leaving the U.S. for a conference before receiving AP

[Ayumi_Hamasaki 4]

Again, thank you all for your considerate replies to my original post:

I know the smartest and simplest decision I can and should make is to remain in the U.S. and miss the conference. The dilemma is that I'm nearing the completion of my Ph.D., and attendance to international conferences like this one actually constitutes part of the job interviews with my prospective future employers. I will continue to think about this issue. Maybe flying using mileage (so I can book even a few days in advance) may be another option should my AP arrive before I leave the U.S.

I've done my research, and the answer is: DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT AP. So I'll take this into serious consideration. Again thank you all.

Edited March 8, 2014 by Ayumi_Hamasaki

[AnotherLostSoul 167]

Uhm...actually, it is nearly impossible to find future employers just by attending a conference...at least in my field. Conference is a conference where people go and attend presentations and ask questions about the certain topic(s) they are interested, and sure, over at the "social" they can chit-chat, but it's not the place to haunt for possible job aspects. People will not start to lay down their budget and see if you could fit in there and if they could cover you for employment. But again, maybe this greatly varies from field to field...in my field, certainly this is not the way to go, and people find themselves quite uneasy if one brings up employment options at a conference. But maybe your field is different.

I think you'd be better off focusing on finishing your PhD, make sure you're meeting all the deadlines for filing with graduate studies, thesis sent off to the agency that prints it etc., commencement dates are met, defense time is set, filed appropriate forms where they'll send you your diploma and/or copy of your thesis 6 months from the date you turn your stuff into graduate office etc. So, think about this twice. You are just showing USCIS by filing that you have the intention to immigrate here. Don't make this harder for neither yourself, nor for any of us here, or USCIS by misleading the main office. Decide what you want, and go from there with clear intentions.

Good luck whatever you decide to do!

Again, thank you all for your considerate replies to my original post:

I know the smartest and simplest decision I can and should make is to remain in the U.S. and miss the conference. The dilemma is that I'm nearing the completion of my Ph.D., and attendance to international conferences like this one actually constitutes part of the job interviews with my prospective future employers. I will continue to think about this issue. Maybe flying using mileage (so I can book even a few days in advance) may be another option should my AP arrive before I leave the U.S.

I've done my research, and the answer is: DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT AP. So I'll take this into serious consideration. Again thank you all.

[Darnell 8,479]

My I-94 is D/S (duration of status), which is typical of any F-1 holders.

To add, I'm not overstaying. F-1 visa is different from, say, H-1 in that my status as a student is valid as long as my I-20 is valid.

Study the VWP for Japan, it's much less hassle.

Get it done prior to Jumping out of the USA, and it's easy to return on ESTA.

----------

keywords: Japan VWP ESTA

Again, thank you all for your considerate replies to my original post:

I know the smartest and simplest decision I can and should make is to remain in the U.S. and miss the conference. The dilemma is that I'm nearing the completion of my Ph.D., and attendance to international conferences like this one actually constitutes part of the job interviews with my prospective future employers. I will continue to think about this issue. Maybe flying using mileage (so I can book even a few days in advance) may be another option should my AP arrive before I leave the U.S.

I've done my research, and the answer is: DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT AP. So I'll take this into serious consideration. Again thank you all.

The DSO at your school can make other arrangements, if'n you have a convo with him/her about this.

[MochiKamo 93]

Again, thank you all for your considerate replies to my original post:

I know the smartest and simplest decision I can and should make is to remain in the U.S. and miss the conference. The dilemma is that I'm nearing the completion of my Ph.D., and attendance to international conferences like this one actually constitutes part of the job interviews with my prospective future employers. I will continue to think about this issue. Maybe flying using mileage (so I can book even a few days in advance) may be another option should my AP arrive before I leave the U.S.

I've done my research, and the answer is: DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT AP. So I'll take this into serious consideration. Again thank you all.

Even WITH AP it was difficult for us to come back to LAX from Tokyo. My wife had to go to secondary processing for additional questioning.

Edited March 11, 2014 by Yagisama

[Ayumi_Hamasaki 4]

Isn't secondary inspection required of all that come back with AP?

Well, so after careful consideration, I decided against my trip abroad (to Germany). I don't know how soon I'll get my AP even. I may, however, buy a ticket at the last minute if I get my AP well in time for my conference trip.

[Boiler 46,188]

Yes

[Ayumi_Hamasaki 4]

So, I decided to call USCIS to have my AP expedited yesterday. I received an email today from NBC, asking me to provide (fax) evidence, which I did immediately. I'll update!

[Ayumi_Hamasaki 4]

I got my EAD approved today, but the AP status hasn't changed yet. And...yes I specifically asked to have my AP expedited. I don't care about EAD because I can work as a student here. I believe the EAD status change include my AP because it's acombo card. I don't know if getting it expedited made a difference. It's been 62 days since I submitted my AOS application. Just for your record...

[AnotherLostSoul 167]

62 days??????? Just for EAD??? Good lord! Our whole AOS process from maling ####### in to the point of holding the GC in hand took literally two months...o.O

[aussie_jason 195]

About 60 days is the normal processing time for an EAD at the moment, mine was right around there too.