Hello,

Can somebody please tell me how long can you be out of U.S during student/F1 visa. I left U.S after finishing my masters. I am coming back to U.S to my Phd. I have a valid I-20 and visa from the same school.

One of my friend told me that you cannot be out of country for more than 5 months 1 day during F1 status. Furthermore you cannot come to U.S more than 21 days before your reporting date on your I-20.

I left U.S on July 15, 2010 and I am planning to come back on Jan 2011 session. But I am scared that It will cross the 5 months period. Even if I come on December (30 days prior to reporting date on I-20) it will still cross the 5 months period.

I would highly appreciate if you could share your thoughts on that.


Thank you.

Your sevis needs to be updated every semester which your DSO does after you enroll for full time studies at school. This makes sure you are still at school and then only your I-20 and f-1 status are valid. By the time you will come back to school, your I-20 becomes invalid.
Since you have a visa, get an updated I-20 endorsed by your DSO, and return to the US. Not sure 100% though.

You can come 90 days before your school starts. Used to be in 2005.

Since your level of education changed from masters to phd, you must have a new I-20 to re-enter.
Yes, you can not be out for more than 5 months but it is true if you are on the same program and all info on I-20 remains unchanged and had your I 20 signed by your DSO on page 3 for re-entry. In your case, you need a brand new I-20.