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Travel on OPT and STEM Extension

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If you want to travel outside the country while on post-graduate OPT or OPT with STEM extension, you will need to follow certain rules and carry various documents in order to reenter the United States. 

Be aware that post-graduate OPT is an extension of your F-1 status. If you return to the United States in another status—as a tourist, for example—it will invalidate your F-1 status and OPT authorization. 

Travel Documents for F-1 OPT

If you will be traveling during your 12-month opt....

You will need the following documents to reenter the United States:

• Valid passport 
• Valid F-1 visa stamp (Canadians excepted) 
• I-20 showing F-1 status, with travel signature within the last six months
• Employment authorization document (EAD) card or, if your OPT application is still pending, the receipt notice from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• A job-offer letter or letter confirming current OPT employment

Can I travel abroad if I’ve applied for OPT but haven’t graduated?

Before you graduate, you should be able to get back into the United States without an OPT card, as long as your graduation is still at least one month away. Your reentry will be based on your return as a current student. Your OPT application will have no impact on your travel.

If your graduation is coming in less than one month, and you want to reenter the United States in F-1 status, you have probably already applied for OPT. Instead of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, you will need to show the USCIS I-797 receipt notice of your OPT application , along with all of the other documents needed to enter the United States while on OPT. If you have questions about traveling close to graduation, talk with one of our advisors before you leave.

I’ve graduated, but I don’t have my OPT approval. Can I travel abroad?

If you have applied for OPT, we suggest you do not travel internationally before it is approved, and you have your employment authorization document (EAD) card. If your OPT application is denied while you are abroad, you cannot reenter the United States in F-1 status to reapply for OPT.

I’m waiting for my OPT approval. Can I leave the country and return on a tourist visa?

No! If you intend to continue working on OPT, never enter the United States in any other immigration status except F-1. If you leave the country and reenter with B status (tourist visa), you will lose your F-1 status, and your OPT will be invalid!

The visa stamp in my passport has expired. How can I travel?

If you are going to Canada or Mexico and staying for less than 30 days, you can reenter the United States on your expired F-1 visa stamp. You will need all of the other documents required for travel on OPT, and you must fulfill these requirements:

• You do not apply for a United States visa while in Canada or Mexico.
• You are not from one of the countries currently considered by the U.S. federal government to be state sponsors of terrorism. The current list includes Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Sudan.

If you are traveling elsewhere than Canada or Mexico, you will need to go to a U.S. embassy or consulate while you are abroad and apply for a new visa stamp. Find out how to apply for F/J Reentry . 

Before leaving on your trip, contact us to talk with an advisor . The consulates often change the visa application requirements for students on OPT.

How is my application for a new visa stamp affected by OPT?

When you have graduated, and you are on OPT, you have a somewhat higher risk of being denied renewal of your visa stamp. This is because your F-1 student visa requires that you intend to return to your home country at the end of your study program. 

Now that you are on OPT, it may be harder for you to convince the embassy official of your intent to return home. If the official is not convinced, your visa application will be denied. However, many students on OPT do get their F-1 visa stamps renewed. If you’re concerned, please talk with one of our advisors.

Do I still need to get a travel signature while on OPT?

Yes! While you are on OPT, if you travel outside the United States, you need to have the travel line on your I-20 signed every six months. Please submit a travel signature reprint request .

Travel Documents for OPT STEM Extension 

If you will be traveling while on opt stem extension....

• Employment authorization document (EAD) card for OPT with STEM extension
• A job-offer letter or letter confirming current OPT STEM employment

Note: Be aware that while OPT STEM is pending approval by USCIS, you may be questioned by a Customs and Border Protection officer when seeking entry to the US. It is best practice to avoid travel until your OPT STEM is approved by USCIS and you have your OPT STEM EAD.

I’m waiting for my OPT STEM approval. Can I leave the country and return on a tourist visa?

No! If you intend to continue working on OPT or OPT STEM, never enter the United States in any other immigration status except F-1. If you leave the country and reenter with B status (tourist visa), you will lose your F-1 status, and your OPT/OPT STEM will be invalid!

The visa stamp in my passport has expired. How can I travel on OPT STEM?

If you are going to Canada or Mexico and staying for less than 30 days, you can reenter the United States on your expired F-1 visa stamp. You will need all of the other documents required for travel on OPT STEM, and you must fulfill these requirements:

Before leaving on your trip, contact us to talk with an advisor . The consulates often change the visa application requirements for students on OPT STEM. 

Can I travel internationally if my application for OPT STEM is pending?

While you may travel out of the United States and reenter while your OPT STEM extension application is pending, be advised that your eligibility for re-entry may be questioned by a Customs and Border Protection officer . We recommend waiting until your OPT STEM extension is approved by USCIS and you have your OPT STEM employment authorization document (EAD) . If you choose to risk travel during this time, have a copy of the I-797 receipt for your OPT STEM application along with the other documents required for travel while on OPT.

How is my application for a new visa stamp affected by OPT STEM?

When you have graduated, and you are on OPT or OPT STEM extension, you have a somewhat higher risk of being denied renewal of your visa stamp. This is because your F-1 student visa requires that you intend to return to your home country at the end of your study program. 

Now that you are on OPT or OPT STEM, it may be harder for you to convince the embassy official of your intent to return home. If the official is not convinced, your visa application will be denied. However, many students on OPT do get their F-1 visa stamps renewed. If you’re concerned, please talk with one of our advisors.

Do I still need to get a travel signature while on OPT STEM?

Yes! While you are on OPT or OPT with STEM extension, if you travel outside the United States, you need to have the travel line on your I-20 signed every six months. Please submit a travel signature reprint request

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• While on Optional Practical Training (OPT)

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Travel while on Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Find out what students need for international travel & re-entry to the United States during OPT.

Travel Documents Needed

• Unexpired passport valid until at least 6 months into the future
• Under certain limited circumstances, a nonimmigrant (F-1/F-2 or J-1/J-2 may re-enter the U.S. with an expired visa provided that they meet the eligibility requirements for  Automatic Revalidation .     
• Learn how to get a travel signature.
• Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD card)
• Be sure that this employment is reflected in the SEVP Portal. If you have not reported your employment information and U.S. Address to SEVP, 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.

If you have not yet found employment, we advise you not to travel as you may have difficulty re-entering the U.S.

Travel with a Pending OPT

If you will return to the U.S. after the end of your final semester, then we do not recommend international travel until your OPT is approved, you have your EAD and a job offer.

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. Please consider the following when deciding to travel with a pending OPT application:

• 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 carrying the following documents:

• Unexpired passport        
• Unexpired F-1 visa stamp (Canadian citizens are exempt from this requirement).  
• 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 OPT EAD.

Travel during OPT STEM Extension

If your Post-Completion EAD has expired, we do not recommend international travel while your OPT STEM extension is pending.

• Unexpired F-1 visa stamp (Canadian citizens are exempt.)  
• 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.
• Proof of employment - A letter or contract from your employer confirming employment or a job offer.

Updating your I-20 Travel Endorsement

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  UB Global  and click "Optional Practical Training", then "OPT Travel Endorsement Request".

Please submit your request at least 10 business days before you plan to leave the U.S. Check our e-form processing page for current processing times.

Visa Stamp Renewal during OPT

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 a 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.

The process to apply for a visa while on OPT is very similar to when you were an enrolled student. In addition to the documents explained here , be sure to have available proof of your employment. Since F-1 is a non-immigrant status, you may be expected to document or discuss your plans to return to your home country after your OPT is complete. While you are on OPT, the risk of denial of your F-1 visa application may be higher than when you were a student.  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. 

If your Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT application is still pending, we do not recommend applying for a new F-1 visa until your OPT application is approved and your have your EAD.

When preparing for a visa interview while on OPT, you should have the following documents:

• DS-160 confirmation page with your application ID number on it (additional DS-160 information can be found at  travel.state.gov ).

Tips for Your DS-160

U.s. point of contact.

If you're not sure who to put as your contact? UB students can use ISS's information:

• Name: Kathryn Tudini
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 716-645-2258

Intended Length of Stay

ISS cannot answer this question for you. We recommend you use your best estimate on the time you need to complete your program. You can contact your academic department for an estimate if you are not sure.

Your answer to this question does not determine the  length of your visa .

ISS cannot provide detailed guidance on completing your DS-160. If you have questions we recommend contacting your local embassy or consulate for assistance.

• 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.
• 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 .

Unemployment and Travel Outside the U.S.

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.

Cap Gap Extension & Travel

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. 

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• Travel While on OPT

Travel While OPT Application is Pending

International travel while an OPT application is pending can be risky and is not generally recommended.  

