Cap-Gap Rule for F-1 OPT and H-1B Cap Filer
The period of time when an F-1 student’s status and work authorization expire through the start date of their approved H-1B employment period is known as the "Cap-Gap".
F Visa
Grounds for Rejection for B and F Visa
Question details
I have done my masters in USA and stayed there for 4 years and came back to India. My visa got over on Jan 2013, and I plan to pursue my MBA in USA and went for the visa interview twice it got rejected, and now my friends and family are suggesting me to apply for B-2 visa. What should I do?
The grounds for rejection for B and F visa are usually the "immigrant intent." If indeed that is the reason for your visa rejection, I do not see any difference between B and F applications.
F-1 Student Status
Our client, a former Tri-Valley University of California (TVU) student who was left out of status due to unexpected closure of TVU, applied for reinstatement to student status. He retained us to respond to the Request for Evidence (RFE) he received on his reinstatement application. There were several serious issues raised by USCIS in the RFE. One of them was that the USCIS alleged that the online classes our client took at TVUdisqualified him from full-time F-1 student status. We prepared a comprehensive response and documented our client’s entire case
Handling of the Forms I-20 and DS-2019 by USCIS ELIS
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How does USCIS ELIS handle the Forms I-20 and DS-2019?
USCIS will accept a photocopy or scanned electronic version of a valid Form I-20 or DS-2019. If USCIS needs to review the original document, USCIS will ask you to provide the original document. USCIS will adjudicate the request electronically. Although the student will receive the approval notice (Form I-797) through the mail, the scanned copy of the Form I-20 will not be stamped and returned. As of Aug. 10, 2012, U.S.
Endorsed Form I-20
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What is an endorsed Form I-20?
The Form I-20 is endorsed when it is signed by a DSO, which allows the student to travel internationally or apply for employment authorization.
Form I-20 and Applying for State or Federal Benefits
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How will an unstamped Form I-20 affect applying for state or federal benefits?
An unstamped Form I-20 should have no negative impact on applications for state or federal benefits, including driver’s licenses and state-issued identification cards. USCIS is actively communicating with Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) to ensure their understanding that a Form I-20 does not require a stamp to be valid.
Form I-20 and Work Authorization
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How will an unstamped Form I-20 affect work authorization?
A student should have no negative impact on off-campus employment if s/he has the USCIS-issued Employment Authorization Document and a Form I-20.
Form I-20 valid without a stamp
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Is a Form I-20 valid without a stamp?
Yes. A stamp is not required on the Form I-20. Some state and federal agencies require foreign students to present a Form I-20 to identify the end date for the student’s program. However, a stamp is not required for this purpose.
SEVIS Form I-20
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What is the SEVIS Form I-20?
Foreign exchange students will receive a Form I-20 from the DSO of the educational institution that accepted the student to study in the United States. That student must have a Form I-20 to apply for a visa, to enter the United States, and to apply for benefits.
I-20 Terminated
Question details
1.I am in India and my I-20 has been terminated. What should I do to reenter in the United States?
2.Can I reenter the United States with an I-20 issued by a private university for a full time course and not by public university?
1. You will have to look for another school/visa.
2. As long as the school is authorized to issue I-20, you can apply for an F-1 visa. But make sure the school is not running into problems like Tri-Valley University did.