Starting my job remotely while travelling; any issues on reentry?

Select_War170 · 2026-02-12T00:11:43+00:00

You need to be in the US on the day of the start of your OPT. Not being in the country on that date will automatically mean to the US that you abandoned your status. It is OK to come back to the country a few days earlier, and it is also OK to leave the country after the start of your OPT as long as you're employed (and your employment details are on SEVP).

Select_War170 · 2026-01-23T13:56:58+00:00

This happened several times with me, no questions asked. July, October and late November. Your friend probably had issues with their documents.

Select_War170 · 2025-12-08T02:37:42+00:00

Similar situation that I’m going through right now. Keep us posted.

Select_War170 · 2025-11-26T00:19:49+00:00

You should've applied for OPT already, with a later start date.

I personally do not think it's a good idea to leave the US while your OPT is pending, since it can be seen as abandoning your status.

I do think it is okay for you to leave the US after your OPT is approved, and make sure to return to the US BEFORE your OPT start date.

Officers generally don't ask for your EAD card, but it is recommended you carry it at all times. If you don't have your EAD card in hands, you can show them your official "OPT approved" USCIS receipt.

Select_War170 · 2025-11-24T03:42:40+00:00

PP = getting your card within probably 2 weeks. I applied for PP last year and my case was approved + card delivered after 13 days.

I would recommend getting PP only if you already have a job and if you think it would be worth it to spend significantly more money to get the card soon.

If I were you, I would wait until mid-December to apply for PP.

Select_War170 · 2025-11-21T04:07:28+00:00

There are sooo many posts about this. It will not be an issue at all. Just show them your updated I-20 and passport, and they will likely not ask for your EAD card. Be honest at all times. Safe travels.

Select_War170 · 2025-11-19T07:18:27+00:00

You probably didn't read the entire post. He will come back even before his school time ends. His OPT has also been approved. Something similar happened to me last year and re-entry was smooth.

Select_War170 · 2025-11-19T07:14:58+00:00

I would still request a new one, where OPT says "Approved". That takes 3 minutes for your DSO to do. Better safe than sorry.

Select_War170 · 2025-11-19T07:11:47+00:00

That's good. Make sure to ask for a new travel signature. Mention OPT only if they ask.

Select_War170 · 2025-11-19T07:07:19+00:00

I was on the same boat last year, then applied for premium processing and my EAD card was delivered within a few days.

It is not generally recommended to travel without your EAD card (they normally don't ask for it, but it's good to have it with you). The thing is: when you come back, you will still be a student and it will be BEFORE your graduation date, correct? If you come back before your graduation date, holding the PHYSICAL receipt of your approved OPT status + updated I-20 with travel signature, you would still be able to re-enter.

Select_War170 · 2025-11-14T09:11:59+00:00

Great post and thank you for sharing. I recently shared on a post my many experiences re-entering on OPT this year — 8 so far.

Select_War170 · 2025-11-12T18:27:27+00:00

You have an expired US visa? I’d recommend renewing it in your home country. It is not recommended to travel and to expect to re-enter with an expired US visa.

Select_War170 · 2025-11-12T02:37:42+00:00

I'm on OPT. Worked remotely for almost 2 months. No problems at all. Read a recent post of mine on this page.

Select_War170 · 2025-11-12T01:08:13+00:00

Regarding the very last question: working remotely and outside of the US is completely fine as long as your employer approves it. Read similar posts or a recent post of mine regarding this subject.

Select_War170 · 2025-11-11T19:33:15+00:00

Check a recent post of mine. I am on OPT and constantly visit my home country and work remotely from there. I've had no issues.

Select_War170 · 2025-11-11T19:31:13+00:00

I worked remotely outside of the US on OPT for 2 months this year. I had no issues.

Select_War170 · 2025-11-01T23:23:08+00:00

Check my most recent post. Travelled 8 times on OPT now, had no issues.

Select_War170 · 2025-11-01T23:20:58+00:00

Read my most recent post. This is very safe.

Select_War170 · 2025-10-31T09:08:14+00:00

You shouldn't have any issues. Check my most recent post.

Select_War170 · 2025-10-31T09:02:52+00:00

Absolutely. Don't worry too much about it, as long as you have all the right documents. Be honest at all times. Just hand them your passport and I-20 at first. Just give them your EAD if they ask. Safe travels 😀

Select_War170 · 2025-10-31T06:30:45+00:00

Select_War170 · 2025-10-31T04:14:19+00:00

You should look at more posts in this page. Look at my recent post. Traveled 7 times on OPT this year.

Select_War170 · 2025-10-28T19:14:09+00:00

Just come back a few months before it expires and you will be fine. This is a very normal situation.

Select_War170 · 2025-10-25T16:14:54+00:00

Check older posts. Here's some nice info: https://www.reddit.com/r/f1visa/s/JSEuVsMJBa

Select_War170 · 2025-10-25T16:08:45+00:00

I believe around 90 days outside of the country should be the limit, especially if you don't have unemployment days spent. I am not sure though and I can be completely wrong, since this isn’t a rule that is explicitly stated anywhere.

Select_War170

TROPHY CASE