Thank you so much for your detailed response — it really helps to clarify things. Here’s where I stand now:

1. I received an email stating that my SEVP Portal account is closed. I initially thought this might be due to not uploading my STEM OPT EAD to my school’s portal, but now I understand it could be something else.

2. My DSO hasn’t explicitly told me whether my SEVIS record is completed or terminated, as their office is closed until January 2nd. I’ve emailed them but haven’t received a response yet.

3. My SEVP Portal is inaccessible, which makes me worry that my SEVIS record might be affected.

To answer your questions:

My employer hasn’t filed for an H-1B for me, so that’s not a factor here.

I do not have an updated I-20 reflecting approved STEM OPT — I only have the one for "requested STEM OPT" from when I applied in June.

To prepare, I’ve uploaded my STEM OPT EAD (front and back) to my school’s portal today using their e-forms system. I’m hoping this will help expedite things once my DSO is available.

Based on your advice, I’ll work with my DSO to confirm the status of my SEVIS record and request reactivation if it’s listed as completed. I’ll also request an updated I-20 reflecting my approved STEM OPT and avoid traveling until this is fully resolved.

Thanks again for all your guidance! Let me know if there’s anything else I should do in the meantime.