F1 visa expired, can I join new university with a new I20?

[Tim Willis]

The situation is a little complex. I have a friend with the following history:

1. Came to the US on an F1, got his degree.
2. Got an OPT card, waited for 1 year but did not find a job.
3. Visa expired during OPT period.
4. At the end of OPT period, got admission in a different university.

Can he join the new university if the new university issues him a new I-20?

My gut feeling is that he would have to leave the country with the new I-20 and re-enter with a fresh F1. Correct me if I am wrong (quite frankly, I hope I am wrong).

Tim

 

[wishkid]

Your friend can join the new University if he is not over 1 yr OPT otherwise he would be considered out of status. Expired F1 visa is a different matter. If he want to re-enter US then he would have to apply for a new F1 visa in home country before returning to US.