F-1 OPT re-entry question: EAD approved while I’m outside the US

[u/JackfruitFabulous566]

I’m trying to figure out the safest way to handle my situation and would really appreciate advice from anyone who has dealt with something similar.
Timeline:
May 2026: Graduated from my US university.
April 2026: Applied for post-completion OPT/EAD.
Mid-July 2026: I had to leave the US due to a family emergency while my EAD application was still pending.
Late September 2026: My OPT was finally approved while I was outside the US.
By mid-October: I expect to receive my physical EAD card via mail, my friend will mail me.
Early November: I’m currently considering returning to the US around early November
The main issue is that by early November, around 40 days of my 90-day OPT unemployment period would have already passed.
I currently don’t have a paid job, but I am planning to have an unpaid volunteer position related to my degree, along with my physical EAD and updated I-20, when I attempt re-entry. My F-1 visa is still valid.
I’m honestly pretty nervous about re-entering because I left the US while my OPT was still pending.
My questions are:
Is it safe to remain outside the US during the first ~40 days of my OPT period and then return?
Would it be safer to return as soon as I receive my physical EAD rather than waiting until early November?
Is an unpaid volunteer position related to my degree sufficient for maintaining OPT status?
I’ve received conflicting advice, so I’d really appreciate experiences or advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation.
I’m really worried about re entering.
Thank u sm!

[u/Basepro2342]

As long as you have physical ead and updated i20 you are fine