Applying for F1 visa while in OPT

[immigrantusa]

Hi,

My F1 visa expired in 2009 but my OPT has been recently renewed for the additional 17 months. I don't want to go my country to apply for an F1 visa. (it's too far). I prefer to go to Canada (preferred) or Mexico to get a new visa

Can anyone share their experiences in cases like this? I know there is always the risk that the visa application be turned down, but how likely is that to happen? My contract is until August 2012, so it's not that I'm on my last leg or something.

Thanks in advance

[kabkaba]

You don't need to get the Visa for the sake of it. Whenever you wish to leave the US and return in F1 status apply for a Visa. For F1 it is advisable to get it done in home country since you can easily show ties to home country. In general if Visa is denied in Canada or Mexico you will have to return to home country anyway.

[biologyphd]

Hi,
Did you ever went for F1 restamping while on OPT? Any input will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you very much!