F1 expired and traveling on OPT

[drgorda]

My F1 visa expired in May 2010 and I have been working on OPT since then at my employers place. I am into biological research at cleveland clinic. I need to travel back to India for some emergency. I do have an EAD which is valid for another 8 months (May 2010), and I have a job until May 2010. I was wondering if its really safe to travel and what documents I should be taking along with me? Please do respond if anyone has any information. Thanks in advance

[kabkaba]

You will need to apply for and get F1 Visa again, just like before. There is a small risk involved since you may not be able to prove that you will come back after finishing your OPT.
Also, with expired US Visa, you will need Transit Visa to travel through UK, Germany etc.

[postdocr]

I wanted to travel to India in March 2012 but my F1 visa was expired but i had a valid OPT. As this was urgent visit. I took the chance to travel and reapply for the F1 visa at Mumbai consulate.

My visa interview was on 14 March and my visa was refused and I was given a green sheet ( under Section 221g) i was asked to submit the documents listed on the sheet.

I submitted teh docs on 16 March. they give a case number after that which you should check everyday online.

My case number appeared on 2nd april 2012, submitted passport on 3rd April at VFS mumbai, got my passport with F1 visa stamped on 6th April 2012.

These were the most difficult days with so much uncertainity. This was a scary process but there is HOPE. If you are willing to take a chance and have to visit india. I think you can travel with expired F1 but valid OPT.

[IamboSS]

Hi there...

Now I am in same situation please can you email me your contact details dont mind. I am based in California....my name is Sam email: sagar1818@gmail.com Please Please do reply and help me out


Thanks,

Sam

I wanted to travel to India in March 2012 but my F1 visa was expired but i had a valid OPT. As this was urgent visit. I took the chance to travel and reapply for the F1 visa at Mumbai consulate.

My visa interview was on 14 March and my visa was refused and I was given a green sheet ( under Section 221g) i was asked to submit the documents listed on the sheet.

I submitted teh docs on 16 March. they give a case number after that which you should check everyday online.

My case number appeared on 2nd april 2012, submitted passport on 3rd April at VFS mumbai, got my passport with F1 visa stamped on 6th April 2012.

These were the most difficult days with so much uncertainity. This was a scary process but there is HOPE. If you are willing to take a chance and have to visit india. I think you can travel with expired F1 but valid OPT.

[raghavendra5]

I am in a same kind of situation and I have no choice other than going for visa interview. I am in biological science field and my 1st term opt expires in the month of feb 2013 and i am trying to visit india and go for visa interview in the month of dec 2012. What kind of supportive documents have you been prepared for interview and how the interview has gone through. Please reply to my message and could you please forward your mail id, so that i can get direct contact with you.

I wanted to travel to India in March 2012 but my F1 visa was expired but i had a valid OPT. As this was urgent visit. I took the chance to travel and reapply for the F1 visa at Mumbai consulate.

My visa interview was on 14 March and my visa was refused and I was given a green sheet ( under Section 221g) i was asked to submit the documents listed on the sheet.

I submitted teh docs on 16 March. they give a case number after that which you should check everyday online.

My case number appeared on 2nd april 2012, submitted passport on 3rd April at VFS mumbai, got my passport with F1 visa stamped on 6th April 2012.

These were the most difficult days with so much uncertainity. This was a scary process but there is HOPE. If you are willing to take a chance and have to visit india. I think you can travel with expired F1 but valid OPT.

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I am in a same kind of situation and I have no choice other than going for visa interview. I am in biological science field and my 1st term opt expires in the month of feb 2013 and i am trying to visit india and go for visa interview in the month of dec 2012. What kind of supportive documents have you been prepared for interview and how the interview has gone through. Please reply to my message and could you please forward your mail id, so that i can get direct contact with you.

Hi there...

Now I am in same situation please can you email me your contact details dont mind. I am based in California....my name is Sam email: sagar1818@gmail.com Please Please do reply and help me out


Thanks,

Sam