South African applying for student visa

[cbon48 0]

Hi guys

I came to the USA the first time ten years ago to work at a summercamp on a J1 visa - for 3 months and then went home. In 2011 I came to visit the USA again, as an au pair on a J1 visa, originally for 1 year, but extended it for another 9 months. With the hostfamily I previously worked for as my sole sponsor I changed my status from within the USA from J1 to F1. I haven't gone home to visit my family since I've been here(since I wasn't originally intending on studying here), which is about 2 and a half years and am eager to do so. I know that I need to reapply for a student visa when I go home, my concern is that they won't approve it. My J1 visa expired in January 2013, but I gave my application for change of status to them by early November 2012 and only received feedback after the Spring semester already started, so this Fall semester is the first semester that I'm enrolled in school here. What are some of the problems I could run into? I have called immigration, but they couldn't give me straight answers to my questions and I've tried numerous immigration attorneys, but none of them specialize in cases from my home country which is South Africa.

[canadian_wife 1,822]

What is your current legal status in the US? When does your visa expire?

good luck

[Boiler 45,525]

There are no guarantees on visa issuance if that is what you are asking.

[cbon48 0]

My current status is F1, which is valid for the next 3 years, but it's not a visa, just a piece of paper stating that I'm aloud to study here. So I can't travel outside of the USA without reapplying for a student visa from outside the US.

Boiler - that is what I'm asking - I was just hoping that somebody could give me an indication of what the odds are, or the reason they'll disapprove it - what exact papers needs to be handed in for it not to be delayed?

[canadian_wife 1,822]

Sorry, I'm confused.

I was in the US on an f-1 and traveled outside the country many times. What is different about your F-1 status?

Have you spoken to the DSO at your school?

Good luck

[jan22 3,056]

Hi guys

I came to the USA the first time ten years ago to work at a summercamp on a J1 visa - for 3 months and then went home. In 2011 I came to visit the USA again, as an au pair on a J1 visa, originally for 1 year, but extended it for another 9 months. With the hostfamily I previously worked for as my sole sponsor I changed my status from within the USA from J1 to F1. I haven't gone home to visit my family since I've been here(since I wasn't originally intending on studying here), which is about 2 and a half years and am eager to do so. I know that I need to reapply for a student visa when I go home, my concern is that they won't approve it. My J1 visa expired in January 2013, but I gave my application for change of status to them by early November 2012 and only received feedback after the Spring semester already started, so this Fall semester is the first semester that I'm enrolled in school here. What are some of the problems I could run into? I have called immigration, but they couldn't give me straight answers to my questions and I've tried numerous immigration attorneys, but none of them specialize in cases from my home country which is South Africa.

One question the visa officer will have is, "What did you do for the Spring Semester?" If I read this correctly, you should have left the US in February (based on the J1), but didn't because of the pending change of status. The change of status was approved, but it sounds like you didn't begin studying until now (August or September). So, the obvious concern would be what you were doing between February and August. Continuing with the family as their au pair (the obvious assumption)? And, how are you studies being supported? Again, the assumption will be by working as an au pair. This is not permitted on your student visa. Sounds to me like you will face some questions during a visa interview.

[Asia 2,498]

Sorry, I'm confused.

I was in the US on an f-1 and traveled outside the country many times. What is different about your F-1 status?

OP came to the US on J1 visa and changed a status to F1.

That's why he/she can't just leave the US and come back. He/she will have to apply for F1 visa in their home country.

[Harsh_77 718]

Sorry, I'm confused.

I was in the US on an f-1 and traveled outside the country many times. What is different about your F-1 status?

Have you spoken to the DSO at your school?

Good luck

He only has the student status not the student visa, he has changed his status from J1 to F1, he will need to go to consulate for stamping.

OP - there is no such stats or what are the odds if you will get your visa stamped or would be rejected, it is the risk you will have to take if you want to visit or complete your studies and return home.

[cbon48 0]

Yes, I was here during the whole of Spring doing mostly nothing - living on money that my parents sent me from home, because as you said - international students aren't permitted to work. I have a friend that went home with circumstances similar to mine and she got her visa without any problems - sounds like it's a huge risk you take either way.