DS160 length of stay?

[divB]

Hi,

I am starting my 6th year of PhD at one of the most prestiguous universities. My 5 year F1 visa expired and now I need to go home (=Western Europe) to get a new one.

Now I am not sure what I should answer to the question about my intended length of stay.

The truth is: Nearly everybody from my group took about 7 years, that's just how long it takes and I do not have end in sight so I expect at least 2 more years until graduation.

The university isn't too helpful here because they will only update my I20 year-by-year which means that on my current, the "expected" graduation date is still the original one: June 2018.

Now I also know that I have 1 year OPT and since in STEM +2 years extension.
Personally, this would expect me to stay for 2***+2=5 more years.

Additionally I would hope to get another 5 year visa so I do not have to have that hassle and costs every year.

On the other side, I would not like to put in a number that gives a wrong impressions, sounds greedy etc.

5 Years? That's what I personally think
4 years? Would be I20 date + 1 OPT + 2 STEM extension
3 years? Would be I20 date + 1 OPT + 50% STEM extension
Just 2 years? Would be I20 date + 1 OPT

I have found some sources which state "end of I20 date + 1 year OPT". However, this does not really apply to me since I am in an "open" PhD and up for renewal. No graduation until the results are good enough and since I am doing experimental work I kinda know that it takes me about 2 more years.

Thanks for any advice!
divB


PS: In my previuous DS160 from 2012 I entered 6 years which corresponded to the length of study on the I20.

[sapientissima]

Hi there,
Just checking what you ended up with on your application with. I'm in a similar dilemma of renewal and unsure about what length I should state on my application.
Thanks!!

[divB]

I think it really depends on the country/embassy and I feel I've good luck with the embassy in my country. They're pretty chilled, there is no interview, no questions I just went there and he said "It's been approved, you're receive it in 2 days". I don't feel any of my data mattered (other than for automatic cross checks).


I ended up writing generously 4 years ... ended up getting 5 again.

I've also heard it depends on the embassy how much you get.

[Coyotes]

I m studying on H4 and traveling to India for F1. In my i20 the program start & end dates are mentioned as 20 Aug 2018 - 31 August 2020.
But I am actually half way down my course and will graduate spring 2019. In such scenario, what should be my intended length of stay in Form DS160?
As i am already studying, I might have to show my transcripts and fees receipts to the VO. Will this information be contradictory as my i20 says otherwise?