Should I stay or go? (Valid I-20, but expired F-1)

V

valkener

Registered Users (C)
Hey,

I am an F1 student from Germany. My mother is American Citizen and I applied for Citizenship 4 years ago. I am currently being processed and have filed my Applicant Documents and my mom the Affidavit of Support.

I am also currently in the United States through an F1 Student Visa, have completed my Bachelor of Arts and just started my masters. Unfortunately my F1 Visa expired but I don't want to go back to Germany to get it renewed right now. I was born in Germany and am German citizen. My I-20 is good for another year until I am done with my masters.

Because I am currently processed, I expect an interview very soon so that I can have my greencard soon. Will an expired F1 Visa jeopardize my application? My I-20 is good, but I don't know if I should get my F1 renewed and I think my interview will be scheduled soon. I sent out my forms yesterday (Form DS-230 and I-864EZ, etc.)

Thank you SO much,

Ben.
 
Don't you worry. Your F-1 status is tied to your I-20 not to your visa. As long as you have a valid I-20 and you're going to school, it doesn't matter if your visa expired or not. You don't have to leave the country .The only thing is that you will need to apply for a new visa if you intend to travel outside of the US, but that wouldn't be a problem if that need arises since your I-20 is valid and you have not violated your F-1 status
 
that is right... you dont have to worry as long as you keep your status by having a valid i-20.
im a international student also and my f-1 visa expired on december 2005... but i have a valid i-20, so everything is all right! :)
 
Should I stay or go

Jackolantern said:
You applied for a green card, not citizenship.
Click to expand...

Every one has stated well you don't have to go-just not yet. Your status is good because you have a valid I-20 your school will worry about your F1 status. If you visit your school's International Students office they will give you more details and let you know the requirements before travelling but as stated by our friend earlier you will need to update F1 because F1 is for reentry and I-20 is for legal stay in the US. Nothing to say about your green card because you have it figured out and waiting, notwithstanding you have another year to legally stay in the US after school while you wait. Check out your school requirements for when to apply for 'OPT' as a foreign student. It gives an optional one year after your masters program to remain in the US for 'optional practical training' to practice your field, do a research or work for one year upon graduation. By then am sure your papers will come thru and your perspectives will be clearer to you on what you want to do after schooling in the US
 
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