International Center

OPT travel regulations

If you have not graduated, you may travel outside and re-enter the U.S. because you are still a student. In order to re-enter the U.S., you will need:

• A valid passport.
• A valid F-1 visa.
• I-20 signed for travel within six months.
• Letter from your department stating that you have not yet graduated.

If you have graduated and your OPT is pending, you may travel outside the U.S. and re-enter the U.S. in order to resume searching for a job. In order to re-enter the U.S., you will need:

• A valid passport.
• A valid F-1 visa.
• I-20 signed for travel within six months.
• I-797 receipt notice (OPT receipt).

If you have graduated and your OPT has been approved, you may travel outside the U.S. only if you have a job offer or are returning to a job. In order to re-enter the U.S., you will need:

• A valid passport.
• A valid F-1 visa.
• I-20 signed for travel within six months.
• An Employment Authorization Document (EAD card).
• Letter from your employer stating that you need to return to the U.S. to resume working.

If you have not graduated, you may travel outside and re-enter the U.S. because you are still a student. In order to re-enter the U.S., you will need:

• A valid passport.
• A valid F-1 visa.
• I-20 signed for travel within six months.
• Letter from your department stating that you have not yet graduated.