Important Considerations:  

• OPT applications must be filed from inside of the U.S. Do not depart the U.S. before your OPT application is filed, especially if it is after your I-20 program end date. 
• When you submit your OPT application to USCIS, you must provide a U.S. mailing address that is valid for 3-4 months. USCIS will send notices and your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) here. If you are outside of the U.S., you may miss these important notices.
• If your OPT is approved while you are outside of the U.S., you may be expected to have your EAD for re-entry to the U.S.  
• If your OPT is denied while outside of the U.S., you will not be allowed re-entry in F-1 status.  
• If your F-1 visa is expired or will expire while you are outside of the U.S., it is very difficult to renew your F-1 visa while your OPT is pending. We recommend you have your EAD before you attempt to apply for a new F-1 visa at the U.S. Embassy. 

Even with the required documentation, OIS can never guarantee entry to the United States as the decision is up to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at the U.S. Port of Entry.  

Please be aware that if you do choose to travel while your application is pending and have difficulties returning to the U.S., OIS may be of limited assistance.  

The chart below may help you decide whether you should travel internationally:  

Travel After OPT is Approved

If your post-completion OPT has been approved (your EAD has been issued by USCIS) and you have a job or a job offer, you may leave and re-enter the US in order to begin/resume employment. In order to have the best chance of re-entering the US without problems, you should be sure you have the following documents:

• Passport (valid for six months after you plan to re-enter the U.S.)
• Valid F-1 visa stamp in your passport*
• I-20 (with a valid travel signature no older than six months)
• Evidence that you already have a job in the U.S. or that you have a job offer

If you need to apply for a new F-1 visa, you should be sure to have your EAD and evidence that you already have a job in the US or that you have a job offer in addition to the usual documents required for a visa application.

Travel While OPT STEM Extension Application is Pending

If your post-completion OPT has not expired yet, you can travel as usual on your approved OPT. If your OPT has expired and your STEM application is still under review, we would recommend you do not travel outside the US. If you believe you must travel, you should take:

• Passport (valid for six months after you plan to re-enter the US)
• OPT EAD 
• I-797c Receipt Notice showing that USCIS is reviewing your STEM application
• Evidence that you already have a job in the US or that you have a job offer
• (suggested) a copy of your I-983 training plan

Please note it is extremely difficult to renew your F-1 visa while your STEM application is pending, we recommend you only try to renew your F-1 visa after the STEM EAD is issued and you have it in hand along with the other evidence required to apply for a visa application.

Travel After OPT STEM Extension is Approved

Students who wish to travel outside the US during their OPT STEM Extension should take the following with them:

• EAD issued for the STEM extension
• Letter of Employment or Offer Letter from employer

OPT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A note of visa renewals.

Please be aware that an F-1 visa renewal is not guaranteed and you could find yourself subject to delays, including  Administrative Processing . 

If you have any questions or concerns, please email [email protected] or call (667)208-7001.

*The visa stamp requirement does not apply to Canadian citizens.

• Travel Information
• Visa Renewal
• Special Administrative Processing
• Automatic Revalidation
• Travel in H-1B Status
• Travel in J-1 ECFMG Status
• Travel in O-1 Status
• Emergency Information

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Travel during post-completion optional practical training (opt).

• Post-Completion OPT is Pending
• Post-Completion OPT is Approved

Summary of Guidance

This section applies only to F-1 students who have applied for or have been approved for Optional Practical Training (OPT) by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and want to leave and re-enter the U.S. after the completion of their academic program.

Before the completion of your academic program, the usual procedures for travel still apply. After completion of your academic program, the guidance for travel is related to whether your OPT has been approved yet or not.

Post-Completion OPT is Pending

If your post-completion OPT has not been approved, it is generally permitted (with the appropriate travel documentation) to leave and then re-enter the US, even if you do not yet have a job or job offer.

However, there are specific risks of travel outside the US which are unique to traveling with a pending OPT application. It is your responsibility to understand those risks and decide whether or not you choose to proceed with travel. For more information, please see Module 6 of our online OPT training , particularly the section titled "Understanding the Risks of Travel before Receiving EAD Card."

In order to have the best chance of re-entering the U.S. without problems when your post-completion OPT is pending, you should travel with the following documents:

• Passport (valid for six months after you plan to re-enter the U.S)
• Valid F-1 visa stamp in your passport (this requirement does not apply to Canadian citizens)
• I-20 (with a travel signature no older than six months *)
• I-765 receipt notice (Form I-797) If you need to apply for a new F-1 visa when your post-completion OPT application is pending, you should also be sure to have your I-765 receipt notice (Form I-797) in addition to the usual documents required for a visa application.

Post-Completion OPT is Approved

If your post-completion OPT has been approved (EAD card has been issued by USCIS) and you have a job or a job offer, you may leave and re-enter the U.S. in order to begin or resume employment.

After USCIS has issued an EAD card for post-completion OPT, in order to have the best chance of re-entering the U.S. without problems, you should be sure you have the following documents:

• Passport (valid for six months after you plan to re-enter the U.S.)
• I-20 (with a valid travel signature no older than six months*)
• Evidence that you already have a job in the U.S. or that you have a job offer.

If you need to apply for a new F-1 visa, you should also be sure to have your EAD card and evidence that you already have a job in the U.S. or that you have a job offer in addition to the usual documents required for a visa application.

* Regulations state that during post-completion OPT, the travel signature should be no older than six months. The International Center recommends while on post-completion OPT that you get a valid travel signature every six months. Source: 8CFR214.2(f)(13)(ii)

Customs and Border Protection officers are authorized to exercise discretion on a case-by-case basis on all nonimmigrant admissions, and traveling with either Pending or Approved OPT is no exception. Re-entry to the U.S. is never guaranteed.

To give yourself the best chance of a smooth re-entry to the US, be sure to possess the documents listed above, depending on if your OPT application is in Pending or Approved status at the time you are requesting re-entry to the US.

For more information about F-1 travel with either pending or approved OPT, please visit our OPT online training (see Module 6) and also see the U.S. Department of Homeland Security FAQ for F-1 Travel .

Office of International Education

International student and scholar services, opt and traveling abroad.

The guidance below is designed to provide additional context and guidance for those in the process of applying for OPT or are currently on their benefit of OPT. Along with reviewing the guidance below and before making any travel arrangements, you are encouraged to:

• Review OIE's Travel Guidance Website website for more information about traveling abroad, travel signatures, and recommended documents to carry upon re-entry
• Review the guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information about current U.S. travel entry policies and restrictions
• Ensure to consult with your airline with any questions in advance of your flight date to ensure you are aware of any additional requirements, documents required, or expectations prior to arriving to the airport.
• If you have questions regarding travel requirements or policies for the country you are visiting, you are encouraged to contact their Embassy or Consulate directly. For contact information for the U.S. location of the Embassy or Consulate, please visit the U.S. Department of State site  here . 

F-1 Regulations allow students participating in OPT to travel abroad, but there may be additional risks and/or additional documentation to prepare. OIE is unable to guarantee that students will be granted admission by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon return to the U.S or that the Consulate will renew an F-1 visa at a consulate abroad. Although not common, there are reports of students on OPT having problems at ports of entry as well as being denied visas or experiencing significant visa delays. The decision to travel abroad must be made by the individual student with an understanding of the preparations that should be made and the risks involved. 

International Travel information:

• As an individual on pre-completion OPT, you are considered to be an enrolled student. This means that you would follow the same procedure for visits abroad and re-entry as enrolled F-1 students. Additional documentation is not required for re-entry beyond those documented on our OIE's Travel Guidance Website .
• You are eligible to travel abroad on a temporary basis (less than 5 months) and re-enter the U.S to continue employment. Please review our OIE's Travel Guidance Website  to learn of the documentation we encourage you to carry with you when attempting to re-enter the U.S.

Travel While OPT Application is Pending:

According to Student Exchange Visitor Program’s guidance, students participating in post-completion OPT may travel abroad while the OPT application is pending. However, travel during this period of time should be undertaken with caution for the following reasons:

• If a request for more evidence (RFE) is issued by USCIS: An RFE requires immediate attention by the applicant.
• If the application is approved while the applicant is abroad, the student will be required to present the EAD upon return.

Students who decide to travel while the OPT application is pending are highly discouraged from leaving the U.S until the application has been received by USCIS and the I-797 receipt notice has been issued.  Students should bring the receipt notice with them as proof that an application has been submitted. Although the receipt notice is a good substitution, admission into the U.S. is up to the discretion of the CBP officer, and there have been reports of students without their EAD work permit having problems at the port of entry.

  Special Issues in Travel on OPT

Visa renewal while on post-completion opt:.

OPT is a benefit of the F-1 status. Therefore, students traveling while on OPT and have an expired F-1 visa are required to apply for a new F-1 visa before attempting to re-enter the U.S..

Procedures and requirements for visas can vary between countries and are often subject to change.  As such, reviewing the visa requirements on the website for the appropriate U.S. Embassy/Consulate is the best way to prepare you for the visa application process.  Visit www.travel.state.gov  to determine the procedures for applying for a visa at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in the country in which you’ll be traveling.

For general guidance and information on visa renewals, please visit the OIE’s Visa Renewal website.

