Urgent: International Travel with a valid ead and approved F1 to H1 Change of status

[sjayan]

Hello Immihelpers

I am currently in F1 OPT extension with my EAD card expiring on feb 2014. My employer processed a H1 Change of Status which is approved now. I will change to H1 status this october.

I have to travel to india due to a personal emergency.
My question is , am I allowed to travel outside US before october. What are are the restrictions I need to keep in mind, if any. Will I be re-entering as a student. Do I need to stamp in my home country before re-entering.

Any help would be appreciated.

[kabkaba]

If you are returning before Oct 1, you can use your F1 Visa to return in F1 status. The change of status will still remain valid and your status will change on Oct 1.

If you are returning on or after Oct 1, you have a choice. You can use F1 Visa to return, then your change of status will be invalidated. You will again need to change status before your OPT expires, in order to continuously work. You can also obtain H1B visa and return in H1B status directly.

All this assumes your F1 Visa is valid on your proposed return date.