Hi,
I am a J-1 visa holder. The last date on my DS 2019 form is January 07, 2011. So while I cannot work in the US, I am legally allowed to remain in the U.S. until February 06, 2011.
I have received a job offer in the US. However, the employer cannot file for an H-1 visa because I only have a three year bachelor's degree and not enough experience. So the only option I have right now is to go to School and work with OPT on a F visa. I have found one where I am able to work full time because of the way the program is structured. They have reviewed all my documents and they said that they will issue the I-20 in a few days.
The program is slated to start on 29 January 2009. The director suggested that I do not apply for a change of status since it will could take anywhere from one month to 6 months and my job offer may not hold good until then. I am also using my job offer as proof that I will be able to pay for my education.
So the only other option I have is to leave the US and go to a US Consulate outside the US and get a new F-1 visa.
So I guess my choices are India (I am a citizen of India), the bahamas or Canada. Is there any other option? Which of these options would you think is best in terms of greater success rate and also being able to get my pass port back in time for the 29th of January?
Also, do you foresee any reason why my F visa may be rejected? Does the fact that I am currently on a J visa strengthen or weaken my chance to get the F visa?
I would greatly appreciate any response I get since I only have a couple of days to decide.
Thanks!
I am a J-1 visa holder. The last date on my DS 2019 form is January 07, 2011. So while I cannot work in the US, I am legally allowed to remain in the U.S. until February 06, 2011.
I have received a job offer in the US. However, the employer cannot file for an H-1 visa because I only have a three year bachelor's degree and not enough experience. So the only option I have right now is to go to School and work with OPT on a F visa. I have found one where I am able to work full time because of the way the program is structured. They have reviewed all my documents and they said that they will issue the I-20 in a few days.
The program is slated to start on 29 January 2009. The director suggested that I do not apply for a change of status since it will could take anywhere from one month to 6 months and my job offer may not hold good until then. I am also using my job offer as proof that I will be able to pay for my education.
So the only other option I have is to leave the US and go to a US Consulate outside the US and get a new F-1 visa.
So I guess my choices are India (I am a citizen of India), the bahamas or Canada. Is there any other option? Which of these options would you think is best in terms of greater success rate and also being able to get my pass port back in time for the 29th of January?
Also, do you foresee any reason why my F visa may be rejected? Does the fact that I am currently on a J visa strengthen or weaken my chance to get the F visa?
I would greatly appreciate any response I get since I only have a couple of days to decide.
Thanks!