F1 Visa, OPT or maybe another Option???

J

jabuhanna

New Member
I am an international student studying in the United States. When I first came here I was issued an F1 visa for two years because I started off my education at a community college. After the two years my visa expired, and I transferred to a university, and since then I have been staying on my I-20 (which is valid). I graduate in May 2009 with a bachelor degree.
Now my concern is that I would like to go back home after graduation to visit the family, but I would like to come back here to either work on OPT, or incase I cant find a job due to the economic issues nowadays I would like to purse my Masters Degree. Now what is the safest way to leave and be able to come back.
I have talked to my immigration advisor at school, and she said that if I apply for grad school I will lose my OPT privileges. I also read on this website (http://www.ice.gov/sevis/travel/faq_f2.htm#_Toc81222041) that If my OPT request is pending I should be able to come back to look for a Job.
I have not applied for OPT yet and my F1 visa is expired. I have not left the states for 4 years, and I have been financing my education through loans (if this makes any difference).

I would appreciate any help that would put me in the right direction.

Thank you
 
You have to apply for OPT before you graduate. During OPT you can leave the US and re-enter. In theory, you are allowed to re-enter to search for a job. In practice, they often ask whether you have a job and they sometimes do turn you away if not.
 
You are allowed to apply for OPT, upto 30 days after graduation. You will need application receipt to show that your request is pending when you try to re-enter. You will also need to apply for a F1 visa to re-enter.
While on OPT you are allowed to have 90 days of unemployment period.
 
Time outside the US is unemployment.

The international student office is your best source of information for your specific situation.
 
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