F-1 student status expired and applied for re-instatement

[iamvulkkan 0]

Hello,

This is a case that is quite crucial. Here it is as follows:

1. Initial I-20 : Expired on 05/23/2013 (mm-dd-yyyy) .
2. Failed to notice it and the International students service at the University lets me know after two months of the expired date when I apply for graduation.
3. On the advise of my counselor at International student service center, I apply for re-instatement back to F-1 status by applying the I-539 form via USCIS website (online application with proof of financial documents and other credible informations). He also provides me a new I-20 with the expiration date extended to 12-20-2013 (mm-dd-yyyy) .
4. Application for re-instatement using I-539 was done on September-25th-2013. I check the status of this everyday. There has not been any updates so far (image containing personally identifying information removed for personal safety reasons)

Questions:

1. How long does it take to get the result from the USCIS.
2. Am I in real trouble since I applied for this re-instatement after failing to notice that my initial I-20 has expired ?
3. Will it be a problem if I don't get any answers from them beyond 12-20-2013 (mm-dd-yyyy) ?
4. I still have to apply for my OPT and search for a job. Will I still be able to search for jobs and apply for it during my wait for the result from USCIS ?

Edited November 28, 2013 by Kathryn41
attachedimage removed as it contains personally sensitive information that could be used to harm the OP

[moroccogirlny 100]

You should not post personal info on a public forum, I recommend deleting that thumbnail.

[iamvulkkan 0]

How can I edit and delete the thumbnail ?

[Leo7777 243]

I have an interest in this topic, but do not have the answers.

It is my understanding that a University can issue an I-20 to a person who is already in the USA on a F-1 visa. And that visa can even have expired.

i.e. the F-1 visa is only used for entry into the USA. It is not needed to be unexpired for continuation in the USA, if a person has a valid, current I-20, with expiration date sometime in the future.

For instance, a person can enter on a F-1 and I-20 issued by University A. Then, they could at a later time decide to transfer to University B. University B issues a new I-20, and the student continues on living in USA and attending school.

Similarly, the student could decide to continue on at University A, with a new I-20 issued by University A to obtain another degree or perhaps even complete the originally intended course of study which was not completed within the time shown on the original I-20.

All of the above seems clear to me.

However, I am not clear about the situation where a person does not apply for a second I-20 before the original I-20 expires.

Perhaps others have the answer.