ronbeck Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 Hi, I completed my degree in Dec 2012, and am currently employed in the US with valid I-20 and EAD and approved Stem ext. I am currently visiting India and realized that my F1 has been cancelled. Here is the story. I traveled to Mexico in Nov 2013. On the way back to US, the immigration officer in Tijuana voided my F1 visa on the assumption that it is not relevant anymore since I have an EAD.It was so quick, I couldn't react. He then asked me to get a new I-94. Upon further investigation by the I-94 issuing officer, he realized that my F1 is valid. The officer then put a note on my passport, ( to disregard the cancellation), issued a new I-94 and stamped my passport. I was able to get back to US after that, on two separate occasions from Mexico. So it never occured to me that my visa might actually have been cancelled. I am currently in India visiting family. I was supposed to get back to the US by now but the airline wont let me board because my F1 is apparently cancelled. At first I didnt think it to be true but I am more and more convinced now. I contacted the chennai embassy and they advised to apply for new visa. What are my options? My employer is being patient and willing to help in whichever way. Should I apply for a new F1 with the i20 and ead? Whats the approx waiting time for the entire F1 process? Then my h1b processing will start in Apr? This is such an absurd situation and I cant think straight. Please advise. Link to comment
jairichi Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 Hi, I completed my degree in Dec 2012, and am currently employed in the US with valid I-20 and EAD and approved Stem ext. I am currently visiting India and realized that my F1 has been cancelled. Here is the story. I traveled to Mexico in Nov 2013. On the way back to US, the immigration officer in Tijuana voided my F1 visa on the assumption that it is not relevant anymore since I have an EAD.It was so quick, I couldn't react. He then asked me to get a new I-94. Upon further investigation by the I-94 issuing officer, he realized that my F1 is valid. The officer then put a note on my passport, ( to disregard the cancellation), issued a new I-94 and stamped my passport. I was able to get back to US after that, on two separate occasions from Mexico. So it never occured to me that my visa might actually have been cancelled. I am currently in India visiting family. I was supposed to get back to the US by now but the airline wont let me board because my F1 is apparently cancelled. At first I didnt think it to be true but I am more and more convinced now. I contacted the chennai embassy and they advised to apply for new visa. What are my options? My employer is being patient and willing to help in whichever way. Should I apply for a new F1 with the i20 and ead? Whats the approx waiting time for the entire F1 process? Then my h1b processing will start in Apr? This is such an absurd situation and I cant think straight. Please advise. Yes, if you were advised by consulate officials then do so. Immediate if all your documents are good. Make it a point to mention VO about the incident in Mexico and if you have proof to back it up show it to VO. Who knows it might help. Link to comment
t75 Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 You have no option but to try to obtain new stamping. It takes as long as it takes. Your failure to address the issue earlier is not a crisis for US immigration. Link to comment
ronbeck Posted January 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 10, 2014 Thanks for the quick response guys. I need to read up on the app process and documents needed. Is there any thing in particular that I need to keep in mind? Documents or otherwise? Link to comment
ronbeck Posted February 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 UPDATE: ----------- I had most of the documents needed for the F1 (under OPT) application. I got the interview date (1/23). The VO just looked at my I-20 (not even EAD) and approved. Got my passport back on 1/28. For anyone under similar situation, this post is very helpful. Link to comment
jairichi Posted February 11, 2014 Report Share Posted February 11, 2014 UPDATE: ----------- I had most of the documents needed for the F1 (under OPT) application. I got the interview date (1/23). The VO just looked at my I-20 (not even EAD) and approved. Got my passport back on 1/28. For anyone under similar situation, this post is very helpful. Good to know that everything went well. Thanks for updating. Link to comment
pontevecchio Posted February 11, 2014 Report Share Posted February 11, 2014 Please note that you are possibly in an well known Institution and others should not automatically assume the visa is a given. Link to comment
F1struggle Posted February 21, 2014 Report Share Posted February 21, 2014 ronbeck, good to hear of your update.. Good Luck! Safe trip. Link to comment
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