Dan, I had done it and am still in the land of opportunity! I was in the same situation as u r... i'd just graduated and was on OPT status.. however I still did had a valid visa.. So, heres how it works: Must have a VALID F1-visa. Must have a signed I-20 from school. Must have VALID passport for at least 6months after you try to re-enter US. That should be enough to let you back... they didn't even ask for my OPT card...you'll hear people tell you to take job offer letters and what not, i'm sure it could help but for me they didn't ask anything at the airport. When asked your purpose of visit, tell them student, then automatically they'll ask for your I-20, show them your signed I-20 and they should let you go.. that was my experience and bunch of my friends who were travelling on OPT.. so don't worry too much and go visit ur hometown b4 u get sucked into the black hole of opportunity!!! o