Automatic Visa Revalidation for OPT Students:

Automatic visa revalidation allows F and J non-immigrant visa holders to visit Canada, Mexico and/or  adjacent islands  (excluding Cuba) for less than a total of 30 days and re-enter the U.S. with an expired visa stamp. Upon returning to the U.S, students utilizing automatic visa revalidation must present a valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019 form with a valid travel signature, and I-94 record. If you have an electronic I-94 record, it is recommended that you bring a hard copy during travel and present it upon exit and entry. Citizens of Cuba, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Sudan and Syria are not eligible for Automatic Visa Revalidation. 

To view the Code of Federal Regulations regarding Automatic Revalidation of Visa, click  here . Additional information is also available on the  U.S. Department of State website .

Note: Non-immigrants who apply for a visa during their stay in Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean are not eligible to use automatic visa revalidation if the visa is denied or delayed.

Accrual of More Than the Maximum Days of Unemployment and its Impact on Travel:

Students who have exceeded the maximum days of unemployment while on their OPT are considered out-of-status. While on post-completion OPT, you are permitted to have no more than 90 days total of unemployment. If you are on the STEM extension, then you cannot accrue more than 150 days of unemployment during the total 3 year OPT period. If you depart the U.S. and attempt to re-enter the U.S. after accruing more than then allowed number of unemployment days, you will may face issues in returning to the U.S.

Time Outside the U.S and Unemployment:

Time spent outside the U.S during a period of post-completion OPT or STEM OPT extension may be considered as unemployment, unless you are either:

• Employed during a period of leave authorized by an employer; or
• You are traveling as part of your employment.

If you are going to be outside of the U.S. for extended periods of time but will still be considered employed, we encourage you to ensure you have documentation from your employer to certify you have remained employed during your absence from the U.S. 

Change of Status and Travel:

Students who have/will apply for a change of status to H1B, permanent resident or any other immigration status should speak with their immigration lawyer prior to making travel plans.  Students utilizing the Cap-Gap extension should not travel abroad during the period of time between the end of the EAD and the start of the H1B unless they are eligible to return to the U.S. with the H1B visa stamp.

Click here for a comprehensive review and additional guidance related to travel.

This notice applies to all information and resource materials provided by the OIE for the domain oie.gatech.edu and for all other information provided by OIE in any media format. It is provided for informational purposes only, and is not represented to be error free, complete, accurate or current. The information contained herein is not legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for the legal advice or legal opinions of a licensed professional. Users should contact their own personal attorney or licensed professional to obtain appropriate legal advice or other professional counseling with respect to any particular issue or problem.

OIE is a unit of the Vice Provost of International Initiatives in the Office of the Provost .

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SEVP made every effort to provide complete answers to these common questions. However, each person’s individual circumstances differ. So while these questions and answers serve as a general guide, they may not provide all the information you need to determine whether it is appropriate to travel or whether U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will re-admit you to the United States. You can contact your designated school official, officials at your embassy or consulate or your legal counsel for further assistance.

Please remember that the CBP officer at the port of entry decides whether to admit non-immigrants into the United States. The facts and circumstances presented at the time you apply to enter are the basis of this decision. SEVP cannot guarantee that CBP will admit or re-admit you into the United States.

Travel Re-entry: F Visa

Re-entry for f-1 non-immigrants travelling outside the united states for five months or fewer.

This section of the FAQ applies to continuing F-1 students who travel outside the United States for five months or less.

Students should consult their Designated School Official (DSO) prior to travelling. Your DSO generally works in the International Student Office. You must have a current SEVIS Form I-20 endorsed for travel and your DSO needs to be able to verify that your SEVIS record is accurate and up-to-date.

What are the basic requirements for an F-1 to re-enter the United States after travelling abroad on pleasure or personal business?

• A Form I-20, endorsed for travel and signed by your DSO
• You have been out of the United States for less than five months
• A current passport valid for at least six months after the date of your reentry or, if you are from one of the countries listed below, a passport that is current through the date of entry
• A valid, current visa or you travelled to contiguous country or adjacent island for less than thirty days
• Financial information showing proof of necessary funds to cover tuition and living expenses

If you are from a visa exempt country, you do not need a visa to reenter the United States from the western hemisphere, but make sure that you present your I-20 to be admitted as an F-1 student and not a visitor.

What if I have an expired passport or one that will expire in less than six months?

You must renew your passport before re-entering the United States. In most cases, to enter the United States, you must have a passport that is valid for at least six months after the date you enter or re-enter.

However, the countries listed below have an agreement with the United States that allows you to enter on a current passport up to the actual date of expiration.

Try to keep your passport current at all times. You need to determine your country’s requirements and timelines for renewing passports. Many countries will allow you to renew your passport while in the United States. The other alternative is to renew your passport when you return home for a visit.

In some cases, you may want to delay leaving the United States until you have renewed your passport. You will not be able to re-enter the United States without a valid passport. If your expired passport has a valid visa, you can still use that visa if you kept the old passport. Present the old passport, along with the new passport when you reenter the country. The countries that have an agreement with the United States allowing entry with a passport until the date of expiration are as follows:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Cote D’Ivoire
• Czech Republic
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Hong Kong (certificates of identity and passports)
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Philippines
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Slovak Republic
• South Africa
• Switzerland
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom

What if my F-1 student visa has expired?

You can stay in the United States on an expired F-1 visa as long as you maintain your student status. However, if you are returning home or traveling to a country where automatic revalidation does not apply, you must have a valid visa to return to the United States.

Ensure that you have all the documentation you need for your visa application and allow sufficient time for processing a new visa. The documentation you may need for a new visa includes, but is not limited to the following:

• A Form I-20, endorsed for travel and signed by your DSO (see your DSO before you travel)
• Original evidence showing proof of necessary funds to cover tuition and living expenses
• Evidence showing your intention to return to your home country upon program completion, including evidence of compelling social and economic ties to your home country
• If you have applied for or had optional practical training (OPT) approved, bring a copy of your Form I-20 endorsed for OPT and your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), if you have one

The Department of State recommends that you apply for a visa in your home country. For more information about visa applications visit the Department of State (DoS) website at http://travel.state.gov/ .

You can apply in a third country for a visa, but you will not be able to return to the United States until DoS issues your visa. In some cases, this could take several weeks if DoS requires a background check. If DoS denies your visa, you will not be able to return to the United States. Be sure to check the DoS website for specific information pertaining to each embassy or consulate.

If you have an expired visa and a terminated record, we strongly advise that you do not travel outside the United States until your SEVIS record shows that you are in active status. If you do travel, you may not be able to renew your visa or return to the United States.

As a continuing student, will I need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee if I travel outside the United States?

No. See the I-901 FAQ for detailed information on the I-901 SEVIS fee.

I wish to travel to Canada, Mexico, or one of the islands adjacent to the United States. Can I return if my visa is expired?

Yes, in most cases. You can usually revalidate an expired visa automatically when returning from a visit of less than thirty days to Canada, Mexico, or one of the islands adjacent to the United States provided that you have a valid Form I-20 and a valid unexpired Form I-94. This process is known as automatic visa revalidation.

Which islands are defined as “adjacent islands”?

The adjacent islands are:

• Saint Pierre
• The Dominican Republic
• The Bahamas
• The Windward and Leeward Islands
• Other British, French, and Netherlands territory or possessions in or bordering on the Caribbean Sea

(INA, Section 101(b)(5))

Can I travel to Cuba and return to the United States?

Yes, provided that you have a valid visa to return and are otherwise admissible. Please note that Cuba may require you to apply for a visa in order to enter that country.

Do I need a valid visa to visit Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, or the Northern Mariana Islands?

No, unless your travel plans include entry to any other country en route to these U.S. territories. You will need a valid Form I-20 and a valid unexpired Form I-94. Be sure that you do not have a terminated SEVIS record indicating that you are out of status.

How do I know if I have a terminated record in SEVIS?

Your DSO can tell you your SEVIS record status and give you appropriate travel related advice.

I want to travel outside the United States, but my SEVIS record is in terminated status. Can I return if I travel?

If you need to travel on a terminated record, you must first visit your DSO. If your school has requested a correction request or data fix, the DSO will put your correction request or help desk ticket number on your Form I-20 and report your pending travel to SEVP.

There is no guarantee that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will readmit you to the United States if you travel on a terminated record. In most cases, CBP inspectors will allow you to reenter the United States if you are otherwise admissible and your DSO has properly annotated your Form I-20. It is likely, however, that the CBP officer at the port of entry will send you to secondary inspection while they determine whether you are eligible to return to the United States.

If you have an expired visa and a terminated record, SEVP advises you not to travel outside the United States until your SEVIS record shows that you are in Active status. If you do travel, you may not be able to renew your visa or return to the United States.

Can I travel outside the United States if I have a Form I-485 adjustment of status application pending?

