Tranfering schools. Will she loose her status?

[AwokeKnowing 0]

if in January an F-1 student decides to transfer to another college, but the college cannot accept the student until the fall semester, when does the visa expire? I've heard that after 5 months of not being in classes. is that true?

[milimelo 4,513]

if in January an F-1 student decides to transfer to another college, but the college cannot accept the student until the fall semester, when does the visa expire? I've heard that after 5 months of not being in classes. is that true?

You need to know that every school has to report student status to USCIS/DHS. Don't know how often this happens but it's rather quick - you may want to talk to your international student office dept. I'd imagine if you complete the spring semester you're fine over the summer break.

In the meantime, what seems to be the problem of already starting the processing for the second school? New SEVIS has to be issued as well.

[AwokeKnowing 0]

Well, really she plans to go to back home at the end of february (personal reasons) and is trying to avoid paying for another whole semester. She is fine until January 24 (spring registration), because she is still enrolled, but if she withdrew then, she would have until feb 7 to leave, but she wants to stay until february 16. If only there were a way for her to stay another 10 days. Any ideas?

[milimelo 4,513]

Well, really she plans to go to back home at the end of february (personal reasons) and is trying to avoid paying for another whole semester. She is fine until January 24 (spring registration), because she is still enrolled, but if she withdrew then, she would have until feb 7 to leave, but she wants to stay until february 16. If only there were a way for her to stay another 10 days. Any ideas?

I don't think 10 days are the problem at all. She does need to realize though is that she must have proper visa to return for her studies - including SEVIS. She can't piggy back off of her old F-1 visa if she no longer has that status.

[canadian_wife 1,823]

Correct, with a new school enrollment, she needs a new SEVIS and a new I-20. She cannot enter on the old one if she has transferred schools.

Tell her to check with the DSO at both schools to see when she needs to leave and when she can return. They'll knwo the restrictions of her f-1 status, if any

Good luck