Practical Training (on F1)

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wudan

Registered Users (C)
I know this is not the right place to post this message, but this is the discussion group with maximum volume - so if anyone of you know the answer, please reply:

hi folks,

If someone has finished studies (m.s.) and obtained OPT (optional practical training), can (s)he go outside the country and come back without any problem? Should (s)he get a job (on PT) before travelling?
Is the signature on I-20 still required?
Would there be any problem at the port of entry?

-wudan
 
No Title

1.If s/he has already graduated and has an EAD card and a job, then one can travel.
2. If graduated, no job, but has EAD card, then it would be problem in the port of entry in the U.S.
3. One more thing, sometimes in the EAD card, it is printed that "Not valid to re-enter U.S." If that is the case, no matter what it is not advisable to travel out of U.S.

Hope this helps...
 
another question

hey thanks nrupa_tunga...
another question...
what if (s)he puts graduation on hold? would she have to be in full-time status (8 or 9 credits) to maintain f1 status?
 
Travelling on PT

First of all PT is not a visa, so to return you should have multiple Visa stamp in your passport otherwise you will have to get one from the consulate. (you know how difficult it is! Good luck?!)

my fellow students suggested not to leave after the PT is approved.

At the port of entry, Job related questions will arise (especially at these times) cos most probably you should have completed your studies.so what are you doing now?!

Most of all you are losing the valuble ONE YEAR of PT you get only once in your lifetime.

I don\'t think you need signature on your I-20. make sure before you leave.
 
No Title

If she is on F1, yes she has to maintain full time status.. But, if she is post-poning graduation for summer, then even with 1 credit she shud be fine. But,if spring and fall shud maintain atleast 9 credits( Ofcourse no. of credits for full time depends on school)..
 
Depends on what is your option (Thesis or course work)

Any time before the gradution you should maintain 8 or 9 hours of course work in every semistor except summer. But if you have thesis option, then you can take just 6 credit hours of thesis as a research assistant or graduate asst.
 
During F1 with practical training it\'s hard for her/him to come back to USA.

During F1 with practical training it\'s hard for her/him to come back to USA. I did remember some handout I read when I started my practical training. For other reason, currently it\'s not good
time to get student visa outside USA.

Good luck.
 
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