u/Bjym_

Hi everyone, I’m looking for some advice on travel risks. Here is my situation:

• Current Status: F-1 STEM OPT (expires June 2027).
• H-1B Status: My lottery was picked, and my employer is filing the petition with Change of Status (COS) on May 16, 2026.
• Planned Travel: I want to visit my home country from June 10, 2026, to July 5, 2026.
• Plan: Re-enter the U.S. on my valid F-1 STEM OPT visa/EAD.

My main concerns:

1. If I leave while the H-1B is pending, will my Change of Status be automatically abandoned?
2. If it is abandoned, do I have to go for consular processing, or can it be "fixed" without leaving again?
3. Has anyone traveled in this specific window (after filing but before Oct 1) and had issues at the border?

Thank you in advance !