F1 visa renewal

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Hello everybody,

I need some advice about my plans for this month.
Here is my story, I have an F1 student visa which will expire on May 30th, and I also have an I-20 valid until May 30th (both are valid for only a year). But recently, at the beginning of the month, I changed my school. So, my previous school transferred my SEVIS number to my actual school and last week they gave me a new I-20 for four years (it will be a bachelor's degree). The problem is on my I-20 it is written "transfer pending" because the registrations haven't started for the summer yet. They start in June .
Plus, I'm planning to go back to my country, in France for maybe two weeks, from May 15th to June 4th .
My question is here, should I take the risk to renew my visa when I go back to France (I'm aware they can refuse my renewal and at the same time cancel my actual visa), or it is better if I come back to the USA before the expiration date of my F1 visa which is may 30th ?

Thank you so much for your help

Have a great day

 

[dsohere]

Hello,

You say- "the problem is on my I-20 it is written 'transfer pending"".

Why do you think this is a problem? You can stay in the US with a "transfer pending" I-20. You can also apply for a new visa with this I-20 if you do travel. You will be issued a new I-20 with "active" status only after you start your classes.

If you are going home, then it would make the most sense to apply for the new F-1 visa, as then you will have this visa to travel during your next period of studies.

It's never 100% sure to get a new visa- but normally unless there is some great risk factor, a new visa to continue studies will be approved. Example of risk factor could be if you broke the law in the US or if you showed a lack a ties to your home country or lack of financial resources to pay for your tuition and living costs.

If you are admitted to a bachelors program then most likely you would be given a 5 year F-1 visa. It's usually best to get a new visa in this situation as you will have to get one the next time you travel and it can be problematic if you have to go home on short notice during your studies and can't get a new visa in time to resume your studies without a break.