F-1, dropped all classes. What do I do?

[aabiola91 0]

Hello Everyone,

I'm a newbie here and I'm in a bit of a fix. I hope someone on this wonderful community might be able to help me out. Here is my situation: I got to the US on Friday 23rd August 2013 on an F-1 visa (valid till 2015), with Duration of Status (D/S) validity. My sponsor has not been able to wire me the first installment of my tuition payment plan, and will only be able to do so by the end of August 2013- that is, in 2 weeks. This, however, in not guaranteed.

Today, Monday 26th August was the last day for registration and payment of tuition, and because my sponsor hadn't paid yet, all my classes were dropped. As a result of this dropping of classes, I suspect that I am out of status. I spoke to someone from the international students office and he basically gave me 2 choices: leave the USA or file for adjustment of status to B2 in order to stay in the US legally until I am ready to resume school. (I only just got here a few days ago, and am not too eager about going back just yet.)

She said that the process for adjusting status will take 4 to 6 months, and will be a pain in the neck because the Spring semester starts in January and there is a possibility that the adjustment of status application might not have been completed by that time. She hinted that it might be possible for me to, if the adjustment of status petition is still processing by the time I am ready to resume for classes, leave the USA and come back in using my F-1 student visa.

I have a few questions:

* am I really out of status? if so, how long do i have to leave the country?

*is it advisable for me to file a change of status (F1 to B2) application?

*will I be out of status and accruing unlawful presence in the US while the adjustment of status request is pending?

*what happens if a change of status (F1 to B2) is not approved?

*is there a better way for me to stay in the USA legally until January?

*what would be the best thing to do at this time?

* can I just wait here in the states, do nothing, defer my admission till January 2014, and apply for reinstatement then?

I'd really appreciate some advice.

Thanks

[Darnell 8,478]

does school have late registration? if so, you should talk with the DSO at your university, explain the situation and beg for late registration.

[aabiola91 0]

Hello,

Thanks for your timely response. It is possible to get late registration (a real hassle but possible), however, the main issue with that is the fact that my tuition fees wont get here until September. The deadline for payments was yesterday and I am not sure if the guys at the Bursar's Office will be willing to wait that long. Also, there really is no guarantee that my sponsor will send the money on time.

I wouldn't want to find myself in a situation where I end up paying thousands of dollars to my university and end up not getting any credits because payments weren't made on time. I hope you understand what I mean...

[Darnell 8,478]

this thing is best sorted with the DSO and the VP at the bursar's office.

If it's workable, it's those two people that are going to give you the slack that you need.

Must to go in person.

Edited August 27, 2013 by Darnell

[canadian_wife 1,823]

Go in person to the DSO at your school, do not call, do not e-mail.

You are in a bind where the future of your studies and your stay in the US is in question. If you are not fulfilling the requirements of your visa, then the school is obligated to report it.

good luck

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

You would have to go home to apply for a visitors visa.

[Harsh_77 718]

If ur are not sure your sponsor is going to send the money best bet would be to return home and not accure any illegal stay so just in case if u have another sponsor in future it would still be possible for you to come to US.