two questions: Consulate and absence

[KyleC 0]

Hello everybody,

First of all, this site is awesome it has answered most of my questions in no-time and I wanted to thank everybody that has contributed to that!

To get to the actual questions I have two:

1) how long am I allowed to be absent from the U.S. on my f-1 visa? (like for vacation and stuff). My insurance wouldn't cover me for more than 1 month at a time but I'd also like to know if there are any restrictions from the government itself.

2) I'm going to be studying at Mississippi State University and the nearest Swiss Consulate is in Atlanta. I've been thinking about registering at the Consulate, that way I could still vote in Swiss matters, but I also wonder about a few things: What are the ACTUAL benefits of me being registered at a Consulate? Would I have to show up there personally? I'm just wondering since, once I do register I kinda have to tell them every change of address and stuff, whether it would be worth it...

Thanks for your help!

Sincerely,

KyleC

[canadian_wife 1,822]

When I was in the US on my F-1, I was told that traveling out of the country was acceptable for a period of time that did not impede my full time studies (as required for an F-1 student). Now, I never traveled out of the country for more than 2 weeks because I did not want to cause any issues. Now, your DSO will have to sign off on your travel so any issues they have they will raise it then

Now, I was able to vote in federal elections back home without having to register with the consualte. I'm not sure it carries any additional benefit other than having your country know where exactly you are in the case of an emmergency. You may register but I doubt you'll go there ever.

Good luck

[YuAndDan 153]

1) I would suspect longer than 1 month, summer break at most colleges is 2 months or so...

2) Not sure about this other than your home country knowing where you are.

[KyleC 0]

yea the consulate question is solved... i called and it's mandatory anyway...