unexpired F-1 for another degree

[xxtraloud 0]

hello,

I have completed a master in CS + 1 year of OPT that ended in December of 2009. Now I would like to get an associate in environmental technology to work in the environmental field/pursue a PhD. My F-1 will not expire for another year, can I use this visa in the mean time and defer my new visa application and interview until December of 2011?

I can't find any info on this.

[milimelo 4,481]

hello,

I have completed a master in CS + 1 year of OPT that ended in December of 2009. Now I would like to get an associate in environmental technology to work in the environmental field/pursue a PhD. My F-1 will not expire for another year, can I use this visa in the mean time and defer my new visa application and interview until December of 2011?

I can't find any info on this.

Is it at the same school? You need a new SEVIS form, new international student forms from the school (DS2019 I belive). Your best bet - visit to the International Student Office of the school you're about to start program in.

[xxtraloud 0]

it's a different school. I read somewhere that after the OPT end date I have 5 months to transfer my sevis. But I can't find a confirmation of this on their website.

[milimelo 4,481]

it's a different school. I read somewhere that after the OPT end date I have 5 months to transfer my sevis. But I can't find a confirmation of this on their website.

Contact the new school's intl student office and speak to an officer who approves SEVIS forms.

You can't continue using another F1 - it's about reporting issue to USCIS and DHS. Even though your F1 may still be valid, you've been marked in the SEVIS system as someone who completed schooling and OPT and CBP/DHS knows it.

You need a new SEVIS form and a new student visa.

[xxtraloud 0]

thanks milimelo.

just for the record I called my former university and they said I only had 60 days after the OPT exp. date to get a new I-20 from another institution. Also if you leave the US for more than 5 months without leaving any notice or make an arrangement your sevis expires and your visa is considered at the end of its life cycle.