F-1 student reentry issues

[oshin]

>I have some questions about F-1 student re-entry issues. I have to leave US
>this coming Spring 2005 due to some emergency at home. I am scheduled to be
>back sometime in April 2005 because of an undergraduate conference that I
>have to attend. I will continue to enroll courses for the summer semester.
>
>But I am not sure if I can re-enter US since my planned return date is more
>than 30 days prior to the start of summer semester. According to the rule,
>students are only allow to enter US within the 30 days prior to the start
>of
>
>the program date stated in the I-20. So does that mean the rule apply only
>to initial entry and not re-entry?
>
>If that is so, does that mean that as long as I have my 1-20 endorsed, I
>will be able to re-enter US to complete my degree?
>
In addition to that, if it is my final semester and I only need one course to graduate, can I just take that one course, or do I have to fulfill the minimum reduced course load credits of 6?

 

[LucyMO]

the 30 day rule only applies to the initial entry.

as for one course to graduate = it's up to your international center. If they allow you to only register for one course (get the permission in writing just in case) - then, by all means do it. My uni allows students to take only the classes they need in the last semester, even if it's less than full time. Don't forget to apply for OPT - but you cannot travel overseas while OPT application is pending.