No, not without advance permission. If you depart the United States with a pending Form I-485, you have abandoned your application unless you receive permission in advance from USCIS to return to the United States. We call this Advance Parole . Additionally, CBP may also consider you ineligible to return to the United States as an F-1 student because your application to change status to that of a permanent resident is evidence of intent to immigrate, which is inconsistent with nonimmigrant student status.

Can I re-establish F-1 student status by obtaining a new initial Form I-20 and reentering the United States?

Yes. However, you will be considered an initial student for SEVIS purposes. You will have to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee again and you will lose any time that you have accrued toward qualification for training (OPT) or employment .

You must have the new Form I-20 showing that you are entering on a new SEVIS ID number.

You should be aware that the CBP inspecting officer will determine whether or not to admit you to the United States with the new Form I-20. If you did not comply with the terms of your status during a prior stay in the United States, the CBP officer may decide that you are not eligible to reenter.

Can I reenter during the 60-day period after finishing my program or OPT?

No. The 60-day “grace” period is only to prepare to leave the country.

Can I reenter if my request for OPT is pending?

Yes, but traveling during this time should be undertaken with caution. USCIS may send you a request for evidence while you are away, however, so you would want to make sure you have provided a correct U.S. address both to your DSO and on the application and would be able to send in requested documents. Also, if USCIS approves your OPT application, you will be expected to have your EAD in hand to re-enter the United States. Like a request for further information, USCIS can only send the EAD to your U.S. address.

Can I reenter if I left while on OPT?

If USCIS has approved your OPT you will be expected to have your EAD in hand to re-enter the United States, in addition to your Form I-20, valid passport and visa, and a letter of employment if you have one. If you exceed the limits on unemployment while outside the United States, you will not be eligible to re-enter the United States in F-1 status.

Are there any other requirements for travel outside the United States?

The questions above outline the general requirements for reentry for F-1 students. However, because individual circumstances vary, consult your DSO, embassy, or legal advisor before traveling. Planning for your trip early ensures that you have enough time to get all of your travel documents in order.

If you are not returning to your home country, you should check the requirements of the country you are visiting. Some countries require a visa. You may also need a transit visa for countries where you are making a connecting flight. Be sure to check before you travel. Most countries have immigration websites that provide visa information. If you have additional questions, please contact SEVP at [email protected] or call us at 703-603-3400.

Renewing Your F-1 Student Visa

Can i stay in the united states if my student visa has expired.

Yes, as long as you are maintaining your status, you may legally remain in the United States with an expired F-1 or M-1 visa.

Can I renew my student visa while in the United States?

No. For more information about visa applications, visit the Department of State (DoS) website .

Can I renew my visa while outside the United States in a country other than my home country?

Yes, but the Department of State recommends that you apply for a visa in your home country. For more information about visa applications, visit the DoS website.

Before you travel to a country other than yours to renew your visa, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in that country.

If you exit the United States and apply for a visa, you cannot return to the United States until DoS issues you a new visa. This could require a lengthy stay. If DoS denies your visa application, you will not be able to return to the United States as a student.

Can I go to Canada or Mexico and apply for a new visa?

In some cases, you can. Contact the individual U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Canada or Mexico. However, you cannot return to the United States until DoS issues you a new visa. If DoS denies your visa application, you will not be able to return to the United States as a student. For more information about visa applications, visit the DoS website . You can also visit travel.state.gov , for more information on how to apply for a U.S. visa in Canada and Mexico.

Applying for a new visa is not the same as automatic visa revalidation. You cannot apply for a new visa and take advantage of automatic visa revalidation at the same time.

What is automatic visa revalidation?

Automatic visa revalidation allows most F-1 students to take a trip of less than 30 days to countries contiguous to the United States and reenter on an expired visa provided you have proper documentation and have not applied for a new visa during the visit. This process revalidates your visa (making it eligible for the single trip), but does not renew it.

Re-entry for F-2 Non-immigrants

What documents do the dependants (accompanying spouse and minor children) of a continuing f-1 or m-1 student need for readmission to the us....

What documents do the dependants (accompanying spouse and minor children) of a continuing F-1 or M-1 student need for readmission to the United States after travelling abroad?

If you are the dependent of a continuing F-1 or M-1 student, previously admitted into the United States in F-2 or M-2 status, traveled outside the United States, and are now seeking readmission, you need to have the following:

• A current Form I-20 in your name that certifies your admissibility, (i.e. DSO signature on page 3 approving travel (Each dependent must have an individual Form I-20)
• A valid visa unless you are from Canada or Bermuda
• The primary (F-1 or M-1) must be in active student status - check with DSO before traveling to verify the primary's status
• Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

Do dependents have to travel with the primary?

No. However, your primary must be maintaining status. Consult the DSO from your primary’s school to ensure your primary is in status before traveling. You will need a valid passport. See Re-entry for F-1 Non-immigrants Travelling Outside the United States for Five Months or Fewer above

If your primary stays in the United States and has a request for optional practical training (OPT) pending or approved, you will need additional documentation. Make a copy of the primary’s Form I-20 with the page 2 annotations and/or employment authorization document (EAD) and be prepared to present it at the port of entry.

If the primary travels, can dependents remain in the United States?

Dependents may stay in the United States without the primary if the primary:

• Is in valid status
• Will return after a temporary absence using the same SEVIS ID number

What if I do not have a valid passport?

See the related questions in the F-1 section or M-1 section.

What if my visa expired?

If you are not traveling with the primary visa holder and your primary has a request for optional practical training (OPT) approved or pending, you will need additional documentation. Make a copy of the primary’s Form I-20 or EAD and be prepared to present it at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate and the port of entry.

Are there any other requirements for dependents to travel outside the United States?

The questions above outline the general reentry requirements for dependents. If you have questions, consult with the DSO at your primary’s school or seek advice from your embassy or legal advisor. However, if you are not returning to your country of citizenship, you should check the requirements of the country you are visiting. Some countries will require a visa. You may also need a visa for countries where you are making a connecting flight. Be sure to check before you travel.

Travel Re-entry: M Visa

Re-entry for m-1 nonimmigrants traveling outside the united states for five months or fewer.

This section of the FAQ applies to continuing M-1 students who travel outside the United States for five months or less.

An M-1 student should consult the designated school official (DSO) before traveling. Your DSO generally works in the international student office. You must have a current Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” endorsed for travel, and your DSO must be able to verify that your SEVIS record is accurate and up-to-date.

What are the basic requirements for an M-1 student to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad on pleasure or personal business?

• A Form I-20, endorsed for travel and signed by your DSO (talk to your DSO before you travel)
• A current passport valid for at least six months after the date of your re-entry or, if you are from one of the countries listed below, a passport that is current through the date of entry
• A valid, current visa (unless you are a citizen of Canada or Bermuda or you traveled to a contiguous country for less than thirty days)
• Be sure that you are able to return before your current program end date

Bringing your most recent Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record,” will facilitate your re-entry through a land port of entry.

If you are from a visa exempt country, you do not need a visa to re-enter the United States.

You must renew your passport before you re-enter the United States. Usually, to enter the United States, you must have a passport that is valid for at least six months after the date you enter or re-enter.

However, some countries have an agreement with the United States that allows you to enter on a current passport up to the actual date of expiration. Try to keep your passport current at all times. You need to know your country’s rules for renewing passports as well as the amount of time it will take.

Many countries will allow you to renew your passport while in the United States. The other alternative is to renew your passport when you return home for a visit.

You may want to delay leaving the United States until you have renewed your passport. You must have a valid passport to re-enter the United States. If your expired passport has a valid visa, you may still use it if you kept the old passport. Present both the old and new passports when you re-enter the United States.

The countries that have an agreement with the United States allowing entry with a passport until the date of expiration are the following:

• Hong Kong (identity certificates and passports)

What if my M-1 student visa has expired?

You must maintain your student status to stay in the United States on an expired M-1 visa. If you are returning home or traveling to a country where automatic revalidation does not apply, you must have a valid visa to return to the United States.

The Department of State recommends that you apply for a visa in your home country. For more information about visa applications, visit the Department of State website .

You can apply in a third country for a visa, but you cannot return to the United States until the Department of State issues you a new visa. In some cases, this could take several weeks if a background check is necessary. If the Department of State denies your visa, you cannot return to the United States.

If you must re-apply for a visa, remember to bring the following items with you:

• A Form I-20, endorsed for travel and signed by your DSO and your original Form I-20 (talk to your DSO before you travel)
• Original evidence showing proof of necessary funds to pay for tuition and living expenses
• Evidence showing your intent to return to your home country upon program completion with evidence of compelling social and economic ties to your home country
• For more information, please visit the Department of State’s website.

As a continuing student, must I pay the I-901 SEVIS fee if I travel outside the United States?

I want to travel to canada or mexico. may i return to the united states if i have an expired visa.

