F1 visa

[ankitmar28]

I am doing my masters and my F1 VISA is about to expire in the month of MAY 13TH 2013....I may GRADUATE IN dec2012 an will aply for OPT.

1)Can I stay here in USA on OPT even if I don't have a valid F1 VISA


2)If I leave INDIA after MAY 13TH on OPT without a VALID F1 VISA....can I re-enter USA again?


3) Is it require to have a valid 6months F1 visa before I travel to INDIA. or wen I reenter USA ..?If I leave for INDIA in Dec2012 and I am left with 5months more for my F1 visa expiry..

4)i have to go INDIA in 2013 Aprill and my visa expires ON May13th 2013...wats d best possible way So that I can reneter USA.? Plzz suggest me best possible way

Thank You.

[kabkaba]

Visa is only a travel document, you can travel to the US as long as your Visa is valid (up to the last day).

Stay in US is determined by your I-94. In case of F1, I-94 is D/S and so you can stay in the US as long as you maintain F1 status (which includes OPT).

If you leave the US and want to return after your Visa expires, you will have to apply for the Visa again like before. But if you return anytime before it expires, you will not need a new Visa.