I am graduating on May 15th, and I made a mistake by submitting the OPT request a bit late, some time mid-April. Since processing OPT by the school takes about 2 weeks and then processing it with USCIS takes 3-4 months, the entire process will probably last longer than after July 14th (60 days after graduation, also my request start date). I debated myself whether to pay the premium processing fee (of a terrible 1700 dollars) but the international student office at my school days it should be fine, its just that it will deduct into my unemployment days.
Things get even more complicated because I planned to visit a film festival in France from May 17th to 24th. There is no chance I will get the OPT approved and get the EAD by May 17th even if I pay the premium processing fee. I was told by the office that if I have the receipt to prove that I have applied for OPT, I should be fine and not get stopped at the airport customs, but the risks are still there.
I want to ask, how high are the risks? Is the receipt enough?
My flight is non-refundable unfortunately but I can call the airline and beg, if that works, but that would be my last resort.