how much time we can stay outside the USA when we are on F1 visa?

[lakulish]

how much time we can stay outside the USA when we are on F1 visa?

[Tino]

In my experience 5 months. after that you will need a new F-1 visa

Tino

[lakulish]

For example I am taking drop for this fall 2010. Then I need to come again in US.......But if I want to drop spring 2011 then can I take the drop and go again in India?????/

[Tino]

Look, F-1 visa is for studying in the USA, not all this dropping and going home and coming back. If you are going to play all these complicated games no one can tell you for sure what will happen, as the law is open to the interpretation of the various officials.

Typically, if you go home for less than 5 months, you can re-enter with the same visa, but if you stay home more than 5 months, then you will need a new visa, even if the current one is still valid (this is for F visas). Your visa is not a right. they can revoke it at any time, you are not a US citizen. So I do not feel comfortable to give you adivice beyond that. who knows what will happen in the case you describe? Maybe it will be OK. Maybe immigration at the airport will take you for secondary questioning, find you ineligible for entry and send you home. then the embassy may revoke your visa. I dont know. in the manner you describe you are not using the f-1 visa for its intended purpose, so maybe you can get by, but maybe not.

Tino



Tino

[lakulish]

Thanks but I have some family issues and thats the only reason. Donot know how I can manage studies and also family.

[Tino]

I understand and I am not being critical. I am just explaining the difficulty of giving this advice.