travel during stem opt extension pending application

[Monyy Reddy]

Hi everyone,
First if all Thanks to everyone for their valuable help.

Travelling to india while stem opt is under process :

I have applied for stem opt extension on Oct 9th 2014. It is still under initial review, and my first opt is expiring on Jan 31st 2014. The reason for my message here is I am travelling to india from Jan 1st -jan26th.

1) Is it safe to travel during this period (while stem opt is pending).
2) is it ok if I come back 4days before my first opt expires.
3) what are the questions they usually ask when we travel during opt..
3) what is the answer I need to give them if they ask me what is the reason to come back when your opt is valid only for 4 more days.
4) let's say my stem opt is approved while I am in india and If i wanted to stay back for few days more.. what are the circumstances I need to face.. I will not have new opt card and the existing will expire on Jan 31st. So can I come back in Feb 1st week even If I don't have the new card but my stem opt is approved..
5) also please help me with what are the required documents I need to carry.. do I also need to carry the client letter during my travel.. I have the employer letter..
Please help me with the answers for this questions...
I really appreciate your help...
That would be really helpful...

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Admin]

There had been recent discussions on Travel during OPT/CPT/OPT Extension. Refer below links

https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1/posts/813447045339333

https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1/posts/692541827429856

http://forum.desiopt.com/showthread.php/1723-Travel-when-OPT-pending-before-graduation

https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1/posts/819750784708959

https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1/posts/813447045339333

https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1/posts/812266702124034

https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1/posts/810333255650712

https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1/posts/819144758102895

https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1/posts/680826961934676

https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1/posts/657958374221535

https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1/posts/795523507131687

https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1/posts/791739867510051

http://forum.desiopt.com/showthread.php/1334-Travel-on-OPT-EAD

http://forum.desiopt.com/showthread.php/1488-Travel-on-OPT

http://forum.desiopt.com/showthread.php/1350-Travelling-Outside-U-S-After-Applying-OPT-Extension

http://forum.desiopt.com/showthread.php/1477-Visa-renewal-n-India-travel

http://forum.desiopt.com/showthread.php/1399-Travelling-via-london-with-expired-US-visa

https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1/posts/789592054391499

https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1/posts/778895375461167

https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1/posts/770468116303893

https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1/posts/770348406315864

https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1/posts/766009923416379

https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1/posts/764397293577642

https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1/posts/810333255650712

https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1/posts/814288638588507

https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1/posts/819144758102895

https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1/posts/641643805852992

http://forum.desiopt.com/showthread.php/2814-Travel-on-OPT-extension-to-India

http://forum.desiopt.com/showthread.php/3092-Day-1-CPT-universities-in-New-Mexico

http://forum.desiopt.com/showthread.php/3204-OPT-Extension-Notice

We suggest you to search DesiOPT Forums and Facebook Page for similar posts and suggestions from readers.
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[lisaanderson]

Hi everyone,
First if all Thanks to everyone for their valuable help.

Travelling to india while stem opt is under process :

I have applied for stem opt extension on Oct 9th 2014. It is still under initial review, and my first opt is expiring on Jan 31st 2014. The reason for my message here is I am travelling to india from Jan 1st -jan26th.

1) Is it safe to travel during this period (while stem opt is pending).
2) is it ok if I come back 4days before my first opt expires.
3) what are the questions they usually ask when we travel during opt..
3) what is the answer I need to give them if they ask me what is the reason to come back when your opt is valid only for 4 more days.
4) let's say my stem opt is approved while I am in india and If i wanted to stay back for few days more.. what are the circumstances I need to face.. I will not have new opt card and the existing will expire on Jan 31st. So can I come back in Feb 1st week even If I don't have the new card but my stem opt is approved..
5) also please help me with what are the required documents I need to carry.. do I also need to carry the client letter during my travel.. I have the employer letter..
Please help me with the answers for this questions...
I really appreciate your help...
That would be really helpful...

1. Technically, it is safe as long as you return while the original OPT card is still valid. The risk you are taking is that you are assuming that there will be no issues or delays in traveling. If any type of delay or issue comes up and prevents you from returning and your STEM OPT is not approved, you may not be allowed to return. Although your OPT should be approved by January 10, what if there is an RFE while you are in India which delays the approval and then you are hit with sort of issue that delays your return?
2. Technically, yes, but see above caution.
3. The most important query for immigration is if you have a valid job offer or employment upon your return.
4. To work. If they point out it is only valid for 4 days, you should say that your STEM OPT has already been approved or is pending (you are allowed to work up to 180 days while it is still pending).
5. If you want to remain in India past your current OPT date, then have someone send you the STEM OPT card. Don’t extend the trip until you have it in hand.
6. See here and check with your school for information about travel on OPT: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/travel

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Admin]

Your message was posted as anonymous on Facebook wall- (Dec 23rd)

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Fan]

1. Not safe.
2. Yes
3. Well, your OPT extension is in process, so you can mention that.
4. Get your STEM OPT card mailed to your address in India. You need it while entering the country.
5. Employer letter is fine. Nice to have client letter.

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Fan]

do you have an answer fir this question?if your stem extension denied or if you did not get the approval on time then the immigration officer will ask you what you are going to do in these four days

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Fan]

I came a week before my opt was expiring.. they took me inside and asked lots of questions.. just asked abt my job and studies.. I had my extension application receipt with me.. and they explained it's not safe to travel in such conditions.. And allowed me back .. specially when initial opt is expired and u have not received extension ead yet!

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Fan]

From the knowledge I have, I can tell that it's obviously not safe to travel in your circumstances. And yes, you better get your card mailed to your indian address

[aamalathithan]

Monny Reddy: Can you please reply here how did your travel go and if you were questioned by the immigration officers.