u/Imaginary-Mike180

Hey guys,

I’m on OPT right now (expires June 21) and I applied for STEM OPT back in early April. My visa is valid till 2028 and I’m working full-time with an E-Verify employer.

I’m thinking of traveling to India in the first week of August and coming back around September. The only thing is my STEM OPT might still be pending by then (not sure if it’ll be approved in time).

Has anyone here actually traveled in a similar situation like after OPT expired but while STEM OPT was still pending?

Were you able to re-enter the US without issues? Or did you run into problems at immigration?

Also curious if your STEM got approved while you were outside, did you just get your EAD card shipped and come back?

I know it’s generally “not recommended,” but just trying to hear real experiences.

Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I wanted to get some real-world input from people who’ve been in a similar situation.

I’m currently on initial OPT, which expires on June 20, 2026. I applied for STEM OPT on April 10 (receipt date April 7), and I’ve already completed biometrics. My F-1 visa is valid until 2028, and I’m working full-time for an E-Verify employer.

I’m planning to travel to India in the first week of August and return around early to mid September.

Based on current timelines, my STEM OPT might be approved by then but there’s also a chance it could still be pending when I try to return. Since my initial OPT would already be expired, I’m a bit concerned about re-entry.

I wanted to ask:

• Has anyone traveled internationally while their STEM OPT was still pending after their initial OPT expired?
• Were you able to re-enter the U.S. without issues?
• Did CBP question your status or ask for additional documents?
• If your STEM OPT got approved while you were abroad, did you have your EAD card shipped and re-enter successfully?

I know the general advice is to avoid travel while pending, but I’d really appreciate hearing actual experiences.

Thanks a lot!