Dear Friends,

I graduated this august. I am currently in OPT and my OPT ends on October 2008. I have a valid visa till May 31st 2008. So my question is can I go to Nepal in OPT and come back before my visa expires? Please suggest me. Thank you.

-- SaruBhakta

NO

You r no longer student.So your F1 visa is no more valid.You are not in working visa.

OPT is not for re entry.So,unless you want to stay in Nepal , don't go coz u won't be able to come back.Either enroll yourself in some school and go  or get H1 and go.

As far as you got valid visa on your passport, I think you dont have to worry about even if you are in OPT.

My friend did same and got back before his visa expires.

Thanks bros........If anyone knows the exact thing, it would be great. thanks.

always better to ask an immigration specialist for confirmation.

You could also write an email to US embassy in Nepal.  They respond to the emails.

Good Luck..

Saru,
I have actually traveled to Nepal when i was in OPT last year and i had not even gotten my  OPT card by then. I had even asked some immigration official in the airport immigration dept before i got the tickets and she told me as long as your visa is valid u should be good to swing in n out. However while entering US, they took me to the secondary passport checking room where the immigration officers did scrutinized and checked all the details of my info in their system,(it was lill scary ofcourse) but they didnt bother me too much and let me go.
But you need to make sure u have a new valid I-20 and travel document from ur International student office made.
It worked for me, hope its the same for u..goodluck

Hello bro,

While Maila bro might be right, it is clearly indicated by international office that you can't travel while in OPT. So, just like Maila did, please ask imigration officers and your college International Office for accurace information.

Good Luck!

Thank you nischal, maila and happyface. I will definitely do it. In fact I am corresponding with International School. Thank you once again.

Since you already have visa till May 2008 you don't have to stop by the embassy in ktm but you might face problem in port of entry here. They might harass you at the port of entry as you are no longer student after your OPT starts. You never know what kinda questions they will as you there. 
They might give give you d/s stamp they give to student visa holder or they might give you just 3 months stay order (since you are on OPT) or for duration of your visa ( until may 2008).

I would suggest you to get an I-20 for grad school (or at least an offer letter) after getting your OPT card but before going to nepal. Thay way, you can explain at the port of entry that you went to nepal for a short trip before starting your grad studies (if asked).

I would suggest Not to go Nepal until you get H1B. If you really have to go get a new I-20 but be advised that if you get new I-20 your OPT will collapse for that degree. You will no longer be eligible to work with new I-20 exactly the way you did while in OPT. It is not sure that you will not be returned from the port of entry. So be safe