🔺 r/f1visauFirst_Honey8094·42 days ago
Urgent: OPT Travel/Re-entry After Family Emergency Seeking Advice
Hi everyone, I’m in an urgent situation. My father passed away suddenly, and I need to travel back home to India for approximately 15–20 days. I’m currently on F-1 OPT, with about 6 months remaining on my OPT. I’m working with an NGO, Dreams Community Foundation, in an unpaid/volunteer role related to my major. I have a verification letter confirming my position, responsibilities, number of hours, and start date. The organization is also E-Verified. I’m concerned about whether I could face any issues when returning to the U.S. or potentially be referred to secondary inspection at the port of entry. Currently, I have: ● Valid F-1 visa stamp ● Valid EAD card ● I-20 with a valid travel signature ● Employment/volunteer verification letter from the NGO ● Active SEVIS record I’ve been trying to get in touch with both the NGO and my DSO to confirm everything before traveling, but responses have been slow due to the circumstances. If anyone has been in a similar situation while on OPT and traveled internationally and successfully re-entered the U.S., I would really appreciate hearing about your experience. Thank you in advance for any advice or personal experiences. submitted by /u/First_H…