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Hi,
I am an Electrical Engineer working in TX as part of OPT after graduating from my BS program last Fall.
I had to travel to my native Turkey for a two-week visit due to familial reasons, and because my F-1 had expired, I reapplied at the consulate here (Istanbul, TR) on my first day here. My OPT status is valid for another 5 months and I am also eligible for the 2-year STEM extension.
My visa was approved during my consulate visit and I was given the approval paper. However, after a couple days, I received an email from the consulate saying my application was put on administrative processing, was given a form to fill out (mostly asking for addresses and social media accounts) and my passport was subsequently returned today without a visa in it. The email also said:
Obviously I'm terrified at the prospect of being stuck in Turkey for 3 months and worried about what consequences this might have re: my job in the States.
So I wanted to come out here and ask if anyone has had a similar experience (admin. processing after approval, w/ F-1 and OPT, etc) and how long it took for this to be resolved.
Also any advice re: the situation is appreciated. Not sure if there's anything I can do but wait at this point but might as well give it a shot.
Thanks!
I am an Electrical Engineer working in TX as part of OPT after graduating from my BS program last Fall.
I had to travel to my native Turkey for a two-week visit due to familial reasons, and because my F-1 had expired, I reapplied at the consulate here (Istanbul, TR) on my first day here. My OPT status is valid for another 5 months and I am also eligible for the 2-year STEM extension.
My visa was approved during my consulate visit and I was given the approval paper. However, after a couple days, I received an email from the consulate saying my application was put on administrative processing, was given a form to fill out (mostly asking for addresses and social media accounts) and my passport was subsequently returned today without a visa in it. The email also said:
For some applications, administrative processing can take at least 3 months.
So I wanted to come out here and ask if anyone has had a similar experience (admin. processing after approval, w/ F-1 and OPT, etc) and how long it took for this to be resolved.
Also any advice re: the situation is appreciated. Not sure if there's anything I can do but wait at this point but might as well give it a shot.
Thanks!
