Hi all,
great forum with valuable info - I hope someone can share their expertise / experience to help me plan my course of action!
MY CURRENT SITUATION
- I am on CPT in my last semester, finished my last class and started a job full-time. My I-20 is good through Jan07 for full-time.
- I want to apply for OPT asap, so it will kick in just after CPT expires and i can stay w/same employer.
- My F1 visa has expired 6 weeks ago
MY MAIN CONCERN
Originally I had planned to go home (Germany) over Xmas, renew my VISA and wait for my EAD card there. Given the info I have gathered over the past days -especially on this forum- I now have to assume this is very risky.
Please help me clarify some of these points:
1. How long is the typical turn-around time for an F1 visa renewal? my first one was issued by mail (no interview!) in just 4 days, with both parents being green card holders, living in FL, and posing as sponsors.. embassy website shows only 3 days!
2. Will they even issue a new F1 if I dont have my EAD yet? My I-20 will expire after CPT is over Jan2007, of course...
3. Should I try to renew my F1 in Canada, so I have that out of the way?
4. Will my leaving the U.S. jeopardize my OPT application?
5. If I wait for my EAD and then travel back home, what are my chances to get a new F1? (my parents have moved back to Germany)
sorry for the long post, but my situation isnt all that easy. I would appreciate comments on anything or answers to any single question.
thanks!
Sebastian
great forum with valuable info - I hope someone can share their expertise / experience to help me plan my course of action!
MY CURRENT SITUATION
- I am on CPT in my last semester, finished my last class and started a job full-time. My I-20 is good through Jan07 for full-time.
- I want to apply for OPT asap, so it will kick in just after CPT expires and i can stay w/same employer.
- My F1 visa has expired 6 weeks ago
MY MAIN CONCERN
Originally I had planned to go home (Germany) over Xmas, renew my VISA and wait for my EAD card there. Given the info I have gathered over the past days -especially on this forum- I now have to assume this is very risky.
Please help me clarify some of these points:
1. How long is the typical turn-around time for an F1 visa renewal? my first one was issued by mail (no interview!) in just 4 days, with both parents being green card holders, living in FL, and posing as sponsors.. embassy website shows only 3 days!
2. Will they even issue a new F1 if I dont have my EAD yet? My I-20 will expire after CPT is over Jan2007, of course...
3. Should I try to renew my F1 in Canada, so I have that out of the way?
4. Will my leaving the U.S. jeopardize my OPT application?
5. If I wait for my EAD and then travel back home, what are my chances to get a new F1? (my parents have moved back to Germany)
sorry for the long post, but my situation isnt all that easy. I would appreciate comments on anything or answers to any single question.
thanks!
Sebastian