I entered the US on a B1/B2 visa in February 2007, with 3 months
on my I-94 card. I applied for and extension in April
2007 and was approved for another 6 months until November 11, 2007. In
May 2007, I applied for a change of status from B1/B2 to F1 student
and I enrolled myself into a 1 year Certificate program in New York. The program started in July 2007 and completed in June 2008. I was then looking to pursue a Masters Degree in the U.S. To remain in legal status before beginning my Masters, I
enrolled myself into an ESL program at the same institute in June 2008. In September 2008 I got admission for a Masters program. I graduated from the program in
May 2010. In April 2010, I applied for my OPT and was approved in June
2010. I got my OPT card which is valid for 1 year, extendable for another 17 months.
Since my entry into the U.S, I have never been out of status nor have
I exited the country and re-entered. Which means, I do not have F1
visa stamping on my passport. I have all the documents supporting this
case. It's almost 4 years since I am in the U.S and now I wish to
travel to India for a visit in the near future, and return back on my
OPT itself. I would like to know what visa I would require to re-enter
the U.S, the process of going about it, the possibilities of getting
the visa? Which would be a better option for me - remaining on OPT
itself and re-entering the U.S, or changing my status to H1B and
re-entering?
on my I-94 card. I applied for and extension in April
2007 and was approved for another 6 months until November 11, 2007. In
May 2007, I applied for a change of status from B1/B2 to F1 student
and I enrolled myself into a 1 year Certificate program in New York. The program started in July 2007 and completed in June 2008. I was then looking to pursue a Masters Degree in the U.S. To remain in legal status before beginning my Masters, I
enrolled myself into an ESL program at the same institute in June 2008. In September 2008 I got admission for a Masters program. I graduated from the program in
May 2010. In April 2010, I applied for my OPT and was approved in June
2010. I got my OPT card which is valid for 1 year, extendable for another 17 months.
Since my entry into the U.S, I have never been out of status nor have
I exited the country and re-entered. Which means, I do not have F1
visa stamping on my passport. I have all the documents supporting this
case. It's almost 4 years since I am in the U.S and now I wish to
travel to India for a visit in the near future, and return back on my
OPT itself. I would like to know what visa I would require to re-enter
the U.S, the process of going about it, the possibilities of getting
the visa? Which would be a better option for me - remaining on OPT
itself and re-entering the U.S, or changing my status to H1B and
re-entering?