Yes, in most cases CBP will allow re-entry to the United States. Usually, you can revalidate an expired visa automatically if you meet all of the following criteria:

• Returning from a visit of fewer than thirty days to Canada or Mexico
• Have a valid Form I-20
• Have a valid unexpired Form I-94

This process is known as automatic visa revalidation.

However, if you meet any one of following criteria, 8 CFR 214.1(b)(3) mandates that you cannot automatically revalidate your visa:

• You applied for a new visa, and DoS has not issued it.
• You applied for a new visa, and DoS denied it.
• You have a terminated SEVIS record indicating that you are out of status.
• You have been out the United States for more than thirty days.
• North Korea

I want to travel to one of the islands adjacent to the United States. May I return if my visa has expired?

Yes. Regulations state that an M student or dependent can be readmitted under automatic visa revalidation if they are:

• Admissible;
• Seeking readmission after an absence not exceeding thirty days solely in contiguous territory;
• In possession of a valid passport; and
• Presenting a Form I-94, “Arrival-Departure Record,” from the previous admission or stay and a Form I-20, ‘Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” signed for travel by the DSO.

The definition of adjacent islands is in INA, Section 101(b)(5) :

Do I need a valid visa to visit Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands?

No. You will need a valid Form I-20 and a valid, unexpired Form I-94. Be sure that you do not have a terminated SEVIS record indicating that you are out of status.

Your DSO can tell you your SEVIS record status and give you appropriate travel-related advice.

I want to travel outside the United States, but my SEVIS record is in Terminated status. May I return if I travel?

If you need to travel on a terminated record, you must talk to your DSO. A DSO who has requested a data fix will put your Help Desk ticket number on your Form I-20 and report your pending travel to SEVP.

There is no guarantee that CBP will readmit you to the United States if you travel on a terminated record. In most cases, CBP will allow you to re-enter the United States if you are otherwise admissible and your DSO has properly annotated your Form I-20. It is likely, however, that CBP will send you to secondary inspection while they determine whether you are eligible to return to the United States.

May I travel outside the U.S. if I have a Form I-539, “Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status,” request for extension of stay...

May I travel outside the U.S. if I have a Form I-539, “Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status,” request for extension of stay application pending?

Yes, you may travel. However, you must return at least 15 days prior to your current program end date.

May I re-establish M-1 student status by obtaining a new initial Form I-20 and re-entering the United States?

Yes, you may re-establish M-1 student status. However, in SEVIS, you will be an Initial student. You must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee, and you will lose any time that you have built up towards qualification for practical training.

May I re-enter the United States during the 30-day grace period after finishing my program or after finishing practical training?

The 30-day grace period is intended to prepare for departure. CBP would make the decision whether or not to re-admit you during your grace period.

May I re-enter the United States if I have a pending request for practical training?

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services may consider your practical training request abandoned if you depart the United States while it is pending. The same is true if you needed to file for an M-1 extension in addition to the practical training application. CBP would make the decision whether or not to re-admit you in this situation, depending upon the timing and whether you are still in M-1 status.

May I re-enter the United States if I left while on OPT?

If USCIS and your DSO have approved your OPT but you depart before you get a job, your OPT ends and you cannot re-enter. If you have a job, however, you may travel and re-enter to resume work.

Previous questions give the general requirements for M-1 student re-entry. However, because individual circumstances vary, consult your DSO, embassy officials or legal advisor before traveling. Discussing your travel plans as soon as possible will allow time to ensure you have proper documentation for travel.

Some countries will require a visa. If you are not returning to your home country, check the requirements of the destination country. You may also need an in-transit visa for countries where you are making a connecting flight. Be sure to check before you travel. Most countries have immigration websites that provide visa information.

Renewing Your M-1 Student Visa

Yes, as long as you are student in good standing and have not violated your status, you may legally remain in the United States with an expired M-1 visa. As an M-1, you may stay for up to one year from the date you arrive in the United States, also according to your Form I-20 in SEVIS, but may apply for extensions.

No. For more information about visa applications visit the Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/ . If you need to stay longer than one year to complete your program of study, you may work with your school official to apply for an extension with USCIS.

Yes, but the Department of State recommends that you apply for a visa in your home country. For more information about visa applications visit the Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/ .

Before you travel to a country other than yours to renew your visa, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate.

If you exit the United States and apply for a visa, you cannot return to the United States until the visa is issued. This could require a lengthy stay. If the visa is denied, you will not be able to return to the United States as a student.

In some cases, you can. Contact the individual U.S. embassy or consulate in Canada or Mexico. However, you cannot return to the United States until your visa is issued. If the visa is denied, you will not be able to return to the United States as a student. For more information about visa applications visit the Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/ .

Automatic visa revalidation allows most M-1 students to take a trip of less than thirty days to countries contiguous to the United States and reenter on an expired visa provided you have proper documentation and have not applied for a new visa during the visit. This process revalidates your visa (making it eligible for the single trip), but does not renew it.

Re-entry for M-2 Nonimmigrants

What documents do the spouse and minor children of a continuing m-1 student need to reenter to the united states after traveling abroad.

If you are the spouse or minor child of a continuing student you need to have the following:

• A current SEVIS Form I-20 in your name (and one for each M-2 traveling)
• A valid passport
• A valid visa unless you are from a visa exempt country or, in some cases, you are traveling to a contiguous country
• The primary (M-1) must be in active student status

Do M-2 nonimmigrants have to travel with the primary (M-1)?

No. However, you must be able to show that your primary (M-1) has been admitted and has maintained student status. We recommend that you consult with the DSO from your primary’s school to ensure the M-1 is in status before traveling. You will need the documents, which are listed in the “What documents do the spouse and minor children of a continuing M-1 student need to reenter to the United States after traveling abroad?” FAQ.

If your primary has practical training approved, you will need additional documentation. Make a copy of the primary’s Form I-20 with the page 2 annotations and/or EAD (employment authorization document) and be prepared to present it at the consulate and POE.

If the primary (M-1) travels, can the M-2 nonimmigrant family members remain in the United States?

M-2 nonimmigrant family members may stay in the United States without the primary if the primary:

See What if I have an expired passport or one that will expire in less than six months? in the M-1 section.

What if my M-2 visa expired?

See What if my M-1 student visa has expired? in the M-1 section.

I wish to travel to Canada, Mexico, or one of the islands (other than Cuba) adjacent to the United States. Can I return if my M-2 visa is expired?

See I want to travel to Canada or Mexico. May I return to the United States if I have an expired visa? in the M-1 section

Can I re-enter if my primary has practical training pending?

It is best to travel after practical training is approved.

Are there any other requirements for M-2 nonimmigrants to travel outside the United States?

The questions above outline the general reentry requirements for M-2 nonimmigrants. If you have questions, consult with the DSO at your primary’s school or seek advise from your embassy or legal advisor. However, if you are not returning to your country of citizenship, you should check the requirements of the country you are visiting. Some countries will require a visa. You may also need a visa for countries where you are making a connecting flight. Be sure to check before you travel.

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Serving Harvard's International Community

When traveling outside the U.S. while on OPT or AT please be sure that you have all the required documents listed below for reentry to the U.S. If you left the U.S. and realized that you do not have all the required documents, please click here for instructions.

F-1 Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) after Graduation

For comprehensive OPT travel information, including a brief recorded travel video, please see here .

Travel before your I-20 program end date

You can travel the way that you always have with:

• a valid Form I-20, signed on page 2 by an HIO advisor (the signature must not be more than 12 months old at the time of reentry to the U.S.)
• an unexpired passport
• an unexpired F-1 visa in the passport (except for Canadian citizens). If your F-1 visa is expired at the time of your reentry to the U.S. you must apply for a new F-1 visa to reenter the U.S.

The above also applies to your F-2 dependents.

Travel after your I-20 program end date while OPT application is pending

International travel while an OPT application is pending can be risky and is not generally recommended. If you have an OPT application pending and believe you must travel, please contact your HIO advisor .

Entry to the U.S. in any status other than F-1 OPT will invalidate your OPT work authorization.

This also applies to your F-2 dependents.

Travel after I-20 program end date and OPT approval

You must have ALL documents listed below in order to travel and reenter the U.S. while on an approved period of OPT.  In many cases you may also need to apply for a new F-1 visa before you may return to the U.S.

• a valid Form I-20, signed on page 2 by an HIO advisor (the signature must not be more than six months old at the time of reentry to the U.S.)
• an OPT EAD issued by USCIS . Printed on the EAD is the statement "Not valid for reentry." This statement means that the EAD alone is not valid for reentry.             
• evidence of a job offer or evidence of resumption of employment

Students who have the documents listed above may travel outside the United States and reenter even before the date their work permission begins. For example, an F-1 student who graduates in May with an OPT EAD that begins in July may travel and return to the United States any time after graduation.

Travel on Cap Gap Extension

Generally speaking, you may travel abroad and seek readmission to the U.S. in F-1 status during a Cap-Gap period if:

•  your H-1B petition and request for change of status has been approved;
•  you seek readmission before your H-1B employment begins (normally at the beginning of the fiscal year, i.e., October 1); and
•  you are otherwise admissible.

