Left US while on valid F1 (in status) and didn't return

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cmn0548

Registered Users (C)
Hello all,

I have a quick question:

I was in f1 status and left in May 2008 (I-20 valid till 2010), after my finals. I decided I did not want to go back to school and so I didn't go back to US.

In October of 2008 my school sent me an email asking me where I was. I didn't know I was supposed to give the International Students Office word that I left and was not returning. I told them I have left, and submitted my I-94 at the airport when I left while I was in status in May. They notified SEVIS and made a note in their system.

I completely didnt know I had to notify the office of international students but they have been notified as of Oct 2008. (I left in May, whilst in status) Please note I do not owe anything to the school as I paid in full till I left) Now end of this year - 2009, I am planning to return to US to continue my studies.

My question is, was what I did wrong? Will there be some kind of bar against me?

Key points:
1. I left while I was in status and have not returned since.
2. I notified School 5 months after I left (I didn't know I had to tell them)
3. They notified SEVIS and made a note in their system immediately
4. Planning for a return trip. Will immigration have something against me in their system?

Thank you for the input.
 
you have to enroll again so school can reactivate your file with SEVIS. Even if I-20 is valid, immigration only care about what is in SEVIS. Make sure that your advisor is ok with a confirmation by email or by fax.
 
thank you. I have received an email from the international counselor at my school (back in October) that she has notified SEVIS and has made a note in their system. She has also asked me to let her know should I decide to return.

So long as I did not do anything wrong, I am happy. I am very careful in immigration matters and always take care to be 100% in status at all times. I am just dissapointed I didn't know or think of calling the international office for my leave.
 
it 's no big deal as long as you dont owe money to your school and you pass your classes. Next time be cautious before leaving.
 
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