i had 2 covid extentions last year (although one i used
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days) and one the year prior and i recently did a 3 week trip to PH and came back visa exempt (entered in Nov on TR) and had no issues, but any given sunday around here.
Having dealt with the NY office as well and after emailing back and forth with them they gave me the option of sending them a signed letter declaring I will get the 30 day extension and taking full responsibility and expenses from any overstay expenses, which they accepted and gave me my visa