Please note, traveling outside the U.S. may interfere with the processing of your H-1B petition. HIO strongly advises that you consult with your employer and their legal counsel processing the H-1B regarding all travel plans before departing the U.S.  Click here  to access the latest travel information from the USCIS.

F-2 Dependents of Students on OPT

• Valid Form I-20, signed on page 2 by an advisor in the HIO (the signature must not be more than six months old at the time of reentry to the United States)
• Valid F-2 visa in the passport (except for Canadian citizens)
• Valid passport
• Photocopy of spouse's EAD

F-1 Students on STEM OPT Extension

Travel while stem opt application is pending, but before the post-completion opt ead expires.

You must have ALL documents listed below in order to travel and reenter the U.S.:

• unexpired Post-Completion OPT EAD card
•  an unexpired F-1 visa in the passport (except for Canadian citizens). If your F-1 visa is expired at the time of your reentry to the U.S. you must apply for a new F-1 visa to reenter the U.S.

Travel while STEM OPT application is pending, after the Post-Completion OPT EAD expires

You can travel abroad and reenter the U.S. with your expired Post-Completion OPT EAD card and the original receipt notice for your STEM OPT application issued by USCIS. You cannot travel with an email or text confirmation, or a printout of your online case status, in lieu of the physical receipt notice. This only applies during the 180 day period of authorized employment while your STEM OPT application is pending.

For reentry to the U.S. with a pending STEM OPT application, you should carry:

• Expired Post-Completion OPT EAD card
• USCIS-issued receipt notice for your STEM OPT application
• an unexpired F-1 visa in the passport (except for Canadian citizens)*. If your F-1 visa is expired at the time of your reentry to the U.S. you must apply for a new F-1 visa to reenter the U.S. with. For instructions, please see below.
• Evidence of a job offer or evidence of resumption of employment

*You can apply for a new F-1 entry visa using the documents listed above, including the expired Post-Completion OPT EAD card and the original receipt notice for your STEM OPT application issued by USCIS. You cannot apply for a visa with an email or text confirmation, or a printout of your online case status, in lieu of the physical receipt notice. Follow the regular procedures to apply for an F-1 visa outside of the U.S.

If needed, the following guidance from the U.S. Department of State describes the ability to travel and apply for a renewed visa during the 180 day period following the expiration of your Post-Completion OPT EAD while your STEM OPT EAD is pending: Applicable Federal Guidance: U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual - 9 FAM 402.5-5(N)(6)(e)

“As the STEM OPT extension is automatic for the first 180 days following regular post-completion OPT (when the student has properly filed Form I-765), the student may not necessarily have a renewed EAD. Therefore, any students having automatically authorized employment through the OPT extension may not be able to present a valid EAD when they apply to renew their visa. However, F-1 students in this situation can request an updated I-20 from the DSO , annotated for the STEM OPT extension, as well as proof that the I-765 petition was filed in a timely manner. You must confirm that the student’s electronic SEVIS record contains the same information as the updated hard copy Form I-20 before issuing a visa.” The preamble to the 24-month STEM OPT rule [81 FR 13103 par. 774] states:

“Students on STEM OPT extensions (including those whose application for a STEM OPT extension is pending) may travel abroad and seek reentry to the United States in F-1 status during the STEM OPT extension period if they have a valid F-1 visa that permits multiple entries and a current Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility endorsed for reentry by the DSO within the last six months. The student’s status is determined by CBP upon admission to the United States or through a USCIS adjudication of a change-of-status petition.”

Travel after STEM OPT approval

You must have ALL documents listed below in order to travel and reenter the U.S. while on an approved period of STEM OPT. 

• a STEM OPT EAD issued by USCIS. Printed on the EAD is the statement "Not valid for reentry." This statement means that the EAD alone is not valid for reentry.              
• an unexpired F-1 visa in the passport (except for Canadian citizens). If your F-1 visa is expired at the time of your reentry to the U.S. you must apply for a new F-1 visa to reenter the U.S. with.

Entry to the U.S. in any status other than F-1 STEM OPT will invalidate your STEM OPT work authorization. 

F-2 Dependents of Students on STEM OPT

• Valid SEVIS Form I-20, signed on page 2 by an advisor in the HIO (the signature must not be more than six months old at the time of reentry to the United States)

J-1 Students on Academic Training (AT) after Graduation

• Valid Academic Training DS-2019 signed once a year in the "travel validation" section by an HIO advisor or by your J-1 program sponsor*
• Valid J-1 visa in the passport (except for Canadian citizens)**
• A letter from your employer as evidence of employment

* If the HIO issued your DS-2019 it must be signed in the 'travel validation' section by an advisor in the HIO. If your form was issued by another Exchange Visitor Program (Fulbright, AMIDEAST, etc.) you should contact that organization directly to obtain travel signatures.

**If you are on post-completion AT and have a pending or approved H-1B petition, you are required to prove ties to your home country. Please consult your HIO advisor before applying for an J-1 visa while on post-completion AT.

You must not use a tourist visa unless you are truly tourists, and plan on abandoning your J-1 Academic Training.

If your J-1 visa is expired at the time of your reentry to the U.S. you must apply for a new J-1 visa to cover your AT time. Please click here for information on renewing your J-1 visa.

J-2 Dependents

• Valid Form DS-2019 signed once a year in the "travel validation" section by a Responsible Officer of your spouse's Exchange Visitor Program
• Valid J-2 visa stamp in the passport (except for Canadian citizens)
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Office of International Students & Scholars

Traveling on opt, traveling on pre-completion opt.

Travel recommendations do not change for Pre-Completion OPT. You can refer to our regular travel guidance in F-1 status.

Traveling on Post-Completion OPT

Required documents to re-enter the u.s. while on post-completion opt.

Once you have graduated, an F-1 student who travels outside the United States for a temporary absence can be readmitted to resume employment for the remainder of the period authorized on his or her EAD card, provided that they show these required documents to re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status:

• Valid I-20 - Page two should list your employer's information and be signed by an OISS adviser within the last six months.
• Valid F-1 Visa - If your F-1 visa is expired, you must apply for a new one at a U.S. embassy or consulate prior to your return. (Note: Canadian citizens do not need a visa.)
• Valid Passport - The expiration date should be at least six months into the future at any given time.
• Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• Evidence of a job offer or resumption of employment. If you are returning to the U.S without evidence of a job offer, you may show evidence of your job search, interview appointments, etc as intention to use your OPT.

If you need to leave the U.S. before you receive your EAD, speak with an OISS adviser .

If your employer has filed for an H-1B on your behalf , check with your employer about any travel plans as leaving the U.S. while an H-1B petition is pending may jeopardize your petition.

Traveling During F1-OPT/STEM OPT

Travel during post-completion opt & stem opt extension.

Remember, a student’s U.S. immigration status is  their responsibility  and they must validate that all their  Post-Completion OPT  or  STEM OPT Extension reporting requirements are up-to-date with the ISO  PRIOR  to submitting a request for a new Form I-20.

NOTE:  If a student is missing any of the below mentioned documents ,  they risk being denied entry into the U.S. and/or losing their F-1 status and OPT/STEM OPT benefits . The ISO can never guarantee re-entry into the U.S. or predict what may happen at the U.S. border point-of-entry, as entry to the U.S. is always  determined by CBP upon a request for admission into the United States.  Students can find additional information regarding travel during a student’s F-1 OPT/STEM OPT period below and I.C.E.’s  website .

Travel During Post-Completion OPT

Travel during an  APPROVED  period of Post-Completion OPT is not restricted  if  the student has all the materials/documents required for entry into the U.S. 

IMPORTANT : New Form I-20(s) will be issued and provided to students electronically to the students’  main email address we have on file for them. Students  MUST  print their Form I-20(s), and sign and date the document(s) by hand.  [NOTE: Immigration has  stated  that students are  NOT  allowed to sign their Form I-20(s) electronically; student signatures must be by hand –  ONLY ].

Travel/Re-Entry to U.S.  AFTER  Program Completion End Date –  OPT  Approved :  If a student plans on re-entering the U.S.  AFTER  the program completion end date listed on their OPT Form I-20, then ICE (U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement)  states  under the question,  ‘Can I reenter if I left while on OPT?’:  “If USCIS has approved your OPT you will be expected to have your EAD in hand to re-enter the United States, in addition to your Form I-20, valid passport and visa, and a letter of employment if you have one. If you exceed the limits on unemployment while outside the United States, you will not be eligible to re-enter the United States in F-1 status.”

