Hi,
I came to US from NewDelhi, India on a F1 visa AUg 2003, did my Masters and graduated Aug 2005. My F1 visa expired in May 2005.(Extended my I-20 till I graduated). I have been working some time after I graduated, as an IT consultant, on OPT(Jan-Mar 2006), after that on my H1(applied nov 2005, been with my current employer from the beginning) which started April 1 2006. I recently got into a PhD program(Fall 2006) with assistantship that covers my entire tuition & living expense. Also my Masters and PhD programs are very closely related. I'm planning to get my F1 stamped in Ottawa. I would like to know my options if for some reason my F1 visa is declined.
1. Can I apply for H1 stamping, if for some reason my F1 is denied ?
2. If yes to Ques1, Can I apply in the same consulate(ottawa) or I have to leave the country and apply elsewhere. (India, Mexico ?)
3. Do I have an option of picking either applying for H1 stamping OR Reapplying for my F1, if my F1 is denied?
Thank you for your time.
Hari
I came to US from NewDelhi, India on a F1 visa AUg 2003, did my Masters and graduated Aug 2005. My F1 visa expired in May 2005.(Extended my I-20 till I graduated). I have been working some time after I graduated, as an IT consultant, on OPT(Jan-Mar 2006), after that on my H1(applied nov 2005, been with my current employer from the beginning) which started April 1 2006. I recently got into a PhD program(Fall 2006) with assistantship that covers my entire tuition & living expense. Also my Masters and PhD programs are very closely related. I'm planning to get my F1 stamped in Ottawa. I would like to know my options if for some reason my F1 visa is declined.
1. Can I apply for H1 stamping, if for some reason my F1 is denied ?
2. If yes to Ques1, Can I apply in the same consulate(ottawa) or I have to leave the country and apply elsewhere. (India, Mexico ?)
3. Do I have an option of picking either applying for H1 stamping OR Reapplying for my F1, if my F1 is denied?
Thank you for your time.
Hari