Can I Enter US on OPT while my H1B is Under Processing? - New York

If your OPT status expires while your H1B is being processed, you will not be permitted to reenter the country, not even during the grace period. It is acceptable to travel while a USCIS extension of status petition is being processed. Please be aware that the H-1B petition must be filed with USCIS while you are in the country. Any travel arrangements you make while your H-1B extension is pending with USCIS must be reported to the International Centre. While travelling is permitted throughout the OPT application process, it is not advised due to potential hazards. Remember the following: It will be necessary for you to have someone keep an eye on your mail and notify you of any correspondence from USCIS.