Travel with OPT ...plzz help.. urgent

V

veesesh21

New Member
Hello,

I am right now working on my OPT. My OPT will expire on Jan 31 2006. Meanwhile, My company has applied for my H1-B and my application for H1-B got approved (with CoS, got a new I-94 )with the start date of October 1st 2005. I am planning to visit India in the month of August for a period of 3 weeks for my brother's wedding.

I want to know, is it possible for me to travel in my OPT, and get back here, when I am on my OPT. Also to mention I've a valid F-1 student Visa and a valid I-20 that says that I am in my OPT.

My Details:

Valid F-1 student visa till 2007
Valid I-20 that says that I am in my OPT.(till Jan 2006)
H-1 approved with a start date of Oct 1 2005
EAD card that is valid till Jan 2006.

Any help would be appreciated .

thanks in advance.
 
I travelled on OPT to India in April 2003. I didnt even have the EAD card when I travelled (My OPT was approved but I had not received it when I went to India). I was stopped for 30 minutes in Newark Airport but they did let me in without any problems.

You can technically travel on OPT. Usually people dont do it becuase your education is completed and you dont have real reason to stay in USA and they can send you back at the port of entry. But, it only happens in rare cases. In your case it is probably less of a risk since you also have your H1B approved. If you need to go , then take all the documents (including your H1B approval document). You can also talk to your international student's department from your school. They should be able to advise you better. There is a small risk. Decide for yourself.

--MSR
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top