Travel on OPT/STEM OPT
While travel on OPT or STEM-Extension shares many requirements and regulations with typical F-1 undergraduate travel, there are some distinct requirements for individuals pursuing post-graduate practical training in either category.
Note: post-graduate practical training is an extension of your F-1 status. If you return to the United States through another visa category, it will invalidate your F-1 status and your OPT authorization.
Travel Documents for F-1 OPT
If you travel outside of the United States during your OPT employment, you need the following documents to return:
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Valid passport
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Valid F-1 visa stamp (Canadian and Bermuda students excepted)
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I-20 showing F-1 status with a valid travel signature from within the past 6 months
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EAD (Employment Authorization Document) indicating OPT or, if your OPT application is still processing, the receipt notice from USCIS
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A job-offer letter or letter confirming current OPT employment
Note: Entry to the U.S. in any status other than F-1 OPT will invalidate your OPT work authorization.
Travel Documents for OPT STEM
If you travel outside of the United States during your STEM-Extension OPT employment, you need the following documents to return:
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Valid passport
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Valid entry visa stamp (Canada/Bermuda excepted)
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I-20 showing F-1 status, with valid travel signature from the last 6 months
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Unexpired EAD (Employment Authorization Document) or, if your OPT application is still pending, the receipt notice from USCIS
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A job-offer letter or letter confirming the current OPT employment
Note: Entry to the U.S. in any status other than F-1 STEM OPT will invalidate your STEM OPT work authorization.
If your current Post-Completion OPT EAD card has expired and you do not yet have your STEM-OPT Extension OPT card, ISA strongly recommends against travel outside of the United States.
However, if a student does travel outside of the U.S. without an approved STEM OPT EAD card, then they must have proof that their STEM OPT application was filed in a timely manner and carry the USCIS receipt notice (Form I-797) with them.
Frequently Asked Questions about Travel on OPT and STEM-Extension
Can I travel outside of the US if I have applied for OPT but haven’t graduated?
So long as your graduation date is more than one month away, you should still be able to return to the United States without an OPT card. Your reentry will be based on your return as a current student.
If your graduation is in less than a month and you need to reenter the United States, you will need to show the USCIS I-797 receipt notice, confirming your OPT application–in addition to the other required documents for reentry.
I’ve Graduated, but I don’t have my OPT approval. Can I travel abroad?
If you have applied for OPT but it has not yet been approved and you do not have your EAD, we strongly recommend that you do not travel outside of the United States. If your OPT application is denied while you are outside of the U.S., you cannot reenter the United States in F-1 status to reapply for OPT.
I am waiting for my OPT Approval. Can I leave the U.S. and return on a tourist visa?
No. If you intend to pursue OPT, you should never enter the U.S. in any other immigration status except F-1. If you leave the U.S. and return on a tourist visa, you will lose your F-1 status and your OPT will be invalid.
My Visa Has Expired. How can I travel on OPT?
If you are going to Canada, Mexico, or some adjacent Caribbean countries (and are staying less than 30 days), you can reenter the United States on your expired F-1 visa stamp. You will still need all of the other documents required for travel on OPT, and you must fulfill the following requirements:
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You do not apply for a U.S. visa while in Canada, Mexico, or the approved Caribbean countries
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You are not from one of the countries considered by the U.S. government to be a state sponsor of terrorism
If you are traveling to any other location outside of the United States, you will need to apply for a visa at an appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate.
Note: We recommend that you reach out to International Student Affairs to talk with a member of staff. Consulates and embassies frequently change visa application requirements for individuals on OPT.
Can I travel internationally when my OPT STEM-Extension Application is pending?
If your current Post-Completion OPT EAD card has expired and you do not yet have your STEM-OPT Extension OPT card, ISA strongly recommends against travel outside of the United States.
However, if a student does travel outside of the U.S. without an approved STEM OPT EAD card, then they must have proof that their STEM OPT application was filed in a timely manner and carry the USCIS receipt notice (Form I-797) with them.
Do I Need a Travel Signature?
Yes. You will still need to get a travel signature from International Student Affairs if you travel outside of the United States. Travel signatures are valid for individuals on OPT for only 6 months. Follow the instructions on the Travel Signature page for instructions.