OPT STEM approved. F-1 visa renewal (expired for 6 years)

[dr_varun]

Hello all, mine might be a peculiar situation. I finished my PhD and i have my STEM OPT approved till August 2019. However, i am getting married and i need to travel to India in February. Normally it is a open and close answer, but my visa expired in 2011 and due to my hectic workload during my MS/PhD, i did not get a chance to go for my renewal all these years.

Now my question is:

1. Is there anyone who has such an experience and went to a visa interview ? If so, please advice. 

2. I have strong employer letters, and all the necessary documents needed. I am very confident to face the consulate officer for the interview, however is there any advice anyone has to offer ?

3. Point blank, what are the chances of me getting my visa renewed. Does being a PhD holder factor into getting my F-1 renewed ? Is there like a conditional approval for F-1 for a lesser number of years, instead of the normal 5 years ?

Thanks a lot in advance for your advice and pointers !!

[Cyclone29]

I have a similar situation. I am on my STEM extension and would like to know if I can get my F1 renewed, if I travel to India. All my documents are in order, but not a bona fide student. Can use some good advice here. Thanks a lot for your advice. I really appreciate it.

[Cyclone29]

So I recently had an appointment with my DSO, and they said that as long as you have maintained an active status and been employed throughout, you should be okay. Of course, have all documents in order. So go home and get married :)