Hi, I am an international senior student in Ithaca College and I will be graduating on May 08. After my graduation, I was planning to participate in a 2- week sustainable management project in Ecuador (From May 14- to May 30)and come back to the U.S to take an Lsat test by June 16. However, my F-1 visa ends by May 18 and I have been told that I would not be able to get back to the United States if I went to Ecuador for the project. I am just wondering if there is any way to prolong my F-1 visa or some other way within the United States that would enable me to go to Ecuador and come back to the United States by May 30 to take my Lsat test.
I just applied for an Opt and I have also been told that it is actually very risky to prolong a visa based on an OPT. It is also very important for me to know whether I am able to somehow prolong my visa (Like 20 days would be more than enough) from the United States, since I am still studying in a college in NY. If I have to go back to my country, I might as well forget about the whole thing. Thank you.

You might not find what you're looking for on this site as this community is related to family immigration..... I would suggest you contact USCIC, or an attorney, for more info.

Jen

You have two months to leave the country after your last day at school. As soon as you leave, your F-1 status is no more. It will be impossible for you to come back. The customs officers won't let you back.
If you decide to go the OPT route, do not leave the country till approved.
Either way, i wouldnt go to the other country.

Hi,

I was also an F-1 Visa holder and went to college over here in the states. My F-1 Visa was valid was four years and once i graduated, i applied for OPT which basically gives you an extra year to stay over here. I suggest researching your options for OPT (optional practical training) because if my college did it for all their international students, im pretty sure all F-1 Visa holders have this option. I think the cost for the visa was 300 dollars which is not too bad either- hope this helps out a little bit. BUT remember you have to have a valid F-1 Visa in order for the OPT to work. You said your visa will be expiring in May so either way you will have to go to your own county to get the new F-1 visa stamp. Its a pain but you have to do it in person at the US embassy of your county.