applying for F-1 visa in Ottawa, Canada

[Naeem Seliya]

Hi! I am currently on F-1 status in the US, and am enrolled in a PhD program. I am traveling to Canada to present a paper at a technical conference (June 4th), and am going to apply for a new F-1 visa since my current one has expired. How safe is it to apply now, given all the changes and restrictions since the 911 tragedy? Should I even take the chance of going out of the country, and not being able to get back?

Please advise....email me directly at nseliya@cse.fau.edu or just post reply back on the message board.

Thanks...