Passport:
The expiration date in your passport should always be valid at least 6 months into the future. To extend your passport expiration date, please contact your nearest consulate office or embassy in your country.
Visa:
This is the stamp on your passport by the United States Consulate in your home country. You need this visa only to ENTER the U.S. The date on the visa shows the latest date you can enter the United States, not how long you can stay here. If it is expired, or if you change your visa status while in the United States, you must re-apply for a new visa only if you plan to leave the United States and re-enter. IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO EXTEND YOUR VISA IF YOU ARE NOT PLANNING A TRIP OUTSIDE THE U.S.
I-94:
This is your Arrival/Departure Record. It is a small white paper usually stapled to the page next to your visa stamp in your passport. The date written on the lower right hand corner is the date you must leave the United States. Duration of Status (D/S) is the notation on the I-94. This means that you can legally remain in the United States until you finish your degree program.
Official acceptance document:
When you entered the United States, page 3-4 of your official acceptance document was returned to you by the immigration inspector at your port of entry. This form (or a copy) should be kept with you at all times and NOT to be given up when you leave the United States as it will be needed to re-enter the United States after a temporary absence. All records of school transfers, work permission, etc will be recorded on this form. The official acceptance document ID will also have an 11-digit admission number which will be permanently assigned to you. This admission number must be used in all correspondence and transactions with INS.
NOTE:
Always make photocopies of your passport and official acceptance documents and keep them in an accessible place separate from the originals. Keep all your original documents in a safe place.
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