OPT denied. Had to travel to India. Reapplied from India. Job offer in Hand.

[PSU 0]

Hi vj's,

I guess my case would be new to most of them as I heard the same from my DSO. Really need help as I am confused about my next step.

My program end date was December 31st so I had to apply for OPT I20 after September 30 2015. But my request for OPT I20 was approved and sent to me on SEPTEMBER 22nd 2015. My DSO considered my program end date as DECEMBER 19th 2015 which was my GRAD WALK. Even I overlooked (admit that to be my mistake). There was a postal delay and I got my I20 2 weeks after it was approved. And my application reached USCIS on OCTOBER 26th 2015. On January 13th 2016 I heard from USCIS. My status changed to denied.

Due to a family emergency I had to travel to India on January 9th 2016. Yes, without my EAD ?. Within a week with my schools help I reapplied for OPT and sent the documents to USCIS again. My I-765 reached Vermont Service Center on January 22nd 2016. Now I have my job offer and it starts on April 18th 2016. But my employer is filing H-1 B and they are asking me to come to US before 30th of March. They said they cannot apply for H-1 B if I am out of country.

I am planning to request USCIS to expedite the process on February 11th 2016 ( It will be 15 days USCIS received my application).

My question is, will it be fine to explain USCIS about the denial and also about my Company's rules for filing H-1 B for me. Will they accept my request? Also, is it okay to travel back without EAD? My DSO advised me not to travel until I get EAD. I am really confused. I should have my EAD mailed to my local address in US at least by March 23rd so that my roommate will mail it to me to India and I can travel back before 30th of March. What is the next step that I will have to take?

Your advice will be really helpful. Thanks in advance.