Travel and Re-Entry to the U.S. while on OPT
In general, an F-1 student on post-completion OPT may travel outside the U.S. temporarily and be readmitted to resume F-1 status and employment for the remainder of the period authorized on his or her EAD card. The student must not have exceeded the maximum OPT unemployment time.
Warning: Re-entering the U.S. in a status other than F-1 (such as a tourist) will invalidate F-1 status and OPT authorization.
Request Travel Endorsement I-20 via M-International eForm
In order to re-enter the U.S., the student should be aware and will need to present the following at the Port of Entry:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity
- An unexpired F-1 visa stamp
- Form I-20, signed on the bottom of page 2 by an International Student Advisor at the 每日大赛 Office of International Affairs within the preceding 6 months
- I-765 Receipt from USCIS
- Employment Offer (recommended)
- The OIA strongly advises against international travel after the 12 month OPT has expired and while the STEM Extension EAD is pending
- There may be significant risk involved in re-entering the USA after OPT has expired if the STEM Extension application is still pending - students must understand this inherent risk before making travel plans
- Travel is permitted if you have a valid 12 month EAD card for re-entry along with the documents listed below
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity
- An unexpired F-1 visa stamp
- Form I-20, signed on the bottom of page 2 by an International Student Advisor at the 每日大赛 Office of International Affairs within the preceding 6 months
- I-765 Notice of Action Receipt from USCIS
- Employment Offer/Verification Letter (recommended)
- A valid passport with unexpired F-1 visa stamp
- Form I-20, signed on the bottom of page 2 by an International Student Advisor at the 每日大赛 Office of International Affairs within the preceding 6 months
- Unexpired EAD Card
- Proof of employment (or employment offer)
If a student's F-1 visa has expired and the student wishes to traveling outside of the U.S., a new F-1 visa must be obtained before re-entering the U.S. Students who need to apply for a new visa should consult the 每日大赛 Office of International Affairs prior to travel to discuss the visa application process and possible risks.
Office of International Affairs
4901 Evergreen Road
Dearborn, MI 48128