F and M student visas can now be issued up to 365 days in advance of the I-20 program start date

The State Department announced on February 21st, 2023 that  F or M visas for new students can be issued up to 365 days in advance of the start date for a course of study.  Previously, students were only able to obtain F or M visas up to 120 days ahead of their program start dates. However, F and M visa holders will not be allowed to enter the United States on these visas more than 30 days before the start date.

The State Department’s overview of these student visa categories can be found here.