Extended I-20: What about visa?

[indrajit29]

I am graduate student in Wayne State University, Detroit. I came here last fall (August 2006) as a MS student. This fall i had been transferred to the PhD program. Our university has issued me one new I-20 valid upto 2012. now the problem is that i have my US visa (F-1) upto August 2008. How to extend that duration? Can i go to canadian embassay as it is very near from here? I am visiting india this december, but i am not sure whether i would be able to apply for visa extension (as my visa will expire on august 2008, so there would be still 8 months left at that time)? can anybody suggest me something about this matter? if i want to go for visa interview next time when i will be visiting india (2009-2010, can't say right now), is there any chance of visa rejection? I am getting a fellowship from this university, total funding written on new I-20 is about $48,000 per annum. kindly help. Thanks in advance.

[topcatin]

You will be fine with going for the extension and you have got a fellowship.Dont worry about it.You should be fine. They usually dont pull down students who have a fellowship/scholarship. If they did, the university cant use that 48000$ for any other purpose.It is a loss to the university if they pulled a student like that. You will be fine. All the best and Congrats on your fellowship!

[indrajit29]

Thanks for your reply. hope to get the visa extension.

[waitin_toolong]

I think you are unnecessarily worrying about your visa. The visa stamp is only for reentry and has nothing to do with your status here. even if the stamp expires and I-94 stays current you are legal but any travel abroad after the expiry of visa stamp will require restamping before reentry.

most often than not F1/J1 holders are given I-94 saying valid upto duration of stay or D/S that means as long as you are fulfilling the terms of your visa you are legal in USA.

Contact the international student services at your school for more information.

[indrajit29]

Thanks for your kind reply. i will contact international office for further info. anyway, thanks once again.