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Office of International Services

Travel on OPT

OIS recommends speaking with an OIS advisor prior to making international travel arrangements while applying for OPT and/or during the OPT authorization period. Please also review our updated Immigration and Travel page.

Documents for Travel During OPT

  • After your OPT has been approved, during your OPT period, OIS recommends that you bring the following documentation: 
    • Valid passport
    • Valid visa
    • I-20 with travel signature (issued within 6 months of entry)- we recommend traveling with an updated I-20 showing “approved” status on page two of your OPT I-20. 
    • EAD card
  • In addition to those, the follow docuements are highly recommended: 
    • USCIS Receipt Notice (I-797C) and/or Approval Notice (I-797A)
    • Proof of employment, such as a job offer letter (especially if your OPT start date has passed)
    • Proof of an active search for employment (if you don’t have proof of employment)

Important note for students with a pending H1-B: If you have a pending H-1B application, please check with the employer who filed your H-1B for more information regarding your travel eligibility.

What if my OPT application is still pending? Can I travel internationally?

Traveling internationally and re-entering the U.S. with a pending OPT application can be risky and you should consider the specifics of your situation and your own tolerance of risk before making a decision to travel.

As of December 2025, USCIS has changed their photo policy for applications. USCIS is sending biometrics requests to OPT and STEM OPT applicants to visit a USCIS Application Support Center to have photos taken for the EAD card. These cannot be completed outside the US. When planning travel with a pending OPT application, you should consider there is a possibility of receiving a biometrics request. You may have to return earlier than planned to attend your assigned appointment.

Please consider the following scenarios and the documentation needed for each one.

Entering before I-20 Program End Date, OPT Still Pending or Already Approved:

  • Required Documents
    • Valid passport
    • Valid visa
    • Most recently issued I-20 with a travel signature
    • I-797 receipt notice from USCIS

If you are entering before the I-20 program end date, you only need the above documents regardless of the status of your OPT application. Remember that you must wait until you receive the USCIS receipt notice (I-797C) after filing your OPT application before departing the U.S. You have to physically be present in the U.S. to be eligible to apply for OPT.

Entering after I-20 Program End Date, OPT Still Pending:

  • Required Documents
    • Valid passport
    • Valid visa
    • Most recently issued I-20 with a travel signature dated within the last 6 months
    • USCIS receipt notice for your OPT application (I-797C)
  • Highly Recommended Documents
    • Proof of employment, such as a job offer letter
    • Proof of an active search for employment (if you don’t have proof of employment)

Important note about applying for OPT and your grace period: If you depart the US during your 60-day grace period without applying for OPT, you will no longer be eligible to return to the US in F-1 status and no longer be eligible to apply for OPT. The 60-day grace period is only valid if you are planning to remain in the US.