STEM OPT pending, OPT expired, international travel early August

Hi all,

I applied for STEM OPT and received my receipt notice on April 7th. My initial OPT expired on June 30th. I have international travel planned for early August, and I’m concerned I won’t have my physical EAD card before I leave.

Given that my OPT has expired and my STEM OPT application is still pending, is it possible to travel and reenter the U.S.? If the case is approved before I leave, but I don’t have the physical EAD card yet, would I still be able to return?

Would appreciate any advice or experiences from others in a similar situation. Thanks!