F1 to OPT to F1

[nikunj7]

Hi,

This is for a very good friend: She came to the US on F1 in August 1999 for her bachelor's degree, finished coursework in May 2002, and is currently on OPT. She is planning to return to school for her Masters in August 2003 (F1).

1. I have heard that she will have to return to India for a minimum period of 5 continuous months to obtain a second OPT after her second degree? Is this correct? If there is any web site which explains this rule in detail, please let me know.

2. Her current F-1 visa is valid till July 2004. Will she need to re-apply for a fresh F-1 visa based on the new I-20 or can she use her old visa stamp?

Thanks for all your help.

 

[Raj1994]

1) Yes, but the 5 months need not be in India. They have to be spent outside the US. See http://www.stanford.edu/dept/icenter/visas/faq/post.html#apply

2) I think the old unexpired visa is sufficient. Check with the second school's international students advisor.