Can I re-enter the US for school 3 days before my F-1 visa expires ?

Question

I'm a full time student at a US college and was given with a visa that is valid for 1 year (issued on 6 August 2007 and expired on 5 August 2008). I'm not in the country right now but I'm planning on getting back there to continue my courses a couple of days before 5 of August. I wonder if I can still use that visa and be considered legal once it has expired (given that I'll always remain a full-time student and will not travel outside the country once my courses start). Thanks a lot !

Answer 1

1) As long as the visa is still valid then you can still use it as a legal document to re-enter the U.S. Remember your I-20 also.

2) Yes, you are still considered legal if you are inside the U.S. with an expired F1 visa. Once you are inside the U.S. it is the date on your I-20 which determines your legality in the country. As long as the I-20 is still valid and as not expired then you are still legal provided you maintain a full course of study.

NB: If your visa expires while outside of the U.S, then you will require a new visa to re-enter. An expired visa is not a valid document to request re-entry.