currently on F1 Visa- not sure what to do

[bienbleu 0]

Hi guys,

I'm currently on a F-1 visa (since May 07), and am finishing up a degree this coming May. Just to give some background, here's some history on me. I previously lived in the US between 92-97 on a J2 visa (my father was a grad student paid for by the country - S Korea), and currently, my parents are here in the US as diplomats. My dad is a diplomat for the S Korean embassy, and my mother is on whatever visa that let her come here as a spouse.

My boyfriend (a US citizen) and I graduate in May 2013 (he completes his residency, and I graduate from pharmacy school) and we are planning on getting married in the end of 2012. I know that my I-20 expires in May, and the international student office adviser told me that I have 60 days to stay in the US after graduation. I know technically a K1 is not what I need since I am already in the US, but I'm not sure what timeline we should follow to ensure my legality in the US.

We do plan on speaking to a lawyer as soon as we can (with both of us having a job on top of school, it's hard, but we'll make time), but I just wanted to see what you guys thought, as well. I'm just overwhelmed with what I read online, so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks guys!

[C-ma'am 684]

**Moved from K1 to General Immigration Related Discussion as the question is not related to a K1 process

[akihon 129]

generally, most F-1 status holders are told to apply for the OPT. it's usually recommended that if the OPT is applied for without a job, the student applies for it to begin on day 61 in the US. OPT allows 90 days of unemployment, which would extend your stay in the US, with the intent for you to obtain a job. You would then be applying for Adjustment of Status from F-1 to LPR.

Edited October 16, 2012 by akihon