Therefore, a student will need the required documents listed below to re-enter the U.S. during their approved period of OPT:

• Valid passport (valid for 6 months into the future).
• Students should  NEVER   use a tourist visa (B-1/B-2) or Visa Waiver Program (VWP / ESTA) to enter the U.S. while on OPT, as that will cancel their OPT authorization.
• If the student’s EAD card has been approved, then their employer(s) should be  reported  to iMIT and listed on page 2 of their most recently issued Form I-20.
• Most recently issued Form I-20 signed for travel (page 2)   within the past 6 months.
• Approved OPT EAD card.
• Letter should include the dates of employment/training, job duties, location of training activity, supervisor contact information, and any salary/stipend received.
• Proof of  vaccination  against COVID-19.

Travel During STEM OPT Extension

Travel during the STEM OPT Extension period is not restricted  if  the student has all the materials/documents required for entry into the U.S. 

IMPORTANT : New Form I-20(s) will be issued and provided to students electronically to the students’  main email address we have on file for them. Students  MUST  print their Form I-20(s), and sign and date the document(s) by hand.   [NOTE: Immigration has  stated  that students are  NOT  allowed to sign their Form I-20(s) electronically; student signatures must be by hand –  ONLY ].

Therefore, a student will need the required documents listed below to re-enter the U.S. during their approved period of STEM OPT Extension:

• Most recently issued Form I-20  must have  the student’s current employer(s) listed on page 2. 
• Most recently issued Form I-20 must be signed for travel (page 2)   within the past 6 months .
• Approved OPT EAD card(s).

For the STEM OPT Extension, if a student’s current Post-Completion OPT EAD card is expired and they do not yet have their STEM OPT Extension EAD card, the ISO  strongly   recommends against travel outside of the U.S. at this time. However, if a student will travel outside the U.S.  without  an approved STEM OPT EAD card, then the student must have proof that their STEM OPT application was filed in a timely manner  and  carry the USCIS receipt notice (Form I-797) during their travels.  

DHS has clarified in the preamble to the 24-month rule [ 81 FR 13103 par.774 ] that,  “Students on STEM OPT extensions (including those whose application for a STEM OPT extension is pending) may travel abroad and seek reentry to the United States in F-1 status during the STEM OPT extension period if they have a valid F-1 visa that permits multiple entries and a current Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility endorsed for reentry by the DSO within the last six months. The student’s status is determined by CBP upon admission to the United States or through a USCIS adjudication of a change-of-status petition.”

Students who would need to apply for a new F-1 entry visa sticker at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate while abroad in order to return to the U.S.  should not travel  until they receive their STEM OPT EAD card.

How Do I Know If I Need An Updated Travel Signature During Post-Completion OPT / STEM OPT?

During an approved period of Post-Completion OPT / STEM OPT a travel signature on a Form I-20 is  ONLY  valid for 6 months  from the travel signature date listed on page 2. 

By answering the three (3) questions listed below, one can determine whether or not they need an updated Form I-20 and travel signature:

• Am I re-entering the U.S. within the next month?
• Does my most recently issued Form I-20 have a travel signature (on page 2) that is  LESS  than 6 months old? 
• Does my most recently issued Form I-20 have list my current OPT/STEM employer information on page 2?

How Do I Request An Updated Travel Signature During Post-Completion OPT / STEM OPT?

Alumni/ae who need an updated travel signature during Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT Extension can request a new Form I-20 via iMIT.  BEFORE  submitting a request in iMIT, students  MUST  confirm that their OPT or STEM OPT Extension Reporting Requirements and contact information are up to date in iMIT  PRIOR  to submitting a request for new Form I-20/travel signature. 

IMPORTANT : New Form I-20(s) will be issued and provided to students electronically to the students’ main email address we have on file for them  (double-check that this information is listed correctly in iMIT!) . Remember, students  MUST  print their Form I-20(s), and sign and date the document(s) by hand.  [NOTE: Immigration has  stated  that students are  NOT  allowed to sign their Form I-20(s) electronically; student signatures must be by hand –  ONLY ].

If a student has used the above diagram and they have determined that a travel signature is required, then a student must  login  to iMIT (through limited client services) and click on “F-1 Student Services” > “Request Replacement of Form I-20” > and complete that e-Form to obtain an updated Form I-20/travel signature. 

ATTENTION :  The e-Form will ask for the ‘ Reason for Current I-20 Replacement’ , and the student will select the appropriate drop-down option. Next, where the e-Form requests ‘ Upload Proof of Finances ’, students MUST upload updated funding documentation (e.g., a recent employer letter with updated salary information or official position offer letter with salary, confirming employment status). Financial support documentation is required in order to issue the new Form I-20. All funding documentation should be issued within the past 6 months and showing at least US$48,000 ($4,000 per month x 12 months) , which is based on current student estimate of monthly living expenses and health insurance, to demonstrate meeting estimated cost of living expenses on OPT/STEM OPT. If your OPT or STEM OPT position does not provide payment/salary equal to at least $48,000, students can also upload additional funding documentation (such as a personal bank statement, or letter of support and financial statement from a sponsor) that in combination with OPT/STEM OPT position salary or stipend will equal at least US$48,000. Students must carry their financial support documentation, including proof of employment, when them when traveling abroad and re-entering the U.S. to present to U.S. immigration officials if requested.

Make sure  Post-Completion OPT  or  STEM OPT Extension  Reporting Requirements  are up-to-date with the ISO  prior  to submitting a request for a new Form I-20.

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• SEVIS Help Hub

F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)

• Student Records
• F/M Student Employment

Quick Links:

Recommend optional practical training, edit opt request, cancel/withdraw opt request, report opt participation, post-completion opt and unemployment, opt-related sevis alerts and lists, view opt employment information, h-1b cap-gap extension of opt, correcting opt data: correction requests and data fixes.

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F-1 students often want to work. However, employment opportunities are limited, and strict rules apply. This document discusses different types of optional practical training (OPT) including: required forms, processes, and updating SEVIS.

What is Optional Practical Training?

Optional practical training is one type of work permission available for eligible F-1 students. It allows students to get real-world work experience related to their field of study.

While a Designated School Official (DSO) recommends OPT in SEVIS, it is the student who must apply for the work permit with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). If the OPT is approved, USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The student must not begin working before the start date on the EAD.

Regulations and Policy Guidance

Complex rules and guidance apply to OPT. Any OPT requests entered into SEVIS must comply with federal regulations. DSOs must understand the following regulations and policy guidance:

8 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 214.2(f)(10) through (13) 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(3) SEVP Policy Guidance on OPT SEVP Policy Guidance: Practical Training – Determining a Direct Relationship between Employment and a Student’s Major Area of Study

There are three general types of OPT:

OPT Request Statuses

The table below lists the statuses used to identify the stages of OPT requests in SEVIS. 

OPT Eligibility

A student is eligible for OPT if:

• Conservatory
• The student is not studying English as a Second Language.
• The student’s proposed employment relates to the student’s major area of study. For more information see  SEVP Policy Guidance: Practical Training – Determining a Direct Relationship between Employment and a Student’s Major Area of Study .
• The student has not used all optional practical training available at the current level of study.
• The student has not been authorized for 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

Full-time CPT at a previous school at the same program level counts toward the CPT 12month total affecting OPT. CPT at another program level does not affect OPT.

OPT Process at a Glance

Remind your F-1 students: 

Not to file the Form I-765, “Application for Employment Authorization,” until you have recommended OPT in their SEVIS records, and they have the updated Form I-20 with the OPT recommendation.  

They must file within the 30-day period after your DSO OPT recommendation. 

If a student submits the Form I-765 on paper or electronically before you recommend the OPT or after the 30-day post-DSO recommendation period: 

USCIS will deny the application. (Federal regulations require the DSO OPT recommendation on the student SEVIS record before the Form I-765 is submitted.)  

The student will lose the application fee. 

The student will have to reapply for OPT and pay the fee again. 

IMPORTANT: Making these mistakes can dramatically delay the final USCIS authorized OPT start date.

The OPT application process involves many players and several steps:

Any F-1 Optional Practical Training request in Requested status longer than 180 days is automatically canceled by SEVIS. 

Form I-765 Filing Deadlines Once DSO Requests OPT in SEVIS

If the student does not file a Form I-765, the DSO should cancel the OPT request in SEVIS. 

DSOs must be mindful of several key dates when entering OPT in SEVIS.

Post-Completion OPT Planning Tool : This Excel spreadsheet allows users to calculate the amount of OPT available for a student and generates suggested timelines for a student, based on the Program End Date and the desired OPT start date.

Recommend OPT

• SEVIS will not allow DSOs to request overlapping segments of OPT. You must specify if the OPT is pre-completion or post-completion OPT and must be either full or part part-time. 
• DSOs should verify and, if necessary, shorten the program end date on the Form I-20 before recommending a student for post-completion OPT

To recommend OPT:

1.    Go to the Student Information page.

2.    Click OPT Request . The OPT Employment page opens. 

3. Click New OPT Request . The Add OPT Employment page opens. 

4. Enter information relevant to the OPT authorization.

5. Review the information. Click either Save or Cancel :

Cancel:  Returns to the  OPT Employment  page without saving. 

Save: Submits the OPT request. An  Update Successful  message displays.

