceling - in the course of your interview. Don't worry too much. Many students have to take breaks such as yours for family or health issues. If you were a serious student the first time, another visa will not be hard to obtain. Take with you all your grade reports from your prior attendance. If the University granted you a leave of absence, you should have that in writing, so take that document with you to the interview, as well.