u/Ok_Aioli_5362

Hello everyone, I’m an international student from Senegal currently in the United States on F-1 status.
I am currently on Optional Practical Training (OPT), which is set to expire in August 2026. I earned my associate degree in May 2025 and been working since August last year. My plan was to travel to Senegal this summer to renew my F-1 visa so that I may continue my academics in the United States in compliance with immigration, unfortunately my country is part of the banned ones.
I had initially planned to renew my visa last summer alongside my younger brother. However, at that time, my school advised me not to travel internationally because my OPT application was still pending.
I’m a little confused, asking y’all thoughts??