I have been living in MA for 8 years. I came as an international student. I received a Bachelors and a Masters degree between 2002 and 2007. From 2007 to 2008 I was on OPT. During that year I found a sponsor for an H-1B but I didn't win the CAP lottery. Since August 2008 I have been prolonging my F-1 to keep my legal status hoping to improve my situation in this country , but in the meantime I had to pay my bills, eat, and have a roof, so I had to work yes or yes. I gave private lessons and I never made a lot of money just the necessary to survive. I am now tired of this situation and I want to go back to my country for a year and then come back for a PhD, but I am afraid they won't let me in because I have worked under the table. I did get paid by check sometimes. Can you please let me know if this will be an issue and if so, should I stay in the country? Is there another option for me given the fact that I have lived here for so long keeping legal status?
Thank you!
Thank you!