StrangerInTown
New Member
I have two issues and was wondering if someone could shed some light?
1. I came here on an F-1 visa and without meaning to, overstayed by 7 months at first. After overstaying by 4months or so, I really wanted to leave but I heard on the news that some illegal immigrants was held in the airport, this really scared me and I felt I was stuck here in limbo forever. I went back to school and asked to be reinstated. The ISSSO officer "advised" me to finish up and leave. He told me what to expect if I applied for reinstatement and I was scared so I followed his advice. It was the wrong thing to do, so the next semester I went back to see if I could apply for reinstatement but another ISSO officer told me it will be impossible, esp since my intent was to leave in May 07 (program completed). She told me the other guy left their employment without making notes on my record that I visited, the only proof I have was the sign-in sheet. Since then more months have passed and it how now been 1 year. I realise this would affect my ability to enter the US in the future. I contacted a lawyer to see if I could "fix" it somehow - by showing good faith and leaving voluntarily but I'm still scared to do so. It is really strange how people could fly around the country on domestic flights but is stopped from leaving willingly.
2. I recently got offered a job at a non-profit institution (no visa cap) who is willing to sponsor me. I told them of my situation and they told me to apply to grad school and they will put in the H1 visa paperwork. That would mean me staying here even longer and I'm really terrified of doing this.
I heard if I get a good lawyer that maybe I can get some relief? Was there anyone on here that went thru something like this?
Is there hope for me?
Thanks.
1. I came here on an F-1 visa and without meaning to, overstayed by 7 months at first. After overstaying by 4months or so, I really wanted to leave but I heard on the news that some illegal immigrants was held in the airport, this really scared me and I felt I was stuck here in limbo forever. I went back to school and asked to be reinstated. The ISSSO officer "advised" me to finish up and leave. He told me what to expect if I applied for reinstatement and I was scared so I followed his advice. It was the wrong thing to do, so the next semester I went back to see if I could apply for reinstatement but another ISSO officer told me it will be impossible, esp since my intent was to leave in May 07 (program completed). She told me the other guy left their employment without making notes on my record that I visited, the only proof I have was the sign-in sheet. Since then more months have passed and it how now been 1 year. I realise this would affect my ability to enter the US in the future. I contacted a lawyer to see if I could "fix" it somehow - by showing good faith and leaving voluntarily but I'm still scared to do so. It is really strange how people could fly around the country on domestic flights but is stopped from leaving willingly.
2. I recently got offered a job at a non-profit institution (no visa cap) who is willing to sponsor me. I told them of my situation and they told me to apply to grad school and they will put in the H1 visa paperwork. That would mean me staying here even longer and I'm really terrified of doing this.
I heard if I get a good lawyer that maybe I can get some relief? Was there anyone on here that went thru something like this?
Is there hope for me?
Thanks.
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