International Traveling While on OPT Pending is pending can be risky and is not generally recommended.  

Key Considerations:  

• OPT applications should be submitted from within the U.S. It’s important not to leave the U.S. before filing your OPT application, especially if it’s past your I-20 program end date.
• Upon submitting your OPT application to USCIS, ensure you provide a valid U.S. mailing address, which should remain valid for 3-4 months. USCIS will send essential notices and your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to this address. If you’re abroad, you might miss these critical notifications.
• If your OPT gets approved while you’re outside the U.S., you might need your EAD for re-entry into the country.
• However, if your OPT is denied while you’re abroad, re-entering the U.S. in F-1 status won’t be permitted.
• Moreover, if your F-1 visa expires or is due to expire while you’re abroad, renewing your F-1 visa while your OPT is pending becomes significantly challenging. It’s advisable to obtain your EAD before attempting to apply for a new F-1 visa at the U.S. Embassy.

Despite having all the necessary documentation, entry into the United States cannot be guaranteed by OIS, as the decision lies with the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at the U.S. Port of Entry.

It’s important to note that if you decide to travel while your application is pending and encounter difficulties returning to the U.S., OIS may have limited capacity to assist you.

The chart below may help you decide whether you should travel internationally:  

When are you traveling and re-entering the U.S.?	What is your OPT application status?	Documents needed to re-enter the U.S.:
Before I-20 program end date	Pending	– Passport (valid for six months after you plan to re-enter the US) – Valid F-1 visa stamp in your passport*  – I-20 (with a valid travel signature no older than six months) – I-797c Receipt Notice showing that USCIS is reviewing your OPT application
After I-20 program end date	Pending	OIS does not recommend international travel due to the risks discussed above.
After I-20 program end date	Approved	– Passport (valid for six months after you plan to re-enter the US) – Valid F-1 visa stamp in your passport* – I-20 (with a valid travel signature no older than six months) – EAD – Proof of OPT employment

Travel After OPT is Approved

Once your post-completion OPT is approved (your EAD has been issued by USCIS) and you have secured a job or a job offer, you are eligible to depart and re-enter the US to commence or resume employment. To enhance the likelihood of re-entering the US smoothly, ensure you possess the following documents:

• Passport (valid for six months after you plan to re-enter the U.S.)
• Valid F-1 visa stamp in your passport*
• I-20 (with a valid travel signature no older than six months)
• EAD
• Evidence that you already have a job in the U.S. or that you have a job offer

If your post-completion OPT remains valid, you can travel as usual under your approved OPT. However, if your OPT has expired and your STEM application is still pending, it’s advisable not to travel outside the US. If travel is deemed necessary, please ensure to prepare the following:

Travel While OPT STEM Extension Application is Pending

If your post-completion OPT is still valid, you can travel as usual under your approved OPT. However, if your OPT has expired and your STEM application is pending, it’s advisable not to travel outside the US. If you deem travel necessary, ensure to bring the following:

Passport (valid for at least six months beyond your planned re-entry date) Valid F-1 visa stamp in your passport* I-20 (with a valid travel signature issued within the last six months) OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) I-797C Receipt Notice indicating USCIS is reviewing your STEM application Documentation proving existing job in the US or job offer (Recommended) Copy of your I-983 training plan

Please be aware that renewing your F-1 visa while your STEM application is pending is challenging. We recommend trying visa renewal only after receiving your STEM EAD and if your anticipated travel is essential.

If your post-completion OPT is still valid, you can travel as usual under your approved OPT. However, if your OPT has expired and your STEM application is pending, it’s advisable not to travel outside the US. If you deem travel necessary, ensure to prepare the following:

1. Passport (valid for at least six months beyond your planned re-entry date)
2. Valid F-1 visa stamp in your passport*
3. I-20 (with a valid travel signature issued within the last six months)
4. OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
5. I-797C Receipt Notice indicating USCIS is reviewing your STEM application
6. Documentation proving existing job in the US or job offer
7. (Recommended) Copy of your I-983 training plan

Please note that renewing your F-1 visa while your STEM application is pending is challenging. We recommend trying visa renewal only after the issuance of your STEM EAD and if your planned travel is necessarily.

Travel After OPT STEM Extension is Approved

Students planning to travel outside the US during their OPT STEM Extension should ensure to prepare the following:

1. Passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended re-entry date)
2. Valid F-1 visa stamp in your passport*
3. I-20 (with a valid travel signature issued within the last six months)
4. EAD issued for the STEM extension
5. Letter of Employment or Offer Letter from employer
6. (Recommended) A copy of your I-983 training plan

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

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