Visa extension

[yamuna 0]

HI All

Please suggest me

1) Now I'm on OPT(intial) which is till Feb 22 2013,BUT my Visa expires on Dec 23 2012

(a) DO i get the OPT extension,if i apply without visa?

2) Also please suggest me what is the best way to get Visa extension?

(In any case if want to travel to my home country it will helpfull)

[Tim/Mav 305]

I admit I'm alittle confused by the question? There is No such thing as a Extention on a Visa. It's valid or it's not! You can Extend a Petition, but not Validity of a Actual Passport/Visa. Please clarify.. Which is it?

[engineer21 51]

If your degree qualifies for OPT extension, you can extend regardless of expired visa.

Make sure you apply for the extension before initial OPT expires.

But, If you want to leave the US and reenter, you need a NEW visa.

OPT extension extends your status but NOT your ability to travel in/out of US.

[engineer21 51]

Just wanted to add.. some schools advise against travel in/out of US during OPT because of possibility to be denied entry.

I think the probability of getting a new student visa while you are on OPT maybe lower too (versus if you are still studying)

For what it's worth, here is my experience:

I went on a study abroad my last semester at school. Prior to leaving for the abroad, my DSO had prepared an application for my OPT.

On my way back through customs, they put me in the extra screening room.

I'm pretty sure it was because I had one year left on my F-1 visa, and it was clear from the date on my I-20 and how I answered their questions, that I was pretty much done with school.

They asked me what was my purpose for coming back into US was.(I said for graduation and then to do OPT), and 20 minutes later they let me through.

Don't want to alarm you, but just wanted you to be aware that travel may not be easy on OPT.

Not saying it's automatic denial.. just that you may have hoops to jump through.

[yamuna 0]

Just wanted to add.. some schools advise against travel in/out of US during OPT because of possibility to be denied entry.

I think the probability of getting a new student visa while you are on OPT maybe lower too (versus if you are still studying)

For what it's worth, here is my experience:

I went on a study abroad my last semester at school. Prior to leaving for the abroad, my DSO had prepared an application for my OPT.

On my way back through customs, they put me in the extra screening room.

I'm pretty sure it was because I had one year left on my F-1 visa, and it was clear from the date on my I-20 and how I answered their questions, that I was pretty much done with school.

They asked me what was my purpose for coming back into US was.(I said for graduation and then to do OPT), and 20 minutes later they let me through.

Don't want to alarm you, but just wanted you to be aware that travel may not be easy on OPT.

Not saying it's automatic denial.. just that you may have hoops to jump through.

thank you v.much for your kind information.....