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| Subject: illegal status / Student visa expired |
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Here is my problem:
My student visa expired in August 2003 (2 yr limit)
I haven´t finished my master degree. Actually i already have my thesis proposal finished before that day, then i quit without talking to my supervisor and anyone else .I simply chose to escape. Geez, i don´t know what i have done...
I´m now in such a pathetic situation: I don´t want go back to my country cuz i haven´t finished my degree. I can´t stay since my status is illegal.
Is there a way to let me finsh my study (in the condition that my supervisor forgive me) , any help and advice would be appreciated.
[24-12-2004,05:52]
triton |
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overstay (in reply to: illegal status / Student visa expired)
Oh my.
First, your supervisor has little to say about your immigration status. Only Homeland Security can rule on this matter. You can check with the International Office at your school to see what the counselor recommends, but usually if your I-20 has expired, your relationship with the university is over. Had you remained and finished your studies you could have received up to two years (one during and one post graduate) of practical training beyond the period of graduate studies.
You can stay in US illegally, but risk being caught (which is rare depending on where you are located), and live a limited life with a risk of not having a driver´s license, working odd jobs, etc., that are not legal. Also, you run the risk once leaving the U.S. of not being allowed to return for up to ten years. Many overstays have been here for many years but do not realize their full potential since they cannot work legally. In many states, they are denied driver licenses, and in one state, recently due to Proposition 200 which passed overwhelmingly, medical facilities and physicians are obligated to report overstays or illegal aliens to Homeland Security.
If you are interested in immigrating to Canada, which is an option, and you have the necessary funds, then begin the paperwork. The CIC does not care if you are an overstay in U.S. You can apply under the skilled worker option if you have at least 1 year of work experience. Expect about two years of waiting prior to approval.
I hope this helps, and everything is ok for you.
Ron
[24-12-2004,11:04]
Ron |
(in reply to: illegal status / Student visa expired)
Thank you very much
I forgot to mention that i´m actually in Canada.
[24-12-2004,14:59]
triton |
(in reply to: illegal status / Student visa expired)
You could have got your visa renewed if you have not finished the degree requirements.Till what time is your study permit valid becuase that decides if you can stay in canada or not, not the visa.I will suggest you to go to your univ. , take a letter that your degree is not finished.Apply for extension of study permit.you will get it.finish your degree.
[24-12-2004,16:37]
Anonymous |
(in reply to: illegal status / Student visa expired)
The study permit and visa all get expired at August 2003...
[24-12-2004,16:46]
triton |
Visa expired (in reply to: illegal status / Student visa expired)
If a US visa is expired, what status should we white in the application and should I sent a copy of my expired visa?
[26-12-2004,04:48]
Mario Filho |
(in reply to: illegal status / Student visa expired)
You would probably need to get re-admitted into your program. Once you do that, you would most likely need a letter from your school stating that you´ve been accepted as a student. And basically once you get that letter, you would think that you would need to apply for an entirely new student visa.
However since you overstayed your original visa and are currently considered to be illegally staying in the country I´m not sure how that will affect your application for a new visa...you may have to follow the same procedure you did to receive your initial student visa since I´m pretty sure that you can´t renew a visa that has been expired for over a year. But since you´re still in Canada you may want to call the CIC Call Centre and ask them. The number is 1-888-242-2100, and there are agent available 8-4 Monday thru Friday.
[26-12-2004,23:17]
Mel |
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