Visa extension problem?

How can I extend F1-visa while I am on OPT extension?

• I am on F1 visa which is expiring on July 26,2010. I graduated (MS in computer science) in Dec 2008 and currently working on OPT. My job is related to my field. I am working as a database developer and administrator in a company. I have already got OPT extension of 17 months. My new OPT card will expire on July 11,2011. I know I can stay in US without extending F1-visa but I will have to renew my visa for re-entry in US if I visit my home country. I generally visit my home country 2-3 times in a year so I want to extend my F1-visa. Now I have two options. 1. I should travel to my home country before my F1-visa expires and apply for renewal. If I go there in June 2010, Can they deny visa extension just because it is going to expire in July 2010? What are the chances of getting renewal if you apply for extension just one month before your visa expires? (Remember I have all documents, Job, extended I-20 for OPT, OPT card etc.) 2. If I travel to my home country after my visa expires, Will there be any problem in getting visa extension even if I have all documents, Job, extended I-20 for OPT, OPT card? Can I get visa extension on the basis of OPT extension even if I graduated in Dec. 2008? In which option do I have better chances of getting visa extension? 1st or 2nd? Is there any other way in which there are better chances of getting visa extension? Please don't give me "Go back to your country" crap. Serious reply only. No jokes. Thank you very much in advance for help.

• Answer:

  you are not a student any more, so you aren't going to get an extension for your student visa. An OPT doesn't allow multiple entry - it says so on your card. Read what is printed on your OPT card.... While you can stay as long as your OPT is valid you can't travel outside of the US if you want to come back. So you have to decide, you either want to continue working in your current job or you want to travel to your home country and stay there. You can't have both. You can ask your company whether they are willing to sponsor you for an H1B and keep you on. Once you have an H1B you can travel, though don't forget that you will need to get the visa entered in your passport the first time you leave the US - which does need some advance organization. If your company is not willing to sponsor you for an H1B you can see if you can find a company which is willing before your OPT expires, otherwise you will have to return to your home country.