Is it safe traveling to India without an EAD card?

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Admin]

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I am a masters student, I am in my last semester and will graduate by Feb 1 2014. I have a full time offer at a renowned company.

-I will be applying for my OPT some where in the first week of November and want to travel India in the last week of December come back and start working.
-Before leaving I may not have my EAD card
-My univ's ISSS assured me that they will mail my EAD card to India's address once they receive it.

My question is, how safe/risky it is to travel without EAD card and wait in India to get it mailed there??

Please help.Thank you so much

This was posted on https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1 on 9th Oct 2013

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Fan]

Your EAD card is not a valid source for re entry.. It's mentioned on the back side of your EAD card.. As long as you have a valid I-20 and a valid offer letter.. You should be good to go..

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Fan]

Its not mandatory..Just good to keep one

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Admin]

ICE.gov FAQ on OPT Travel

2.M. Can I reenter if my request for OPT is pending?

Yes, but traveling during this time should be undertaken with CAUTION. USCIS may send you a request for evidence while you are away, however, so you would want to make sure you have provided a correct U.S. address both to your DSO and on the application and would be able to send in requested documents. Also, if USCIS approves your OPT application, you will be expected to have your EAD in hand to re-enter the United States. Like a request for further information, USCIS can only send the EAD to your U.S. address.

2.N. Can I reenter if I left while on OPT?

If USCIS has approved your OPT you will be expected to have your EAD in hand to re-enter the United States, in addition to your Form I-20, valid passport and visa, and a letter of employment if you have one. If you exceed the limits on unemployment while outside the United States, you will not be eligible to re-enter the United States in F-1 status.

http://www.ice.gov/sevis/travel/faq_f2.htm#_Toc81222042

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Admin]

Important: Responses from readers are based on their personal experience and should NOT be considered as Legal advise.
DSO should be your first point of contact. For legal advise contact Attorney's prior to taking any action .
DesiOPT is collaborating with 5 attorneys. You can contact them directly via email/ phone. Initial Consult is Free. Their information is listed on http://desiopt.com/ home page.

http://www.desiopt.com/index.php?show_emp=1213

http://www.desiopt.com/index.php?show_emp=3648

http://www.desiopt.com/index.php?show_emp=3561

http://www.desiopt.com/index.php?show_emp=3577

http://www.desiopt.com/index.php?show_emp=4297

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Admin]

ICE.gov FAQ on OPT Travel

2.O. Are there any other requirements for travel outside the United States?

The questions above outline the general requirements for reentry for F-1 students. However, because individual circumstances vary, consult your DSO, embassy, or legal advisor before traveling. Planning for your trip early ensures that you have enough time to get all of your travel documents in order.

If you are not returning to your home country, you should check the requirements of the country you are visiting. Some countries require a visa. You may also need a transit visa for countries where you are making a connecting flight. Be sure to check before you travel. Most countries have immigration websites that provide visa information. If you have additional questions, please contact SEVP at [email protected] or call us at 703-603-3400.

http://www.ice.gov/sevis/travel/faq_f2.htm#_Toc81222042

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Fan]

You'd have no issues if you have not graduated by then. EAD card is required after you have graduated and are on OPT. Since you graduate by Feb 1, there should be no issues...

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Admin]

Travel while on OPT

http://www.cgu.edu/.../Travel%20While%20on%20OPT.pdf

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Fan]

Not an issue . But better to have while coming back..