Is It Safe To Visit India With An Opt-Out?

International travel while an OPT application is pending can be risky and not generally recommended. However, F-1 students on post-completion OPT or STEM OPT may temporarily travel outside the United States and be readmitted to resume F-1 status and employment for the remainder of the period. For the STEM OPT Extension, if a student’s current Post-Completion OPT EAD card is expired and they do not yet have their STEM OPT Extension EAD card, the ISO strongly recommends against travel outside of the country.

Customs and Border Protection officers are authorized to exercise discretion on a case-by-case basis on all nonimmigrant admissions, and traveling with either Pending or Pending OPT extensions. Employers must complete the appropriate parts of Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students, as part of the STEM OPT extension. It may be possible to travel during a Cap-Gap extension of OPT when certain conditions are met.

International travel is not recommended before the OPT is approved and before receiving the EAD card. If your OPT application is rejected or denied while you are in the US, students using the Cap-Gap extension should not travel abroad during the period between the end of the EAD and the start of the H1B unless they are eligible.

Students on STEM OPT extensions (including those whose application for a STEM OPT extension is pending) may travel abroad and seek reentry to the United States. However, do not enter the United States after your OPT has been expired.

Renewing a F-1 student visa while on OPT is possible, provided you have a valid EAD. International travel while an OPT application is pending can be risky and not generally recommended.

Can I travel to India while h1 extension is in progress?

The H-1B extension petition must be filed with USCIS, and once filed, you can continue traveling internationally with your existing H-1B visa and I-797 approval notice, while the extension is still pending with USCIS.

Can I travel to India if my H-1B is picked?

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) advises that individuals cannot travel outside the U. S. while their H-1B petition is pending, as leaving the country could lead to the abandonment of the petition. The underlying H-1B petition may still be approved, but the individual must apply for an H-1B visa abroad to re-enter the U. S. in H-1B status before starting their employment. Once the petition is approved, the individual can travel internationally, but it is advised not to travel internationally until the H-1B status takes effect. If the individual re-entered the U. S. based on an old Approval Notice, they would only be admitted until the expiration date, which may require a new travel.

Is it risky to travel to India?

The US State Department has classified India as “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” for 2024 due to increased safety concerns due to crime and terrorism. As travelers planning trips to India, it is crucial to stay informed, respect local customs, and follow practical safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. By staying informed and following these guidelines, travelers can enhance their safety and overall travel experience.

Can I stay in India for 3 months?

India e-Tourist Visa offers two options for individuals planning to visit India for up to 3 months. The 1-year multiple-entry Visa allows for stays of up to 180 days per entry over a 1-year validity period. This visa is designed for passionate travelers, offering a gateway to explore India’s ancient mysteries, vibrant cultures, and untouched natural splendors. iVisa has transformed the India Tourist eVisa application into a user-friendly platform and mobile app, providing meticulous guidance and support to help travelers navigate the visa avenues and explore the exotic landscapes of India.

Is it safe to go to India during OPT?

Travel during the OPT application process is allowed but not recommended due to certain risks. It is essential to monitor your mail and notify USCIS if you receive communications from them. If you receive a Request for Evidence, respond by a specific deadline, which may be difficult from outside the U. S. If you are denied for OPT while outside the U. S. after your Program Completion Date, your F-1 status will end. If approved for OPT/STEM while outside the U. S., arrange for your EAD card to be sent to you. If your F-1 visa is expired, reapply for an F-1 visa with your EAD card and proof of employment.

During OPT/STEM, the I-20 should be updated with your current information and the travel endorsement is only valid for 6 months. If your OPT or STEM OPT is approved, your I-20 should reflect the approval and your current employer on page 2. Follow instructions on the OPT Reporting page to log into the SSU Hub to upload your approved EAD card and add any new employment. You will receive a new I-20 via email in 5 business days with the new employer. If you need a new OPT or STEM I-20, submit a Replacement Document request to receive a new I-20 with a new travel endorsement via email.

Can I travel abroad during grace period?

During the grace period, you cannot travel outside the U. S. with your F-1 or J-1 student visa. This period allows you to plan to leave the U. S. or address your immigration record. If you leave, you need to apply for another visa status, such as a visitor visa. If you have applied for OPT or EAD card, review the Travel and OPT risks and recommendations. OPT is still an F-1 student visa.

Can I work remotely from India on OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) are work authorization options for international students. OPT allows students to work related to their major before or after graduation, with USCIS allowing up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and 40 hours during school breaks. CPT allows F-1 international students to participate in paid and unpaid internships during their degree program for academic credit, as long as all other requirements are fulfilled.

Full-time CPT can be up to 40 hours per week, while part-time CPT can be up to 20 hours per week. However, completing one year of either option may not qualify for the full year of OPT after graduation, which many international students use to secure another visa.

How can I stay in India for more than 30 days?

To extend your stay in India, you need to apply for a 30-day Tourism Visa (eVisa India) and an Indian Business Visa or Indian Medical Visa. The Medical Visa is valid for 60 days and allows 3 entries, while the Business Visa is multiple entry and valid for up to 1 year. Business eVisa allows you to stay in India for 180 days continuously. To stay in India for longer than 30 days, you must apply for either a Medical or Business Visa.

Can I travel to Canada during OPT?

Canada is allowed for travel during Post-Completion OPT or the OPT STEM Extension. Canadian citizens do not need a visa stamp to enter the US, but must receive their F-1/J-1 I-94 record from Customs and Border Official during their initial entry. When entering the US in F-1 or J-1 Status, they must have their I-20 printed, proof of SEVIS Fee payment, and a valid Canadian passport. visa.

Can I travel during OPT grace period?

F-1 students traveling abroad during the grace period, or 60-day period after program completion, will not be re-admitted to the U. S. This period is for preparing to leave the U. S. Only. While an OPT application is pending, it is possible to travel while the case is pending. However, there are inherent risks, such as receiving a Request For Evidence (RFE) outside the U. S. It is possible to travel and re-enter the U. S. while the case is pending, but proof of an OPT application is required.

If the case is approved while outside the U. S., the card must be in hand for re-entry. It is crucial to ensure someone is monitoring your U. S. address of record and forwarding any USCIS correspondence.

Can I travel during H-1B grace period?

During the grace period, it is not possible to travel outside the United States. The purpose of the grace period is to stay in the U. S., apply for a change of status, or find a new employer. If you leave the country without a valid visa, your grace period will end. It is best to suspend international travel until you have an approved nonimmigrant visa. If you get a new H-1B job before the grace period ends and file a change of employer petition, you can start working before the petition is approved. It is essential to wait until you receive the I-797 notice of receipt from the USCIS.