Travel while on Optional Practical Training (OPT)

The following documents are needed for travel while on OPT:

• Unexpired passport        
• Unexpired F-1 visa stamp (Canadian citizens are exempt. Automatic Revalidation exception explained on our Travel to Canada page.)
• Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD card). (EADs include a statement "not valid for re-entry" which means that the card alone is not sufficient without the other documents listed here.)
• I-20 with OPT recommendation and a valid signature on page 2. The signature must not be more than six months old when you re-enter the U.S.
• Proof of employment - A letter from your employer confirming employment or a job offer

Before you travel, be sure that you have reported your employment information and U.S. Address to ISS.  To report your employment and U.S. Address, follow instructions in the Maintaining F-1 Status While on Post-Completion OPT or Maintaining F-1 Status While on the OPT STEM Extension pages.

If you have F-2 dependents, they should also carry a copy of your EAD, I-20 and employment letter.

We do not recommend international travel with a pending OPT for many reasons:

• If there are any problems with your OPT application, like an intent to deny or a request for additional evidence and you are outside the U.S., it may be difficult for you to respond.
• If you are outside the U.S. and your OPT application is rejected or denied, it may not be possible for you to return to the U.S.
• If your OPT application is approved while you are outside the U.S., you must have your EAD card in your possession to re-enter the U.S.  (USCIS will only mail EAD cards to a U.S. address.)
• If your OPT is approved while you are outside the U.S., you may also be asked to show proof of employment to re-enter the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the right to deny entry.

If you still decide to travel despite these risks, we recommend the following items to request re-entry to the U.S. in F-1 status:

• Unexpired passport        
• Unexpired F-1 visa stamp (Canadian citizens are exempt from this requirement).  
• I-20 with OPT recommendation and a valid signature on page 2.  The signature must not be more than six months old when you re-enter the U.S.
• I-797 USCIS receipt notice for your pending OPT application.
• Job offer letter or proof that you are actively searching for a job (communication about upcoming interviews, etc.)
• If you have a pending OPT STEM Extension, then you must bring your current valid OPT EAD.

If you are currently enrolled and will return to the U.S. before the end of the semester, your re-entry will be based on your return as a current student. 

Do NOT re-enter the U.S. using a tourist visa or ESTA. If you leave the U.S. and re-enter on a tourist visa (B-1/2), you will not be in F-1 student status or eligible for F-1 benefits. Therefore, your OPT application and EAD card will no longer be valid, and you will not be eligible to work.

• Unexpired passport        
• Unexpired F-1 visa stamp (Canadian citizens are exempt. Automatic Revalidation exception explained on our Travel to Canada page).  
• Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD card). EADs include a statement "not valid for re-entry" which means that the card alone is not sufficient without the other documents listed here.
• I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation and a valid signature on page 2. The signature must not be more than six months old when you re-enter the U.S.
• Proof of employment - A letter or contract from your employer confirming employment or a job offer.
• I-797 USCIS receipt notice if your STEM OPT is still pending.

If you plan to travel outside the U.S. and the signature on page 2 of your OPT I-20 will be more than six months old at the time of re-entry, you need a new travel endorsement signature on your I-20. To request an updated I-20, log in to myISSS using your UBIT name and password, and click "Students Currently Approved for OPT", then "OPT Travel Endorsement Request".

Please submit your request at least 10 business days before you plan to leave the U.S.

A valid visa is necessary if your current visa stamp is expired, you are attempting to re-enter the U.S. and you do not qualify for automatic revalidation. Since OPT is an F-1 benefit, an F-1 visa is necessary if you are returning to resume OPT employment. To apply for a new F-1 visa, you should go to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, preferably in your home country.

While you are on OPT, the risk of denial of your F-1 visa application may be higher than when you were a student. This is because you must prove non-immigrant intent to qualify for an F-1 visa and the Consular Officer may think that your OPT is an avenue for you to immigrate to the U.S. If the Consular Officer is not convinced of your intent to return home after your OPT ends, or they are concerned about your financial situation, or any aspect of your interview or documentation, your F-1 visa application may be denied. 

• DS-160 confirmation page with your application ID number on it (additional DS-160 information can be found here).
• Your employment letter    
  • It should include employment details such as salary (if it is a paid position), location, job duties and beginning date.
• Your valid passport
• Your I-20 with OPT recommendation and unexpired signature on page 2
• Your valid EAD card
• Financial documents if your employment is unpaid or if your salary is not sufficient to cover all living expenses.
• Documents proving ties to your home country, for example:
  • Proof that you will maintain a residence in your home country and will return there.
  • Personal, Professional, Financial ties to your home country
• Any other document required by the US Embassy/Consulate

You should be prepared to discuss how this job experience will help you find a job in your home country.          

We also recommend that you review the Applying for a U.S. Visa page on our website and these tips on applying for a visa.

Time spent outside the U.S. while on OPT still counts as unemployment if you do not have a job. If you have a job, and will remain employed during your time spent outside the U.S., then this does not count as unemployment.

We recommend consulting with the attorney who filed your H-1B application before making any travel plans during your Cap Gap Extension. It is important to discuss with your attorney how travel could impact your H-1B application. ISS cannot advise on H-1B related topics.

Due to risk and potential complexities, we generally do not recommend traveling outside the U.S. and seeking readmission to the U.S. as an F-1 student during the Cap Gap Extension. We are aware of USCIS guidance explaining a very specific situation where travel during the Cap Gap extension is possible; however, we recommend exercising caution and consulting with your attorney before making any plans.