OPT and F-1 Visa Extension

[novicechap]

Hi,

I am on OPT status currently till Dec 31 2011. I plan to renew my OPT by another 18 months after that (STEM extension). My visa (F-1), however has expired in May 2011. I plan to travel to India this December 2011. I have question related to my travel and visa extension.

1) If I travel back to US before Dec 31, will my F-1 visa be extended only till 31st or will it be extended for the next 18 months?

2) In my situation, is it advisable to travel to US after Dec 31? I will have applied for my OPT extension before I come to India.

Thanks
Arun

[kabkaba]

If your employer is enrolled in eVerify you can apply for extension well in advance of the current OPT end date and carry extended EAD in order to get longer duration Visa. However remember that F1 Visa application always carries a small risk of denial due to immigrant intent and having completed the program and being on OPT makes it riskier.