M1 visa, entry on new I-20

[psy 0]

Hello everyone.

I have a question about my M1 visa/I-20.

I originally went to the US on a 5-year M1 visa issued in 2008. The school where I was at shut down a year later and I returned to my home country.

I am now planning to go back to the US and complete my training at another school in the same state (Texas).

My M1 visa is still valid till Feb 2013, but was issued under the name of the old school and carried my old SEVIS id.

Is it permitted to travel on the same visa but a different I-20 from the new school (and a new SEVIS id)?

1) The school I contacted says, yes I can do this, just have to pay SEVIS and get a new I-20. "I should be fine"

2)When I contacted the US Embassy, they replied "I may need a new visa".

3) On the other hand, information online at the ICE website indicates I may be allowed entry.

Its not very easy to reapply for a new visa in my country, and I dont want to waste a chance if I can go back on my current visa.

Also, is there any way, I can find out what is my status on SEVIS (terminated? or other)? Since the original school is shut down, there is no designated official I can contact who will find that out for me.

Thank you in advance for your replies.

Edited November 24, 2012 by psy

[canadian_wife 1,826]

Your school shut down, your old sevis is not valid (obvoiusly) and I'm not even sure your visa is valid.

I would have thought that certainly your visa would be invalid, who did you speak to at the school?

good luck

[psy 0]

Hi there,

The person I spoke to at the new school is the national coordinator for an organization providing flight training in almost a dozen cities. I sent him a scan of my visa, along with my departure date from the US, and the closing date of the original school.

His reply was as long as I get a new I-20 and SEVIS, I should be fine and can go and train at his school.

[canadian_wife 1,826]

Oh I fully believe you could use your old student visa with a new I20 to train at his school

Being admitted to the US on a old student visa with a new I20 is a different story

Did you call the consulate or did you call USCIS?

Good luck

[psy 0]

Yes I did. The embassy said I "may" need a new visa. No firm answer, hence the confusion.

[psy 0]

Update: Just got this from CBP Info Center.

Response (PIO Gately) 11/27/2012 03:54 PM

Thank you for contacting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) INFO Center.

You must have a valid passport, a valid visa, valid I-20, and new proof of SEVIS.

SEVIS is govern my ICE(what does this mean?), you will want to contact your new school for further details.

Thank you again for contacting the CBP Info Center.

Sincerely,

CBP INFO Center

[psy 0]

anyone?

[canadian_wife 1,826]

I dont' think your F-1 is valid, I think you need a new one

just my opinino

good luck