F1 Visa extension

[molecular biologist]

Hello all,

               I got my F1 visa in july, 2007 for masters in Cell and Molecular Biology. After two semesters I got admitted into PhD program in the same department. My F1 visa expired in 2012. I still have a valid I20 for my PhD. I am planning to go to india soon. I have few questions regarding extending my student visa. They are

 

1) Honestly, I am really nervous to attend visa interview. I am at the end of my program and can't afford a visa denial at this point. So what are the chances to get rejected?

 

2) What all documents should I be carrying? Any letters from my adviser or from the department?

 

3) Can I go during the semester (september or october)?

 

4) Some people studying in my field got a 221 g form before. How long will it take to get visa if I am given 221g?

 

I will really appreciate if you can answer my questions.

 

Thanks 

 

[jairichi]

Hello all,

               I got my F1 visa in july, 2007 for masters in Cell and Molecular Biology. After two semesters I got admitted into PhD program in the same department. My F1 visa expired in 2012. I still have a valid I20 for my PhD. I am planning to go to india soon. I have few questions regarding extending my student visa. They are

 

1) Honestly, I am really nervous to attend visa interview. I am at the end of my program and can't afford a visa denial at this point. So what are the chances to get rejected?

 

2) What all documents should I be carrying? Any letters from my adviser or from the department?

 

3) Can I go during the semester (september or october)?

 

4) Some people studying in my field got a 221 g form before. How long will it take to get visa if I am given 221g?

 

I will really appreciate if you can answer my questions.

 

Thanks 

1. No one can predict that.

2. Carry all documents you think are necessary.

3. Anytime.

4. I believe it is due to TAL. No specific timeline for administrative processing.

[t75]

It is difficult to explain why you chose to be gone during the semester and have obligations to the university.

Once can always have a visa denied or put into additional review. There is no predicting how long 221g will take to be cleared.

I suggest you delay your travel.

[molecular biologist]

Thanks Jairichi and t75 for your replies! t75, you suggested to delay the travel. Does it mean till the end of the semester or till I graduate?

[t75]

Until you have time to wait for any 221g to be cleared.