F-1 Visa renewal for PhD Pls Help!!!!!

[aparekh]

Hi,

I am currently a masters student graduating in MAY 2012. I have been accepted for PhD to the same university. My visa expires in August, and I have to start my PhD in September.
So I will be travelling back to India this August and will be applying for a new visa under PhD. My question is, what is the procedure for renewal? Is it the same as applying a new visa?
What are the chances of acceptance? Here are my stats below.
Came to US in 2007 for B.S., completed with high gpa in 2010
started masters in Jan 2011, completed in MAY 2012.
Made roughly 5-7 trips during the past five years back to home
Currently an Adjunct instructor and will be so if I continue with my PhD
Another big question is the last bullet. Will it help my visa case or weaken it? Oh and ya I will be appearing at the Mumbai Consulate

Pls Help.........
Thanks

[kannanb]

Hi

WHy don't you continue your PhD with your I-20 status without renewing your visa. You can continue there if you have a valid I-20 and don't need to come. Once you join PhD, you can renew your visa on your next visit to India. In August, if they put you on hold, then it may take 4 - 8 weeks to get approved which might affect your whole fall semester. You can talk to International admissions office at your school regarding this.- bye