Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only. Always consult with your school's international office or an immigration lawyer to discuss your specific situation and ensure you're making the right decisions for your visa status.

The source of this is linked at the bottom

For F-1 visa holders, understanding the complexities of travel during OPT (Optional Practical Training) and the H-1B application process is crucial to avoid complications. Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate these important decisions:

Post-Completion OPT (First Year):

• OPT Applied and Pending:

  You can travel, but it is NOT recommended.

  • **What if there is an RFE?**Leaving the country could lead to complications if additional information is requested.
  • **What if the OPT is denied?**You will not be able to re-enter the USA on an F-1 visa.
  • **If OPT is Applied and Pending But You Don’t Have a Job Offer or Employment:**Traveling under these circumstances is highly risky. Without a job offer, you might face difficulties at re-entry, as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may question your intention to maintain status. Additionally, your OPT application could be jeopardized if you're unable to secure employment shortly after it is approved.

• OPT Approved:

  You CAN travel if:

  • You have a valid passport and F-1 visa.

  • You have proof of employment/training.

  • Your I-20 is endorsed for travel.

    Note: Time spent outside the USA during OPT counts towards your maximum permitted days of unemployment.

  • If OPT is Approved But You Don’t Have a Job:

    Traveling without a job offer is NOT recommended. CBP may question your purpose of re-entry, and you could face challenges proving that you are maintaining your status. Additionally, time outside the U.S. without employment still counts towards your 90-day unemployment limit during OPT.

  • If OPT is Approved But You Get Laid Off During Travel:

    This situation can be particularly challenging. If you are laid off while outside the U.S., you may face difficulties re-entering. Without a job, your OPT status is jeopardized, and you will need to find new employment within the 90-day unemployment period. If you cannot secure a new job, re-entry might be denied as you could be considered out of status.

STEM OPT:

• STEM OPT Applied and First Year OPT Still Valid:

  You can travel if:

  • You have a valid passport and F-1 visa.
  • You have proof of STEM employment/training.
  • You have proof that you worked during the first year of OPT.
  • Your I-20 is endorsed for travel.

• STEM OPT Applied and First Year OPT Expired:

  Do NOT travel until STEM OPT is approved.

• STEM OPT Approved:

  You can travel if:

  • You have a valid passport and F-1 visa.
  • You have proof of STEM employment/training.
  • You have proof that you worked during the first year of OPT.
  • Your I-20 is endorsed for travel.Note: As with regular OPT, time spent outside the USA counts towards your maximum permitted days of unemployment.

H-1B Application Process:

• Travel Before H-1B Lottery is Filed:

  You can travel, but ensure you meet the requirements for OPT or STEM OPT travel.

• Travel After Lottery is Filed or Selected, Before H-1B Petition is Filed:

  You can travel, but be sure to be back in the USA when the H-1B petition is filed.

• Travel While H-1B Petition is Pending:

  NOT recommended as it can create serious problems.

  • You may not be able to return until your H-1B is approved and you get an H-1B visa.
  • If you do return, your cap gap may have terminated, forcing you to reapply.
  • You may face RFEs (Requests for Evidence), complicating your situation further.

• Travel After H-1B Petition is Approved:

  • **If you travel before your H-1B start date:**You may need to remain outside the USA until your H-1B start date. Obtain an H-1B visa stamp and enter the USA no earlier than 10 days before your start date.
  • **If you travel after your H-1B start date:**You will need to obtain an H-1B visa stamp at a consulate before re-entering the USA.

Additional Considerations for OPT Students During Holidays:

• If your employer closes during the winter holidays, this time does not count as unemployment. However, different rules apply to pre-completion and post-completion OPT students:
  • Pre-Completion OPT: No unemployment limits; status unaffected by employer closures.
  • Post-Completion OPT and STEM OPT: Unemployment limits apply, but holiday closures by the employer do not count towards unemployment.

Traveling during these critical times can be risky and may lead to unintended consequences.

Source: https://www.immigration.com/blogs/f-1-students-travel-during-opt-or-h-1b-process