Travel Rules After OPT Approval
If your OPT is approved and you have your EAD card, you may travel outside and return to the U.S. if you carry all of the following:
Valid Passport: Must be valid at least six months beyond your return date. Valid F-1 Visa: Must have a valid F-1 visa stamp; renew if expired before travel. OPT I-20: Signed for travel by your International Advisor within the last 6 months. EAD Card: Proof of your OPT employment authorization. Job Offer Letter (Strongly Recommended): Shows your intent to work in your field during OPT. Travel While OPT Is Pending If your OPT application is still pending with USCIS, we strongly recommend not traveling internationally. Without your approved EAD, re-entry to the U.S. is risky and may be denied. Immigration officers may question your status since your OPT isn’t confirmed yet.
Emergency Travel: In case you must travel due to an emergency, please contact the International Office first. You will need to carry:
Valid Passport Valid F-1 Visa I-20 Signed for Travel within the last 6 months USCIS Receipt Notice (Form I-797): Proof that your OPT application is pending Note: Even with these documents, re-entry is not guaranteed. Always check with the International Office before traveling. Important Travel Reminders Do not re-enter the U.S. using a different visa status (such as a B-2 tourist visa) while on OPT. Doing so will cancel your F-1 status and automatically end your OPT authorization. Always carry your complete I-20, including both pages, when traveling. Page 1 confirms your program details, and Page 2 includes your OPT Information. Consult the International Office before making any international travel plans to ensure you have the proper documentation and avoid issues at the border.
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