What are the rules regarding travel after the completion of an M1-visa program?
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What are the rules regarding travel after the completion of an M1-visa program?
I am currently studying in the US on an M-1 visa. My course will end next month and I have the usual 30 day grace period afterwards to make arrangements to leave the country. Friends have invited me on 2 Caribbean cruises and I wonder how I can ensure that taking those trips will be in accordance with visa/immigration regulations. Both cruises are considered closed-loop: they start from and end at the same US port and visit destinations defined as “adjacent islands” to the US. The first 1 is a 3 week trip (during the month after next).
Asked on October 24, 2011 under Immigration Law, New York
Answers:
SB, Member, California / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
The question is not really whether you can travel to the Caribbean (you can, provided you either don't need a visa to go to those islands or have a visa to go there). The question is whether you can return to the US after the end of the trip, given that you are basically done with the course of study for which your visa was issued. You may not be permitted to reenter if you have no more "study" time left. I would strongly suggest that you either reconsider your travel plans or plan to extend your stay in the US first so that you have a legitimate reason for returning to the US after the travel, based on the extension.
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