kxm9228
Sep 30, 2009, 11:57 AM
Hello,
I would appreciate any opinions on the matter. Thank you very much in advance.
I am an international student with F-1 visa. Moreover, my I-20 states that the program must be completed by 9/2/2010, I have 1 semester left to complete my degree requirements, my F-1 visa is expired, and my passport is good for like 3 years.
Here is the situation/timeline.
1) I started my current program at the university that has issued my a new I-20 in September 2008.
2) I studied Fall 2008, Spring 2009 Semesters.
3) During the summer 2009 I did not study and stayed in the US.
4) The fall semester at my college started September 8, 2009.
5) I registered full time.
6) Attended the 1st and 2nd week of classes.
7) On September 17, 2009 (Thursday), I entered Canada (visitor visa valid for 6months) for a long week-end in Toronto.
8) Over the week-end I really enjoyed my stay in Canada and decided to stay here for a month maybe even 2 to enjoy myself, maybe find employers in Canada.
9) On September 21, 2009 (Monday) I dropped the classes that I was registered for (I am still required to pay 50% of the tuition).
10) I was enjoying myself until yesterday, when it was brought to my attention that I may have issues reentering the US to finish my studies
I currently have my I-20 endorsed (3rd page) by international student adviser for attendance and good academic standing (signed June 6, 2009).
My reasoning to drop the class was that as long as I have:
a) a signed and endorsed I-20 which is valid until 9/2/2010
b) the ability to finish degree requirements by 9/2/2010
c) a valid foreign passport
d) an expired F-1 visa
e) maintained legal status in the US while there
f) maintained legal status in Canada during my visit
g) citizenship of Armenia (not on a special list)
That I will not require a new F-1 Visa to enter the US from Canada after I was absent from the US for 1-2 months.
What I found, while in Canada, is that this will generally be the case if you come back within 30 days of the day you live the US for Canada. Otherwise, one has to go back to their home country and apply for a new F-1 visa. Please correct me if I am wrong.
I contacted the international student adviser at my university and she mentioned that she kept my I-20 active (she probably did this before I dropped the classes).
Question:
Now, because I have dropped my classes, will I still be able to come back to the US with the expired F-1 visa within the 30days of my leave?
I wouldn't have a problem of going back home directly from Canada and applying for a new visa from ARmenina, but I have not been in Armenia for 9 years (due to the Military issue) and the visa interviewer may look at this strangely and not issue me a visa. Considering that I only have 1 semester to complete my degree before I return home, I much prefer to go to the US from Canada and not worry about applying for a new F-1 visa.
Thank you in advance and I do hope to hear back from you soon.
I would appreciate any opinions on the matter. Thank you very much in advance.
I am an international student with F-1 visa. Moreover, my I-20 states that the program must be completed by 9/2/2010, I have 1 semester left to complete my degree requirements, my F-1 visa is expired, and my passport is good for like 3 years.
Here is the situation/timeline.
1) I started my current program at the university that has issued my a new I-20 in September 2008.
2) I studied Fall 2008, Spring 2009 Semesters.
3) During the summer 2009 I did not study and stayed in the US.
4) The fall semester at my college started September 8, 2009.
5) I registered full time.
6) Attended the 1st and 2nd week of classes.
7) On September 17, 2009 (Thursday), I entered Canada (visitor visa valid for 6months) for a long week-end in Toronto.
8) Over the week-end I really enjoyed my stay in Canada and decided to stay here for a month maybe even 2 to enjoy myself, maybe find employers in Canada.
9) On September 21, 2009 (Monday) I dropped the classes that I was registered for (I am still required to pay 50% of the tuition).
10) I was enjoying myself until yesterday, when it was brought to my attention that I may have issues reentering the US to finish my studies
I currently have my I-20 endorsed (3rd page) by international student adviser for attendance and good academic standing (signed June 6, 2009).
My reasoning to drop the class was that as long as I have:
a) a signed and endorsed I-20 which is valid until 9/2/2010
b) the ability to finish degree requirements by 9/2/2010
c) a valid foreign passport
d) an expired F-1 visa
e) maintained legal status in the US while there
f) maintained legal status in Canada during my visit
g) citizenship of Armenia (not on a special list)
That I will not require a new F-1 Visa to enter the US from Canada after I was absent from the US for 1-2 months.
What I found, while in Canada, is that this will generally be the case if you come back within 30 days of the day you live the US for Canada. Otherwise, one has to go back to their home country and apply for a new F-1 visa. Please correct me if I am wrong.
I contacted the international student adviser at my university and she mentioned that she kept my I-20 active (she probably did this before I dropped the classes).
Question:
Now, because I have dropped my classes, will I still be able to come back to the US with the expired F-1 visa within the 30days of my leave?
I wouldn't have a problem of going back home directly from Canada and applying for a new visa from ARmenina, but I have not been in Armenia for 9 years (due to the Military issue) and the visa interviewer may look at this strangely and not issue me a visa. Considering that I only have 1 semester to complete my degree before I return home, I much prefer to go to the US from Canada and not worry about applying for a new F-1 visa.
Thank you in advance and I do hope to hear back from you soon.