I visited Nepal for a few weeks this November, after well over 11 years.
Had completed Bachelor's within 4 1/2 years, took a year off in between and then Masters in another 1 1/2. No issues with maintaining F-1 status during school years and during OPT.
I have been working at a legit US company after my MS, and got my H1B about 2 years ago.
Like most folks out there, I was a little concerned about stamping from Kathmandu after these many years. I almost went to Canada for visa before visiting Nepal. However, I tried to think rationally (well, what could be the odds of being denied ?) and convinced myself to head back home.
On the interview day, all the anxious faces of new F1 applicants reminded me of my days. I was pretty confident. The counselor I was assigned to rejected a F1 aspirant during his second attempt, right before me. I felt sorry for him, he could not articulate the response to the question on what had changed in his situation since he got denied the first time. Actually, the answer was little offensive- "Because, last time I think you rejected because of your elections. Many visas were rejected". The counselor seemed pretty upset, and I couldn't help myself but put a grin on my face.
After I was called upon, to my surprise, I was asked only one question related to my job/visa.
"What does your company ************* do?", asked the counselor. And the next question was whether I liked to ski. Few more casual questions, and I was outta there.
Back here, at the port of entry in Boston was also a breeze. "What's the purpose of your visit?", was the only question and I was out in 30 seconds.
Hope this helps some of you folks trying to make a decision on whether to visit Nepal for H1B stamping. Good luck!!
Last edited: 28-Dec-16 01:14 PM
Last edited: 28-Dec-16 01:15 PM
