F1 stamping while on OPT extension application

[Jahnabi Barman]

Hi,

I entered US on H4 visa in 2016 March. I joined school in Penn State university and converted my status to F1(no stamping). Currently I am on OPT and working with an employer on W2. My initial OPT will expire on 12 February, 2019 so I will be eligible to apply STEM extension on 12th November, 2018. But I have to travel to India (first time since March 2016) in this December (1st December to 31st December) for a family wedding. I have to go for stamping too in December. What are the chances of getting approved? Should I apply for STEM extension before going to India or after coming back?

[satya2k1]

The general purpose of F1 visa is for studying not for working.  Even though OPT is considered as F1 status, it is evident that student is not studying at a college, so the chances of approval of F1 visa are very low.

Maybe someone who had been through similar situation can provide more information.