transition to grad school
prepare for resignation
apply for F-1 status & visa
apply for I-20 from Columbia ISSO
complete the online DS-160 application
get a F1 status
if not defer, resign from NORC job by 8.15
lose health insurance in the U.S.
switch status or leave the U.S. in 60 days
book a visa appointment (7.1-8.20)
China
book flight back to China
move for a new place after 8.15
NYC
Move back to China for a year
Stay in DMV for a few months
determine whether to defer school by 7.15
defer
move back to China after 8.15
stay at NORC until 12.15 and move back after 12.15
do not defer
move to NYC after 8.15
travel abroad to get F-1 visa
start looking for housing after 6.1 (2 months before 8.15)
move to NYC between 7.15 and 8.15
Ecuador
resources
read Columbia ISSO website
watch YouTube video: next steps for Int'l students
people
students in the same boat
Bao Rong?
Amelia Ma
other SIPA students in China
Tufts students in China
friends who have got visas in a third country
Zihan Chai - Ecuador
Haitong Du - UK
Xiran's friend - Ecuador
people who have transitioned from work visa to F-1
Jingyuan Qian (J1-> F1)
Zihan Chai (B1->F1)
get COVID testing
apply for transfer of status
get an immigration lawyer ($2000)
expect to wait for 6-10 months
need to remain employment to stay H1B status during this time
cannot leave the U.S. or the application will be abandoned
ship back NORC computer and monitor
give 2-week notice (6.1-8.1)
finish ERDC implementation (6.3)
pro: no visa required to enter Ecuador
opportunity: may be able to travel with Cami
flight back to China
isolation for 14-28 days
Mexico
con: need visa to enter Mexico
risk: language
risk: safety: crime & COVID
risk: safety: crime & COVID
Canada
con: need visa to enter Canada
risk: language
prepare to store things in the U.S. / ship back to China if visa request is denied and cannot re-enter the U.S.
prepare financial statements
pro: no language issue
pro: precedents - Jerry Chai, Xiran's friend
pro: I am familiar with Mexico City
pro: safety, no crime
risk: safety, COVID