Can I apply for a F-1 visa ( master's in nursing or computer science) when my I-140 is approved but I am still abroad?

[Lin14827 0]

My company applied eb3 for me in 2015 as a nurse. My I-140 was approved in march 2017. However, uscis hasn't mailed us the acceptance package for us to proceed ever since. In dec 2017 , my attorney filed a I-824 application for duplicate approval notice to request them to send us the package. But we still haven't received it. 

 

Someone suggests that we could apply for a F1 student visa to expedite the process.

 

After one semester of studies, we can use I-485 to switch my status since my I-140 is approved. But, the us consulate might refuse to grant us the f-1 visa because I have an approved I-140.

 

What's your suggestion? It's hard to get into masters of nursing program because the deadline has passed. But I am also interested in some master in computer science programs. Even if it doesn't expedite the eb3 process, I would still like to learn from these programs

[Unlockable 7,315]

5 hours ago, Lin14827 said:

 

 

Someone suggests that we could apply for a F1 student visa to expedite the process.

 

 

Don't know who suggested this but applying for other visas doesn't expedite another. Each visa has certain requirements and wait times.

[Lin14827 0]

He said that after one semester of studies, we can use I-485 to switch my status since my I-140 is approved.

But, the us consulate might refuse to grant us the f-1 visa because I have an approved I-140.

If I don't apply for a F-1 visa, what should i do? IS there anything else I can do besides waiting?

[Boiler 45,874]

F1 is non immigrant but you certainly apply.

[Coco8 1,042]

Have you tried calling UCSIS directly? 

 

Trying to get one visa because you cannot get your paperwork does not make a lot of sense. And to this,

 

14 hours ago, Lin14827 said:

But, the us consulate might refuse to grant us the f-1 visa because I have an approved I-140.

it is very possible they will deny it. Plus, applications for MA require you to take exams, like GRE, applications usually close at the end of the year to start in August, and you need to show proof of funds for tuition + living cost. It will be much harder than what you or your friend make it sound. 

[Lin14827 0]

On 5/30/2018 at 1:52 PM, Coco8 said:

Have you tried calling UCSIS directly? 

 

Trying to get one visa because you cannot get your paperwork does not make a lot of sense. And to this,

 

it is very possible they will deny it. Plus, applications for MA require you to take exams, like GRE, applications usually close at the end of the year to start in August, and you need to show proof of funds for tuition + living cost. It will be much harder than what you or your friend make it sound. 

Sorry for the late response.

I took my GRE 3 years ago, right before I left the US (got a 325/34). Funding isn't a problem for me.

My biggest issue is that National Visa Center hasn't received my I-140 for 14 months. And when I called USCIS, they said they had already sent my case to National Visa Center. But, when I called National Visa Center, they said that they dont have my information and I should call USCIS instead. So, I have been in this "limbo" state for the past 14 months. 

 

I

[Coco8 1,042]

On 7/25/2018 at 1:18 PM, Lin14827 said:

Sorry for the late response.

I took my GRE 3 years ago, right before I left the US (got a 325/34). Funding isn't a problem for me.

My biggest issue is that National Visa Center hasn't received my I-140 for 14 months. And when I called USCIS, they said they had already sent my case to National Visa Center. But, when I called National Visa Center, they said that they dont have my information and I should call USCIS instead. So, I have been in this "limbo" state for the past 14 months. 

 

I

 

You need to call UCSIS and tell them that. It is not normal.

 

The GRE is valid for one or two years. You'll probably have to retake it.

[Lin14827 0]

1. LIke I said in my first post, I contacted USCIS and NVC for at least 3-4 times through the past 12 months. The last time I called was in May. 

Plus, my attorney also emailed and wrote them two times, once in Dec and once in March. In case the acceptance package was lost, my attorney even filed a I-824 application for duplicate approval notice to request them to send us the package. 

 

I don't know what to do next other than waiting 

 

2. GRE scores are actually valid for 5 years  For tests taken on or after July 1, 2016, scores are reportable for five years