Applying for a new F-1 visa before the old one is expired.

[J.C.F.Gauss 0]

Hi everyone,

I graduated with a master's degree at the end of last year and now I am working on a post-completion OPT that expires in January 2017. However, my F-1 Visa expires on May 31, 2016.

From what I understand the only way to renew my visa is to go outside on the U.S.(I know that I do not need a valid visa to remain in the U.S. but I need to travel after the end of May). So, my plan now is to go back to my home country in the beginning of May and apply for new visa, in order to have time to return to the U.S. before my current visa expires.

My question is, will I be able to reenter the U.S on my current visa before it expires at the and of May, in case the new visa is denied? I know it does not sound reasonable, but can the consulate somehow cancel my current visa even though it is not expired yet?

Thank you!

[canadian_wife 1,822]

Are you currently working with the same job you used to obtain OPT?

Good luck

[newacct 688]

From what I understand the only way to renew my visa is to go outside on the U.S.(I know that I do not need a valid visa to remain in the U.S. but I need to travel after the end of May). So, my plan now is to go back to my home country in the beginning of May and apply for new visa, in order to have time to return to the U.S. before my current visa expires.

Where are you going to travel after your visa expires? Can you renew your US visa in that place?

My question is, will I be able to reenter the U.S on my current visa before it expires at the and of May, in case the new visa is denied? I know it does not sound reasonable, but can the consulate somehow cancel my current visa even though it is not expired yet?

I think they usually immediately cancel your existing visa when you go to apply for a new one, in which case you would not have a visa anymore to enter.

[J.C.F.Gauss 0]

canadian_wife, I obtained the OPT without having a job offer.

newacct, I am going to travel to my home country again, but I don't want to leave the U.S. without being certain that I can come back. What is the exact procedure of cancelling the visa, do they put a stamp or something? Do you have any references on what the exact rules are? I could not find any.

Thank you.

[newacct 688]

What is the exact procedure of cancelling the visa, do they put a stamp or something?

I think they stamp or write "cancelled without prejudice" or "CWOP" over the visa.

I am going to travel to my home country again, but I don't want to leave the U.S. without being certain that I can come back.

Well if they cancel your visa when you apply, then the same thing is true if you go and renew it now. So there would be no benefit to doing that.