Approaching 90-day OPT unemployment limit — I already have a job offer but left the U.S. while waiting for my EAD
Hi everyone,
I’m currently on initial post-completion OPT and I’m approaching the end of my 90-day unemployment limit. I already have a job offer and am ready to start working, but my EAD card still hasn’t arrived.
I don’t want to overstay or risk exceeding the 90-day unemployment limit while waiting for my EAD, so I’m planning to leave the U.S. soon.
One additional complication is that my F-1 visa was revoked last year. However, I remained in the U.S. legally, maintained my F-1 status with a new valid I-20, and completed my program.
If I leave the U.S. before my EAD arrives, and the EAD is later delivered to my U.S. address, could my relatives send the physical EAD card to me in my home country? would I be able to return to the U.S. to start my OPT job? Do I need to renew the F-1 Visa while I’m in my country?
I’m mainly concerned about whether leaving the U.S. before receiving my EAD—and my previous F-1 visa revocation—would prevent me from returning.
Has anyone been in a similar situation or gone through something like this?
Any advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!