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Travel While OPT Application is Pending

International travel while an OPT application is pending can be risky and is not generally recommended.  

Important Considerations:  

  • OPT applications must be filed from inside of the U.S. Do not depart the U.S. before your OPT application is filed, especially if it is after your I-20 program end date. 
  • When you submit your OPT application to USCIS, you must provide a U.S. mailing address that is valid for 3-4 months. USCIS will send notices and your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) here. If you are outside of the U.S., you may miss these important notices.
  • If your OPT is approved while you are outside of the U.S., you may be expected to have your EAD for re-entry to the U.S.  
  • If your OPT is denied while outside of the U.S., you will not be allowed re-entry in F-1 status.  
  • If your F-1 visa is expired or will expire while you are outside of the U.S., it is very difficult to renew your F-1 visa while your OPT is pending. We recommend you have your EAD before you attempt to apply for a new F-1 visa at the U.S. Embassy. 

Even with the required documentation, OIS can never guarantee entry to the United States as the decision is up to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at the U.S. Port of Entry.  

Please be aware that if you do choose to travel while your application is pending and have difficulties returning to the U.S., OIS may be of limited assistance.  

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

If your post-completion OPT has been approved (your EAD has been issued by USCIS) and you have a job or a job offer, you may leave and re-enter the US in order to begin/resume employment. In order to have the best chance of re-entering the US without problems, you should be sure you have 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 you need to apply for a new F-1 visa, you should be sure to have your EAD and evidence that you already have a job in the US or that you have a job offer in addition to the usual documents required for a visa application.

Travel While OPT STEM Extension Application is Pending

If your post-completion OPT has not expired yet, you can travel as usual on your approved OPT. If your OPT has expired and your STEM application is still under review, we would recommend you do not travel outside the US. If you believe you must travel, you should take:

  • 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)
  • OPT EAD 
  • I-797c Receipt Notice showing that USCIS is reviewing your STEM application
  • Evidence that you already have a job in the US or that you have a job offer
  • (suggested) a copy of your I-983 training plan

Please note it is extremely difficult to renew your F-1 visa while your STEM application is pending, we recommend you only try to renew your F-1 visa after the STEM EAD is issued and you have it in hand along with the other evidence required to apply for a visa application.

Travel After OPT STEM Extension is Approved

Students who wish to travel outside the US during their OPT STEM Extension should take the following with them:

  • 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 issued for the STEM extension
  • Letter of Employment or Offer Letter from employer
  • (suggested) a copy of your I-983 training plan

A Note of Visa Renewals

Please be aware that an F-1 visa renewal is not guaranteed and you could find yourself subject to delays, including Administrative Processing. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please email [email protected] or call (667)208-7001.

*The visa stamp requirement does not apply to Canadian citizens.