Skip to main content
Office of International Services

Travel on STEM OPT

OIS recommends speaking with an OIS advisor prior to making international travel arrangements while applying for STEM OPT and/or during the STEM OPT authorization period.

Documents for Travel During STEM OPT

After your STEM OPT extension has been approved, during your STEM OPT extension period, OIS recommends that you bring the following documentation: 

Required: 

  • 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 STEM OPT I-20. 
  • EAD card

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

Can I travel while my STEM OPT application is pending and I still have a valid, unexpired EAD card?

STEM OPT students are able to travel while their application is pending, so long as they have the following documents: 

  • Most recent I-20 endorsed for travel within the last 6 months
    • If it has been more than 6 months from the date of the last travel signature on your I-20 (page 2), you will need to request an updated I-20 with a new travel signature from OIS by completing the Travel Request for OPT and STEM students.
  • Unexpired initial OPT EAD
  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months into the future)
  • Valid F-1 visa
  • Proof of employment (e.g. a job offer)
  • Receipt Notice from USCIS that indicates your STEM OPT application is being processed

International travel while an OPT application is pending should be undertaken with caution. We cannot guarantee that you will have no problems at the port of entry when trying to reenter the U.S. The decision on readmission will be made by a CBP Officer.

Can I travel while my STEM OPT application is pending and my EAD card has expired?

Travel while your STEM OPT application is pending and your previous OPT EAD card has expired should be considered with caution. While it may be possible to travel internationally during this time you should first consult with an OIS advisor prior to making travel plans. If you decide to travel, you will need to carry the following documentation with you when traveling: 

  • Receipt Notice from USCIS that your STEM OPT application is being processed
    • Must be dated on or before the last day of your expired OPT EAD. If you have not received your receipt notice by your EAD end date you should stop working on the final day of your EAD card and consult with an OIS advisor immediately. As a reminder, you USCIS must receive your STEM application prior to the expiration of your EAD and you must be present in the U.S. when applying for the STEM OPT extension- you cannot submit an STEM OPT extension while abroad. 
  • Valid F-1 visa

Please note that if you do not have both of the documents listed above OIS does not recommend that you travel outside of the United States. If you do not have a valid visa and must travel under emergency circumstances please consult with an OIS advisor before leaving the United States.

In addition to the documents listed above, OIS recommends bringing the following with you when you travel: 

  • Most recent I-20 endorsed for travel within the last 6 months
    • If it has been more than 6 months from the date of the last travel signature on your I-20 (page 2), you will need to request an updated I-20 with a new travel signature from OIS by completing the Travel Request for OPT and STEM students.
  • Expired initial OPT EAD
  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months into the future)
  • Proof of employment (e.g. a job offer)

If you file your STEM OPT extension application on time and your OPT period expires while your extension application is pending, USCIS will automatically extend your employment authorization for 180 days. If your automatic 180 day extension period has ended and your STEM application is still pending, OIS does not recommend traveling outside of the United States under any circumstances. If you are in this situation please set up an appointment with your OIS advisor immediately.