Hong

Dear netters:

I would be greatly appreciated if someone can give me advise on my problem.

I had been under optional practical training (OPT) until recently
(9/1/00 --> 6/24/01). After I decided to change to J1, an officer in my institute
issued IAP66 starting from 6/25/01 to 6/24/03. However, I could not get an
appointment for a visa interview before 6/24/01. So I decided to get an
interview whenever earliest and got 8/7/01 interview in Toronto since I was told
from an officer at my institute that is okay..

Very unfortunately back then, I was told that I can maintain my status as long as I
have a valid IAP66. Of course, I realized recently that was not true. To make the
matter worse, I have gotten paid after my OPT expired, which made me believe that I
was in status.

Do anyone have an idea how I can fix these problem before the visa interview
(9/1/1)? Or I should not take this interview at the first place.

Here are my idea right now.

10) I was told that there is 2 month grace period after pratical training. Can I
claim that I am in status because I am under the grace period?
11) Can I extend my practical training to make myself in status since what I have
authorized was only from 9/1/00 to 6/24/01 although my school asked for
11/1/00 to 6/24/01? Is this possible at the first place since OPT has been expired
last month?
12) Will the fact that I was getting paid from my institute while I was out of status
affect the visa interview although I did not know the problem? If so, is there
anything I can do now?

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Hong