Quick F-1 conundrum

I

immindus

New Member
Hi Everyone,

To summarize my problem:
My multiple entry visa in my passport expires June 15, 2006
My I-94 is D/S (duration of study/stay)
MY I-20 expires August 31, 2006

I know that the controlling document is the I-94 so just as long as I am in a course and keep my hours I will be in status.

My question is this: what if I decide to go home after June 15, 2006; the visa in my passport has expired though my I-20 is not. Am I in trouble? Would I have a hard time getting another visa to come back here to the US? Should I get a new visa on my passport from Mexico or Canada before going home? I heard about a 10 year ban if things were screwy what is that all about?
thanks in advance for any reply.
 
My two cents..

Think of Visa as a key to the house. Think of I-20 and other documents as validity while staying in the house. If you go out and come back again after your visa expiry, your I-20 may not help you. Either way I would check USCIS guidelines or a good lawyer.
 
A valid visa is required in order for you to enter the country (the fact that I-20 is valid for another 6 months does not matter)
Getting a new visa - each case is different :( .
I think providing a little bit more info about your case may help us understand your situation better.
 
here are my thoughts...

well I don't what else to add to the info I gave. I realize that my options are few:

1) if I stay, then I have to maintain F-1 until I can change my status and not
leave the US until then

2) if I decide to go home before my visa expires then I have to take the
chance of getting another visa and perhaps a denial from the consulate

This brings me back to my questions:

1) if for some reason that I had to go back after my visa expires would I be in
trouble? and face a ten year ban?

2) can i get a visa if I go to Canada or Mexico, I don't know what that is all
about actually, if anybody can clarify this.

Again thank you for any reply.
 
You wont be banned from comin back to America, as long as you kept your legal status here in America (I.e. maintaining your F1 status). So make sure you're taking up a fulltime study and stick with it until you leave. An I - 20 is all you need to be legal in America. THe visa can expire but as long as you maintain your status as a fulltime student you are fine.

Reason why people say you can go to Canada or mexico is because it's closer to America and all you need to do is to leave America to get another Visa. However you might be denied beause back in your country they might know your case better, since that's where you got your visa in the first place.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top