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Travel

Overview

While on OPT you are still considered to have F-1 (student) immigration status, even if you have completed your studies and have since graduated.

There is always a risk that you may be denied entry to the country if:

  • The consular officer or the immigration officer at the border does not believe that you will leave the U.S. at the end of your OPT/STEM period.
     
  • You cannot prove that you are employed, or that your employment is appropriate to your field of study and degree level.

Pre-completion OPT

Before you get the card

In order to be eligible for re-entry to the U.S., you must have:

  • A valid F-1 visa stamp (Canadian citizens are exempted from this requirement)
     
  • A valid passport
     
  • A Form I-20 with a recent travel signature

After you get the card

In order to be eligible for re-entry to the U.S., you must have:

  • The EAD (Employment Authorization Document) OPT card
     
  • A valid F-1 visa stamp (Canadian citizens are exempted from this requirement)
     
  • A valid passport
     
  • A Form I-20 with a recent travel signature

Post-completion OPT

Before you get the card

Travel outside the U.S. while waiting for a post-completion OPT work card is risky. If the OPT case is still pending, you might be able to re-enter the U.S. if you have:

  • Proof of the pending OPT application
     
  • A valid passport
     
  • A valid F-1 stamp (Canadian citizens are exempted from this requirement)
     
  • A Form I-20 with the OPT recommendation and a recent travel signature
     
  • Proof of non-immigrant intent (that is, proof that you will return to your home country after you complete your OPT period)

After you get the card

In order to be eligible for readmission to the U.S. in F-1 status after the OPT application has been approved, you must have:

  • The EAD (Employment Authorization Document) OPT Card
     
  • A valid unexpired F-1 visa stamp (Canadian citizens are exempted from this requirement)
     
  • A valid passport
     
  • A Form I-20 with the OPT endorsement and a recent travel signature on page 2 that is less than six months old
     
  • Proof of a temporary job in your field of study
     
  • Proof of non-immigrant intent (that is, proof that you will return to your home country after you complete your OPT period)

STEM extension work card

Before you get the card

If your current period of OPT has expired, it may be risky to travel and re-enter the U.S., as you will not have the new OPT work card in your possession. However, recent guidance says travel is allowed. If you must travel, be sure to have:

  • Proof of the filing of the STEM OPT application (the receipt notice from the government and a copy of the application packet)
     
  • Proof of temporary employment with an E-Verify employer

After you get the card

In order to be eligible for readmission to the U.S. in F-1 status after the STEM OPT application has been approved, you must have:

  • The unexpired EAD (Employment Authorization Document) STEM OPT Card
     
  • A valid unexpired F-1 visa stamp (Canadian citizens are exempted from this requirement)
     
  • A valid passport
     
  • A Form I-20 with the STEM OPT endorsement and a recent travel signature on page 2 that is less than six months old
     
  • Proof of a temporary job in your field of study
     
  • Proof of non-immigrant intent (that is, proof that you will return to your home country after you complete your OPT period)