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Travel Information for F-1 and J-1 Visa Holders

Academic Training (AT) AND Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) Travel Information 

Post-completion (OPT) – Travel outside of the United States while approved for Post-completion OPT. (There is always a certain degree of risk involved when a student or scholar leaves the United States during your OPT time.)

Travel While OPT or OPT STEM Extension is Pending. 

Travel during the OPT application process is allowed, but not recommended, as it poses certain risks. Please do NOT make plans to leave the country until you discuss them with an International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) advisor.

Keep in mind the following:
 
  • You will need to have someone monitor your mail and let you know if you receive any communications from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  • If you receive a Request for Evidence, you will need to respond by a specific deadline, which could be difficult from outside the U.S.
  • For post-completion OPT: If you are denied OPT while outside the U.S. after your program completion date, you will not be able to re-enter or reapply, and your F-1 status will end.
  • For OPT STEM extension: If you are denied OPT STEM extension while outside the U.S. after your OPT employment authorization document (EAD) card’s end date, you will not be able to re-enter or reapply, and your F-1 status will end.
  • If you are approved for OPT/STEM while outside the U.S., you will need to arrange for your EAD card to be sent to you in order to re-enter the country.
  • If your F-1 visa has expired, you will need to reapply for an F-1 visa with your EAD card and proof of employment.
  • If you choose to travel while your application is pending, be sure to monitor your mail. Sign up for an account with Case Status Online - Case Status Search (uscis.gov). 

Getting an F-1 Visa Stamp During OPT/STEM 

If a student's F-1 visa has expired and they wish to travel outside the U.S., a new F-1 visa must be obtained before they can be allowed to re-enter the country. If your F-1 visa has expired, and OPT or OPT STEM Extension application is pending, you will NOT be able to apply for a new F-1 visa until the application is approved and you have the EAD. 

Travel While OPT or OPT STEM Extension is Approved.

You will need the following items with you when you return to the U.S.:
 
  • Unexpired passport.
  • Unexpired F-1 visa (except for Canadians, who are exempt from the student visa requirement).
  • Form I-20 with OPT recommendation and an unexpired travel signature (valid for at least six months when traveling on OPT).
  • Unexpired EAD Card (EAD has a notation – “not valid for reentry” – which means the  card on its own is not sufficient without the other documents listed here.
  • Proof that you will begin or resume employment upon return from your trip, such as:
    • Job offer letter with the employer’s letterhead
    • Work contract
    • Proof of payment or letter with the employer’s official letterhead
    • If you do not have proof of employment, you should produce evidence of your job search, although this is not recommended because it does not ensure your return to the U.S.

Academic Training (AT)  

Do NOT travel until AT has been approved and authorized on your DS-2019. If you travel outside the U.S. during your academic training period, you will need a travel signature by an ISSS advisor on your DS-2019 and a valid J-1 visa to return to the country. If you travel outside the U.S. during your academic training period, you will need a travel signature by an ISSS advisor on your DS-2019 and a valid J-1 visa to return. It is recommended that you discuss your plans with an ISSS advisor prior to leaving the country.