How many days ahead of my school start date (as listed on the I-20) does a visa normally allow you to enter the USA?
A student with an F-1 visa may enter the US no earlier than 30 days before the reporting date on I-20. Students applying for initial-entry F-1, F-2, and M-1 and M-2 visas may now be issued those visas up to 120 days before their academic program start date (as compared to 90 days under previous regulations). J-1 and J-2 visitors may be issued visas at any time before the beginning of their programs.
