F-1 OPT Cap gaps beware of this before travel!!

[acuman]

 

Traveling on the Cap Gap Extension
Under certain circumstances, an F-1 student on the cap gap extension may travel abroad and seek readmission to the United States. However, if an F-1 student travels abroad before USCIS approves their H-1B change of status (COS) petition, USCIS will deem the petition abandoned. The student’s F-1 status will expire per the program end date listed on their Form I-20. Meaning, if a student leaves the United States before USCIS approves their H-1B COS petition, that student will not be able to re-enter the United States as an F-1 student pursuant to the cap gap extension provisions.

https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/h-1b-status-and-the-cap-gap-extension