International Travel between OPT & STEM OPT

[henukalra]

Situation: I graduated in May 2025 and am now working on OPT. My EAD card expiration date is 30 Jun 2026. My current job end date also is 30 Jun 2026. I have accepted an offer for another job starting 16 July 2026 (flexible) - this will be based on STEM OPT, which I believe I am to apply in March 2026 (3 months prior). My F1 visa expires on 17 June 2026.
I wish to travel to India between the two jobs (in July 2026).

Query: What all documentation should I have in place so that my return for the new job is smooth and I don't have any immigration issues.

Could I please have this answered in the next Thursday call or in this thread by a knowledgeable (genuine) person.

Thanks a ton in advance.

 

[anexia1]

Situation: I graduated in May 2025 and am now working on OPT. My EAD card expiration date is 30 Jun 2026. My current job end date also is 30 Jun 2026. I have accepted an offer for another job starting 16 July 2026 (flexible) - this will be based on STEM OPT, which I believe I am to apply in March 2026 (3 months prior). My F1 visa expires on 17 June 2026.
I wish to travel to India between the two jobs (in July 2026).

Query: What all documentation should I have in place so that my return for the new job is smooth and I don't have any immigration issues.

Could I please have this answered in the next Thursday call or in this thread by a knowledgeable (genuine) person.

Thanks a ton in advance.

Honestly, this sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. You’re trying to travel right when your EAD and your visa expire, which is basically asking for a rejection at the border.

Even if you file for the STEM extension in March, you likely won't have the physical card by July. Re-entering on a pending application without a valid visa stamp is a massive gamble. My advice? Don't leave the US until you have the new STEM EAD card in your hand. It sucks to miss a trip home, but it sucks more to lose your legal status.