I applied for my 24-month STEM OPT extension and it currently is pending. My first-year OPT EAD expired two weeks ago. I just received news that I must travel back to my home country for a couple of weeks to attend to a sick relative. Will I be able to return to resume my STEM OPT?
18 Sep 2024Answer
Your EAD and F-1 status are automatically extended for 180 days while your STEM OPT is pending. If you travel during this time, you should be able to come back with an expired EAD and the STEM OPT receipt notice. You should also be able to obtain a new F-1 visa, if you need one to come back to the U.S. Be aware, however, that the time spent abroad while on OPT counts toward your maximum allowed unemployment days, which is up to 150 days of unemployment during the three-year OPT period in the aggregate. (18.Sep.2024)
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