Expired F-1 Visa, need to renew in INDIA. URGENT!!!

[vamiel20]

SITUATION: I am a F1 student from INDIA. I finished my Bachelors and continued with my Master's in USA. Currently my F1 visa has expired (in June 2005). I am planning to visit INDIA in December, 2005 to get married. I have another semester(May 2006) to graduate. I have also applied for OPT(starting Dec 2005 but still haven't received the EAD card) since I have finished all my requirements with thesis pending. I want to renew my F-1 visa in INDIA, since it has already expired and also need to get my wife while returning. I have funding from school.

Q1: What are my chances of F-1 renewal?

Q2: Will I be rejected since I have only 1 more semester to graduate and also have applied for OPT?

Q3: What are the chances of my wife getting F-2 visa to travel back with me?

Q4: What documents should I take with me? (USA Driver's license, bank statments....etc)

Q5: Should I show funding on I-20 as 'School funding' or 'Personal Savings'? Which has more advantages (for not getting rejected)?

Q6: My advisor is ready to give me a letter stating my research is very important and I need to be back to complete it. Will this help? If so, should he mention anything specific in the letter?

Please suggest ASAP as I am in a dilemma!
Will be leaving to INDIA in a short duration.

Thank you in advance!

Vamiel

 

[jetector]

You can perfectly renew your F-1 Visa. I don't see any problems in your situation. You just need to take a valid and endorsed I-20, letter from your school, and I would also take transcripts of previous semesters to prove you have not violated your F-1 status.

If you are selecting that your financial support comes from your "personal savings", be prepared to show a recent bank statement with the funds available. The fact that you have already applied to the OPT will not keep you from obtaining your renewal because you haven't finished your normal course of study. No issue about that.

Your wife should attend your appointment with you with a valid passport, marriage certificate, 2 photos and having filled out for DS-156.

Good Luck!

 

[vamiel20]

Thanks 'jetector'!

Can anyone please tell me what all documents I need to take with me? Here is the list on top of my head. Feel free to edit/add/comment on it.

1. Valid I-20, passport
2. Current bank statements (6 months)
3. Property documents - to show the intent of coming back - ??
4. Letters from advisor.
5. Transcripts.
6. Marriage certificate.
7. Photos.

What are the forms that I need to fill out?

Do I need to prove the intent of return for renewal also?

I already have a full-time job offer from a big telecommunication company in USA. Is it a good idea to reveal this?

 

[jetector]

You still need to state an demonstrate to the officer your intent to return to your home country after expiration of your F-1 status (60 days after OPT card expires). SO, make sure you tell the officer what he/she wants to hear..

The form is the DS-156 and you can find it at the Dept of State website. The Consulate will provide you with one anyway.

Regarding your new job, you could bring a letter from the company stating that you will perform your Optional Practical Training with them. This will actually help, otherwise, the officer will only approve your visa stamp until the last date of validity of the I-20.