**Background info: Arriving on August 2003 to do a 1-year master. Using J1 visa issued by the university. Sponsored by university scholarship. No relation with any home country institution.
**Objective: to pursue a Ph.D. in a different university after I get the master degree next summer.
** Want to confirm:
(1) If a Ph.D. program accepts me and issues me a NEW J1 (not an extension or transfer under the current J1), can I enroll smoothly without violating the “2-year home country service” regulation for J1 holder? Is it true to conclude that F1 does not suit my needs?
(2) During the summer vocation next year, i.e., the interval between my master and Ph.D. programs, can I go back to China for a while, and then apply for a new J1 visa in home country to return to US before the Ph.D. program starts? OR, to play safe, do I have to stay in US during the summer vocation to avoid the visa risk? Is it very much necessary to do this?
Am I not subject to the J1 waiver by getting a new J1 from the Ph.D. program? I have no experience on any visa issues, please help me!!! Thanks a lot!