How can I stay in the U.S?

Question

I'm from Panama, I came here 4 years ago with a student visa, I graduated from college in NY and got my OPT. Now I have ended my OPT but I still want to stay in the U.S because I like it here and there are a lot more options for my job ( Im a chef). So my question is if there is any way for me to stay longer?

Answer 1

Find an employer to sponsor you or marry a U.S. citizen - they are your only routes.

Answer 2

It's a bit late in the day to be asking this question, really. In order to stay legally, you would need to establish eligibility for some other status that would allow you to stay. For many students, that is frequently an H1b skilled worker visa and those take time. However, now that you've ended your OPT, you'll be out of status shortly and if you don't leave, you won't be eligible to change to any other status, unless you marry an American. Otherwise, you'll have to leave and apply for another visa back home to return. And, as noted, once you're here out of status for over 6 months, you'll be ineligible for any visa for 3 years even if you go back home. So, keep all that in mind before you decide to stay much longer.

Answer 3

You can't legally stay in the US because you are here on a nom-immigrant visa.

When you applied you agreed to leave when through with your studies.

So you first have to return home and apply for a immigrant visa.

You can't adjust status while still in the US.

If you fail to leave regardless if you fill out visa paperwork, you will be considered an overstay and subject to deportation and a ban of 10 years.

Answer 4

Just leave you don't belong here.

Rob

United States Air Force Recruiter

McCain 2008

Answer 5

You should contact the Immigration and Naturalization Service...  they can tell you what you need to do to become a citizen...  I think you have to get a green card and live here for five years before you are eligible for citizenship...  but I don't know all the specifics and details...