[ramakar]

Hi

I came to the US about 5 years ago on B2. I got myself in kaplan after 5 months of entry. I got my status changed to F1 . After 4 months studyng at kaplan I got into a program at a good university. I completed my masters there and did a 1 yr opt. Now I have joined another program at the same university. My current course ends in July 2011. I have not gone to india since the past 5 yrs. I want to go now but I am hesitant in going . I think it will be a problem at the visa office. My program is a doctrate so most of the tuition is paid by loans from here.

Please advise. I will really appreciate it.
By the way I received my B2 on an intent to give interview ata university in US. But the visa officer did not put " prospective student on my visa.

[lawanwadee]

Before you leave US, you must be accepted by university and have a current I-20. When you return to India, you will need to apply for F-1 at US consulate in India. Since you maintain your legal status all these years, you should be able to obtain F-1 without a problem.

[ramakar]

Before you leave US, you must be accepted by university and have a current I-20. When you return to India, you will need to apply for F-1 at US consulate in India. Since you maintain your legal status all these years, you should be able to obtain F-1 without a problem.

Thank you for replying. Are you a lawyer? Do you think iwill need a lawyer for this

[lawanwadee]

No, you don't need a lawyer... this is simple procedure. As long as you have legal status in US,
Though not having passport stamped in years, you are legal.. so nothing to worry about.