Anyone else in this student visa expired situation? Looking for experiences.

Hi everyone,

I'm currently working at a FAANG company. I completed my bachelor's degree in 2025, and my F-1 visa stamp expired in early 2026.

Unfortunately, I wasn't selected in this year's H-1B lottery. I'm currently on my STEM OPT extension, so I can legally continue working in the U.S., but I know international travel becomes more complicated because my visa stamp has expired.

I really don't want to spend the next couple of years feeling "stuck" in the U.S. just waiting and hoping to get selected in a future H-1B lottery.

Has anyone here been in a similar situation?

• Did you travel back to India and renew your F-1 visa while on STEM OPT?
• How was your visa interview and re-entry experience?
• Looking back, would you take the same risk again?

I'd really appreciate hearing both positive and negative experiences. Thanks in advance!