Transfer to University

[Mikhail]

Hi.
I came to the US with J-1 visa expiring in November 2001. In September 2001 I entered the language school. I got I-20 form and applied for change of status (F-1). I got the notice letter from INS that it takes about 360 days to approve my status. In July, 2002 I’m going to transfer to UC Berkley, so I’ll get the I-20 from Berkley for 1 year. There are my questions:
1. Do I need to send my new I-20 to INS?
2. What should I do if INS denies to change my status and I get deny letter in September, 2002, when I’ll be studying in UC Berkley and already have paid tuition for 1 year?
Thank you.

[Allan Samson]

The foreign student advisor at Berkelely will send your I-20 to INS. These are questions which they deal with all the time. If INS denies your change of status you will not get your money back but you will have had the wonderful opportunity of studying at one of the GREATEST universities in the world. (My school). Seriously, if you are denied an F-1 for your application to the language school, you have a problem. If your denila comes after you have been studying at UC-Berkeley -- talkl to the foreign student advisor to request a reconsideration of the denial based on the fact that you are now studying at a world-recognized university (and have been admitted there, which is very difficult) rather than a small language school. This is another issue which foreign student advisors at great universities face. Good Luck, ALLAN SAMSON