Student I-20

[SKiki 0]

Hello, reaching out for support or insight. I've been in the US for my undergrad, after which I had a one year OPT extension. Then I started a grad program in a different university and so I transferred my I20 last year around July. I was told then it was transferred successfully and I also completed all the forms required of me when I entered the new university (acceptance letter, visa number, passport copy, etc) and attended all the orientation. It's now been a year into my graduate program without a hitch. Recently, while working with HR for my practicum as per my grad program, I found out that my i20 was expired and when asked for renewal, I was informed that after transferring my I20 from my old college to the new university, it was never fully completed and since it's been more than 6 months, my records were permanently deleted. Now they're telling me I have to reapply the I20 and Visa all over again by leaving the country. I saw an older post that said since it's been more than 180 days, there's a  potential 10 year ban from the US. Now, I am really worried because I am only 6 months away from graduating and this came up unexpectedly. Can anyone shed some insight? Am I in problem with immigration? 

[Boiler 45,482]

6 months overstay is a 3 year ban not that I am saying you have an overstay.

 

I am not clear as to why the transfer failed, the University screwed things up? I am not sure I would want to throw myself on the tender mercy of the Consulate but maybe an Immigration Lawyer can help.

 

There is also the well in 6 months I will be gone and not as if ICE are coming out to find you.

[Mike E 11,739]

@Rocio0010

[Rocio0010 5,579]

Wow! I just saw this. What does your international student advisor say? 
Did someone say it in written that the transfer was successfully done? Did they give you a copy of the new I-20?

The other thing to consider is that you say that you’re enrolled in a “practicum”. Be very weary because even though it is a program requirement, chances are that DHS might construe it as “work”, which is unauthorized under an F1 student visa. Hopefully you applied for CPT and your university is making sure you follow the guidelines and regulations for an international student, and not jeopardizing your status. 
 

And yes, all of this can be a problem for immigration.

[jackiegringa 419]

On 7/7/2023 at 12:12 PM, SKiki said:

Hello, reaching out for support or insight. I've been in the US for my undergrad, after which I had a one year OPT extension. Then I started a grad program in a different university and so I transferred my I20 last year around July. I was told then it was transferred successfully and I also completed all the forms required of me when I entered the new university (acceptance letter, visa number, passport copy, etc) and attended all the orientation. It's now been a year into my graduate program without a hitch. Recently, while working with HR for my practicum as per my grad program, I found out that my i20 was expired and when asked for renewal, I was informed that after transferring my I20 from my old college to the new university, it was never fully completed and since it's been more than 6 months, my records were permanently deleted. Now they're telling me I have to reapply the I20 and Visa all over again by leaving the country. I saw an older post that said since it's been more than 180 days, there's a  potential 10 year ban from the US. Now, I am really worried because I am only 6 months away from graduating and this came up unexpectedly. Can anyone shed some insight? Am I in problem with immigration? 

Please update after you talked to your international advisor, or maybe a lawyer, this is a very serious situation that your university should correct immediately if it was their fault.