F1 visa while on OPT (graduated working full time)

I am on STEM Extension OPT (post completion) but my F1 visa has expired. I already graduated and working in the industry. I need to go back to my country for family reason. In order to do so, I need to get new F1 visa. How risky is it to get new visa? As I already graduated and now currently working in the company

It must be difficult to convince US embassy in India to give new visa.

Yes you are correct. I have not seen approvals lately for similar cases! so its kinda risky.

So you are saying, you know few people whose visa was rejected under these circumstances?

A STEM extension is valid for 17 months after expiration of initial OPT. Most F-1 dates expire during this stage. If your EAD card has valid dates, technically you are on a VALID F-1 visa because your are extending work options for what originally began during the study program. You are NOT a status-less individual but on an F-1. Your school should issue necesary documents to extend dates so that you can get visa stamped in India. STEM extension is an extremely prestigious ruling of BCIS, it will be silly for some consulate in India to deny your visa, it does not make sense. Make sure you take all papers with you though - the school will help.

All the best



Dr. Sandeep Shankar, Academic Advisor (India) to The Executive Director, Colorado Heights University, Denver, CO 80223, USA. [www.chu.edu](http://www.chu.edu)

Thank you very much Dr Sandeep Shankar, but my research on Internet tells me, it is little risky to get visa while on OPT. The reasons quoted are as I already graduated, and OPT is basically optional training not necessary for my student status.
Please advise
Thanks
Prashant

You are still legally in status, someone has to take ownership of your papers. I suggest paying a visit to the local BCIS office (not a national processing center) and talk to them about your need to travel.