Harkey, I think i did mistake between two cases you showed. Let me say the correct thing now: If you are on OPT then you should not leave the country unless you have EAD (Employment authorization card) and proof of employment offer. But if you have a pending OPT application how would you prove it when you are trying to get back? Also, say if you got it while you are away, you will still need proof of employment to return. If you have both proof of employment and OPT request pending then i guess you can leave, but I would still guess they won't let u in until our request is granted and you have to EAD card with you. To reply to xtreme2005's original posting. Here is what I found out: "Students who have already used 12 months of post-completion practical training based on the completion of one degree are eligible for another 12 months of post-completion practical training if they complete another degree at a higher degree level or if they remain out of the U.S. for a minimum of 12 months prior to starting the new degree program. (The 12 months are never cumulative, however.) " Here is my source : http://www.stanford.edu/dept/icenter/practical/post.html