International travel while on OPT is similar to travel while you are an F-1 student. While on OPT, you are still in F-1 student status. However, there are some important differences and additional document requirements.
Take These Documents With You When Planning to Reenter the U.S. from an International Location While on OPT:
| 听 |
Before Completing Academic Program & Before OPT Approval |
After Completing Academic Program & Before OPT or STEM OPT Approval |
After Completing Program & After听OPT or STEM OPT Approval |
| Carry these documents: | Carry these documents: | Carry these documents: | |
| Valid passport听 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Valid F-1 visa | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| OPT I-20 with a valid travel endorsement signed within 6 months by an IPC Advisor听 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Evidence of continued enrollment (e.g. Enrollment Verification from Registrar鈥檚 office)听 | Yes | ||
| I-797 Notice of Action | 听No | Yes | |
| Job offer letter from employer OR current employment verification letter | 听No | strongly recommended | Yes |
| EAD (Employment Authorization Document) | 听No | STEM OPT students whose original 12-Month EAD has expired should check with IPC about travel. | Yes |