Mix between F1 and B2

[java_up 0]

Hi everybody!

I'd like to know when a student F1 go out of US (without the I-20 re-certificated), and then reentry back to US as a visitor B2, so is he out of status as student?

I mean, if I reentry as visitor B2, the F1 visa stamped in my passport is canceled?

Also, while I'm in US as B2, I found another school and I'm interested to apply next week. So, do I need only a new I-20 and SEVIS to leave US as tourist and reentry as Student (using the same stamp)?

thank you very much!

[canadian_wife 1,822]

Technicall you can, is your B2 still good after you were issued a student visa? Often they are cancelled, you'll want to check

Also, no guarentee that you'll be admitted on a B-2, often when you spend LARGE amounts of time in the US, then attempt to re-enter on a non-immigrant visa, they like to see that you have ties to your home country.

Have you worked this plan out with your DSO at your school? There may be alternates for you that you are not aware of. Speak to your DSO

Good luck

[rika60607 215]

Yes, entering US on B1/B2 cancels your student status... I think it cancels F-1 visa too. So you'd have to get a new I-20 (that's for sure) and (probably) will have to go back home and request a new F1.

[bettermuscome 12]

Yes, entering US on B1/B2 cancels your student status... I think it cancels F-1 visa too. So you'd have to get a new I-20 (that's for sure) and (probably) will have to go back home and request a new F1.

not necessarily, when I was going to school I would leave the US in summer and return to the US in summer for family vacation using the B1/B2...then I would return home and reenter US again using the F1 for the fall semester..I had both visas at the same time, neither were cancelled and I was able to use them both at the appropriate time.

[java_up 0]

Thank you all for your answers!

More precisely, I'm in the USA with a B2 now, it means that it's still valid. The point is, my F1 stamp is valid if I leave US now, and then re-enter with a new I-20 + SEVIS?

I'm afraid that they won't allow me to enter right on the airport because the stamp is related to the other student status, even though I have a new I-20. Probably if I am out of status, I need I new visa.

I'll check along with the school, but primarily my plan is:

1) Get the I-20 and SEVIS here in LA

2) Leave US going either Canada or Mexico

3) wait 7 days and come back

4) At POE I'll show the old stamp (valid until 2014), the new I-20 + new SEVIS

What do you think guys?!

Thanks again, I greatly appreciate your help!

Edited April 17, 2011 by java_up

[bettermuscome 12]

Thank you all for your answers!

More precisely, I'm in the USA with a B2 now, it means that it's still valid. The point is, my F1 stamp is valid if I leave US now, and then re-enter with a new I-20 + SEVIS?

I'm afraid that they won't allow me to enter right on the airport because the stamp is related to the other student status, even though I have a new I-20. Probably if I am out of status, I need I new visa.

I'll check along with the school, but primarily my plan is:

1) Get the I-20 and SEVIS here in LA

2) Leave US going either Canada or Mexico

3) wait 7 days and come back

4) At POE I'll show the old stamp (valid until 2014), the new I-20 + new SEVIS

What do you think guys?!

Thanks again, I greatly appreciate your help!

I'm not sure about this, but I think the student visa is specific to the school I know on both my visas the schools names were printed on them, when I got a new I-20 I had to get a new visa.

[Harsh_77 718]

Once you leave and enter on B1/B2 - your I-94 would be stamp for B1/2 and not for F1.

Means you have to leave within that day or you will be illegal and out of status. Once you enter on B1/2 you can apply to new school and you can get a new I-20, but you still will have to apply for transfer from B1/2, which might be diffcult from what I have heard.

In recent times they were not letting ppl trnasfer from B1/2 to F1 within country they were making them to go back to their home country and get the right stamp before entering back.

[java_up 0]

Thank you for the help.

I called the school and they told me that I can use the same stamp if it is not expired.

So I I'll get a new I 20 (the sevis is not necessary) and leave the US for one 3 weeks and then come back ... I'll consult a immigration lawyer anyway.

Thanks!

[Harsh_77 718]

Thank you for the help.

I called the school and they told me that I can use the same stamp if it is not expired.

So I I'll get a new I 20 (the sevis is not necessary) and leave the US for one 3 weeks and then come back ... I'll consult a immigration lawyer anyway.

Thanks!

You I-20 has to be Sevis one, these are the new I-20 and all new I-20 have to be Sevis.