Are you plan on traveling outside the US during your OPT period? Normally, F-1 students on post-completion OPT are allowed to temporarily leave the United States and return to continue their F-1 status and employment as long as they have not exceeded the maximum permitted unemployment period for OPT or OPT STEM Extension. However, it’s important to review the travel and re-entry instructions provided on the USCIS website.

CAUTION: Re-entering the United States under a status other than F-1 (like tourist status) will cancel your F-1 status and OPT authorization.

Documents	Before Completing Academic Program & Before OPT EAD Approval*	After Completing Academic Program & Before OPT or STEM EAD Approval*	After Completing Program & After  OPT or STEM EAD Approval
Valid passport	✔	✔	✔
Valid F-1 visa stamp (if applicable)See  below: “Getting an F-1 Visa Stamp During OPT/STEM” if your visa will be expiring.”	✔	✔	✔
OPT I-20 with a valid travel endorsement signed within 6 months by a BIO Advisor (page 2)See below “OPT/STEM I-20 Updates & Travel Endorsements”	✔	✔	✔I-20 should show OPT/STEM is Approved and list current employment
Evidence of continued enrollment (e.g. Enrollment Verification from Cal Central)	✔
Evidence of financial support	strongly recommended	strongly recommended	strongly recommendedsalary can be included in your employment verificaiton letter
OPT receipt: I-797 Notice of Action		✔
Job offer letter from employer (for future employers) OR current employment verification letter		OPT- strongly recommended OPT STEM Extension- required	✔
EAD  Card (Employment Authorization Document)		See "Travel While OPT or OPT STEM Extension is Pending" below.	✔

Traveling Outside the US While OPT or OPT STEM Extension is Pending 

You can travel during the OPT application process, but it’s not advisable due to certain risks involved. Keep in mind the following:

• You’ll need someone to check your mail and notify you of any USCIS response.
• If you receive a Request for Evidence, meeting the specified deadline for response could be difficulties if you’re not in United States.
• For post-completion OPT:
  If your OPT application is denied while you are outside the U.S., re-entry or reapplication won’t be possible, leading to the termination of your F-1 status.
• For OPT STEM Extension: If OPT STEM Extension is denied after the OPT EAD end date while you are outside the U.S., re-entry or reapplication won’t be feasible, leading to the termination of your F-1 status.
• If OPT/STEM approval is received while outside the U.S., You must arrange to receive the EAD card for re-entry into the U.S.
• If your F-1 visa has expired, obtaining a new F-1 visa with your EAD card and employment proof is necessary.
• If you choose to travel during the pending application period, ensure vigilant monitoring of your mail, and consider registering for a USCIS Case Status online(link is external).

OPT/STEM I-20 Updates & Travel Signature

During OPT/STEM, it’s essential to keep your I-20 current with your updated information, and the travel document remains valid for only 6 months.

• Employer Updates: After approval of your OPT or STEM OPT, your I-20 should display the approval along with your current employer details. Please refer to the instructions on the OPT Reporting page to access your student unit account, where you can upload your approved EAD card and provide any new employment information. Anticipate receiving a revised I-20 via email within 5-10 business days, reflecting the updated employer.
• Travel Signature: Ensure your I-20 signature is up to date.
• Replacement I-20: If you need a new OPT or STEM I-20, you can request a replacement from the DSO. You will receive an updated I-20 with a revised travel endorsement via email.

Make sure your F-1 visa remains valid During OPT/STEM.

If an F-1 student’s visa has expired and they intend to travel outside the United States, they must secure a fresh F-1 visa prior to reentry into the country. Students in need of a new visa should consult BIO before their journey to discuss the visa application procedure and potential risks. General visa details can be found on the Applying for a Visa webpage. If your F-1 visa has expired and you have a pending OPT or OPT STEM Extension application, you cannot seek a new F-1 visa until your application is sanctioned and you obtain the EAD.

Related Post: Tips to Consider When Traveling While in H-1B Status

Related Post: Tips to Consider When Traveling While on OPT Pending

Related Post: Tips to Consider When Traveling While in O-1 Status