Traveling Before and During OPT

Before your program completion date, you are still a student with coursework to complete. Your pending OPT application will not have an impact on your return while you are an enrolled student. However, in addition to the normal documents you carry while traveling, you should remember the following while you are traveling:

• Carry your OPT application receipt notice.
• Carry an I-20 with valid travel signature showing your pending OPT authorization.
• Keep an eye out on your MyUSCIS Portal/email in case you are issued a Request for Evidence or other updates that need your prompt attention. If your mail is being sent to the ISSS Office, we’ll let you know if you receive anything from USCIS during your travels.

Traveling during this time is risky and is not recommended. Although the ICE website says you can re-enter the country if you have a pending OPT request, the CBP officer at the U.S. port of entry has the authority to deny admission because of your OPT request. Please remember that OPT is a benefit of your F-1 status and does not inherently grant you the right to return to the U.S. Over the years, advisors across the U.S. have seen students denied entry during this period.

Other risks include the following:

• If your OPT is denied while outside of the U.S., your F-1 status will end, and you will not be able to re-enter in F-1 status.
• If your F-1 visa is expired or will expire while outside of the U.S., it will be difficult to renew it while OPT is still pending.
• If you are issued a Request for Evidence or other updates that need your prompt attention, it may be difficult to respond while abroad. If your mail is being sent to the ISSS Office, we’ll let you know if you receive anything from USCIS during your travels.
• If your EAD card is issued when you’re abroad, you’ll be expected to re-enter the country with it in hand. If your mail is being sent to the ISSS Office, we can coordinate mailing that EAD card to you if this happens. The ISSS Office is unable to take responsibility for mail that is lost in transit.

Note that an attempt to enter the U.S. in any status other than F-1 during this period will end your F-1 status and invalidate your Post-Completion OPT application.

To minimize the risk of being denied admission to the U.S., you will need to present the following documents at the Port of Entry.

• Unexpired passport and F-1 visa
• Form I-20 with OPT authorization and an unexpired travel signature (note that travel signatures are only valid for 6 months while on OPT)
• EAD card
• Proof of employment (if you are currently employed) or proof of active job search (e.g. job interviews)

Note that an attempt to enter the U.S. in any status other than F-1 will end your F-1 status and your Post-Completion OPT.

You will need to have the following documents to re-enter the country.

• Unexpired passport and F-1 visa
• Form I-20 showing your pending STEM OPT authorization and an unexpired travel signature (note that travel signatures are only valid for 6 months while on STEM OPT)
• Unexpired Post-Completion EAD card
• Proof of employment (if you are currently employed)
• The official, physical USCIS-issued receipt notice for your STEM OPT application

You may also want to arrange for someone to check your physical mail in case you receive a Request for Evidence or your new EAD card while abroad. Some Requests for Evidence may only be answered/completed while physically in the U.S.

Traveling during this time is risky and is not recommended. Risks include the following:

• If your STEM OPT is denied while outside of the U.S., your F-1 status will end, and you will not be able to re-enter in F-1 status.
• If you are issued a Request for Evidence or other updates that need your prompt attention, it may be difficult to respond while abroad. Some Requests for Evidence may only be answered/completed while physically in the U.S.
• If your EAD card is issued when you’re abroad, you’ll be expected to re-enter the country with it in hand.
• If your visa will expire while abroad, renewing your visa may be difficult without proof of your approved STEM OPT application.

If you must travel, be sure to carry the following:

• Unexpired passport and F-1 visa
• Form I-20 showing your pending STEM OPT authorization and an unexpired travel signature (note that travel signatures are only valid for 6 months while on STEM OPT)
• Expired Post-Completion EAD card
• Proof of employment or evidence of job offer
• The official, physical USCIS-issued receipt notice for your STEM OPT application

Note that an attempt to enter the U.S. in any status other than F-1 during this period will end your F-1 status and invalidate your OPT application.

You will need to have the following documents to re-enter the country.

• Unexpired passport and F-1 visa
• Form I-20 with STEM OPT authorization and an unexpired travel signature (note that travel signatures are only valid for 6 months while on STEM OPT)
• STEM OPT EAD card
• Proof of employment (if you are currently employed)

Note that an attempt to enter the U.S. in any status other than F-1 will end your F-1 status and your STEM OPT.