u/Legendary_PA

Hi everyone, I’m an international student who just graduated in May 2026. Due to a family emergency I had to leave the US shortly after graduating. Before leaving, I had applied for my OPT and did my biometrics by applying for premium processing. My EAD card got approved yesterday (July 3).

I have a job offer (volunteer role), but my F1 sticker visa expires on July 20. I don’t know if my EAD card will arrive in time cause my friend will have to ship it to me internationally. I’ve talked to my ISSS advisor and she says I should be able to re-enter if I get an updated I-20 document with OPT status changed to “approved”.

I know I may have to go through secondary questioning and there’s a high chance of denied entry. Is it worth taking the chance to re-enter without EAD card?

I had obtained my US drivers license while studying there and will be shifting to Dubai soon through sponsorship of golden visa. My license does expire around 17th July.

I was wondering if it is possible to convert my US drivers license? If anyone has previously had success regarding this, I’d love to know what the process is so that I don’t waste time.