To recommend an additional period of OPT, click New OPT Request and repeat Steps 4 and 5.

The start and end dates for segments of OPT cannot overlap. 

• Print I‑20 : Prints the Form I‑20 with the OPT recommendation. 

Once the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) has been submitted, the DSO must sign page one of the form. 

Form I-20 is given to the student. 

Find more information on allowable electronic signatures and Form I-20 transmission in SEVP’s policy guidance Use of Electronic Signatures and Transmission for the Form I-20 .

• Return to Employment List : Returns the user to the OPT Employment page. The newly added OPT employment   will be on the list. 

• Review the information on the OPT Employment page. To make changes to the existing OPT request, click   Edit . (See Edit OPT Request below for detailed edit instructions.)

Click either Print I-20 or Return : 

Print I-20 : Prints the Form I-20.  

Return : Returns the user to the Student Information page. 

OPT information can be edited depending on the status of the OPT request: 

To edit an OPT request:

1. Click OPT Request on the Student Information page. The OPT Employment page opens.

2. Click Edit to the right of the OPT segment to be edited. The Edit OPT Employment page opens.

3. Make any necessary edits:

4. Click either Save or Cancel:

• Cancel : Returns the user to the OPT Employment page without updating the employment segment. 
• Save: Updates this employment request in the student’s record. An Update Successful message indicates if the edit was successful. Click either Print I-20 or Return to Employment List :

• Print I 20 : Prints the Form I-20 with the OPT recommendation.
• Once the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) has been submitted, the DSO must sign page one of the form.
• Form I-20 is given to the student.
• Find more information on allowable electronic signatures and Form I-20 transmission in SEVP’s policy guidance Use of Electronic Signatures and Transmission for the Form I-20 . 
• Return to Employment List : Returns to the OPT Employment page.

An OPT request can be canceled in SEVIS ONLY if the OPT Request is in Requested status. 

Cancel OPT Request

To cancel an OPT request:

1.      Go to the Student Information page.

2.      Click OPT Request . The OPT Employment page opens.

3. Click Cancel Request  next to the segment of OPT you want to cancel. A Confirm Cancelation of Request page opens.

4. Click either Yes or No :

• No:  Returns the user to the OPT Employment page without canceling the OPT request.
• Click Print I-20 to print the Form I-20.
• Click Return to return to the Student Information page.

The student’s OPT status in the Student Requests section updates to Canceled.

Withdraw OPT Request

Once an OPT request status changes to Pending, the student must write USCIS to withdraw the OPT application. The request must:

• Be sent to the USCIS Service Center processing the application. The address is on the USCIS-issued Receipt Notice sent to the student.
• Include the receipt number USCIS assigned the case when it was filed.

While on OPT, a student is required to report the following to their DSO:

• Change in student’s legal name.
• Change in student’s address while on OPT.
• Changes in employment or interruption of employment.

Students can enter employment information using the SEVP Portal or DSOs can update SEVIS to reflect the changes. Employment information must be updated in a timely manner.

For additional related information, see:  8 CFR 214.2(f)(12)(ii)(E)  SEVP OPT Policy Guidance F-1 Add, Edit, Delete Optional Practical Training (OPT) Employer View Employment Information Unemployment Counter SEVIS and the SEVP Portal SEVP Portal Student User Guide

DSOs are expected to add, edit, or delete employer information in a timely manner.

While students are not required to have an employer when OPT is requested in SEVIS, students authorized for post-completion OPT are expected to be employed. A student on post-completion OPT can be unemployed for a total of 90 days.

• A student whose record lacks employer information is considered unemployed.
• SEVP officials can manually terminate a student who accrues 90 total days of unemployment.
• See the Unemployment Counter article on the SEVIS Help Hub for more information.

The following Alert List and Student Lists in SEVIS help DSOs monitor and manage students on OPT:

DSOs can view a student’s OPT information on the following pages, which are accessed through the View section of the Student Information page:

• Request/Authorization Details page :  Lists only current authorizations.
• Employment Information page: Lists all employment authorizations linked to the SEVIS ID.

For additional related information, see:

• View Employment Information

SEVIS will automatically extend post-completion OPT or 24-month science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) extension of OPT if:

• On or after April 1, an employer files an eligible H-1B petition to change the student’s status.
• The requested start date for the H-1B is October 1.
• The student’s OPT or 17-month OPT extension ends on or after April 1.
• Review the F-1 Cap Gap Extension   article for information on how to add or edit cap gap information on a record.

If OPT information in SEVIS does not reflect applications filed with or decisions made by USCIS, DSOs can ask to have the record corrected. There are two ways to correct data in a student record.

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OPT Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about OPT? You're not alone. Read on for answers to our most frequently asked questions.

Your OPT Application

You can start applying for your OPT 90 days before either your proposed employment start date if you are applying for pre-completion OPT or 90 days before your program completion date if you are applying for post-completion OPT . You will first need to apply for your OPT I-20 with OGS which can take up to two weeks. OGS handles all NYU OPT applications and works as fast as possible to issue OPT I-20s. If your I-20 is ready before the 2 weeks processing time, we will let you know. Once you apply for the EAD with the US government it can take approximately up to 3.5 months time to process your application. Check the US government processing times . [You must select "I-765" for form type. For Field Office or Service Center, most of our students' applications go to the Potomac Service Center.]

For December graduates, that means you should apply by mid September; for May graduates, by mid February. By applying early, you can avoid the risks that come from an OPT request being denied after the grace period has ended. In addition, delaying your application will not allow you to stay longer in the US. Students can choose to file for premium processing and follow the instructions on the USCIS website.

Yes, you can be outside of the US while your OPT application is pending with USCIS, but there are always risks associated with this. First, we recommend that you have someone you know and trust monitor your mail in the US if you choose to travel. If you receive any correspondence from USCIS while your OPT application is pending, you need to know what they have sent you. On occasion students receive requests for further information/evidence (also known as an “RFE”) from USCIS regarding their application. You must reply to USCIS within a specified period of time if you receive an RFE. If you do not reply to them by their specified deadline, your application would then be at risk for being denied. If the denial occurs when you are outside of the US, then you would be unable to reapply for OPT until and unless you enter back into the US in F-1 status.

Additionally, if you are outside of the US after you complete your program but do not have all of the required travel documents for while you are on OPT , you may face difficulties in reentering the US. Because international travel and restrictions are unpredictable during this time, even if you plan to travel back to the US before your program ends, you may not be able to do so.

Current processing times are always posted by USCIS. You can check what the current processing time is by clicking on the link, selecting "I-765 for Employment Authorization" for the Form field, "Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]" for the Form Category field, and "Potomac Service Center" for the Field Office or Service Center field.

It is best to plan ahead and apply as early as possible because the US government rarely expedites applications (see USCIS expedite criteria ) unless you pay an extra cost for premium processing.

Please note, there is a significant fee for premium processing (in addition to the OPT application fee). Full details on how to request premium (or expedited) processing is on the USCIS webpage for the Form I-907 , the form needed to request premium processing.

It's helpful to cross reference the current processing times tool linked above if and when you apply for OPT to determine whether the extra premium processing fee is worth the significant added expense.

It is important to carefully select the dates you request for your OPT because you will not be able to change these dates after you apply. If you are applying for pre-completion OPT , you should select the date that is your desired start date of employment. Keep in mind that it can take up to 3 months before you will be able to start working. If you are applying for post-completion OPT , your start date should be one to sixty days after your completion date.

For example, if your completion date is May 20, your OPT can start anywhere from May 21 at the earliest and July 18 at the latest. However, if you think it will be challenging to find a job, you should select a later start date to ensure you do not waste your OPT time. Keep in mind if you find a job before this date, you won’t be able to start working until you have the EAD card in hand and the OPT period has begun. 

You must be physically present in the US at the time you submit your OPT application. 

Contact us or come to our advising hours immediately, along with your rejection/denial notice, so that we may help you determine whether you can resubmit your application, or have your application reconsidered.

If you will be moving but haven’t received your card yet you will most likely need to change your address with the US government. If you have a trusted roommate or family member at the address listed on your OPT application and that person will be able to check your mail and will contact you immediately if anything arrives, ensure that you can still receive mail there and if so keep that address. However, if not, you should call the National Service Customer line to ask for your address to be updated. You can find this phone number on your receipt notice. They will give you details on how to change your address.

You may also directly change your address online via the USCIS Case Status Landing page. Once there, click "Change of Address" and follow the instructions. If you are using someone else's address, be sure to fill out the "In Care of for Mailing, C/O" section.

Additionally, you may sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to monitor the delivery of your mail. This is another mechanism to track any expected deliveries from USCIS.

 If you receive an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) from USCIS that has an error on it, you must correct the error to avoid having any problems in the future. To correct the error, follow these instructions .

While Your OPT Application is Pending

The US government has specific criteria for expediting an application .

If your application has been pending for more than 5 months from the day the US government received your application, we suggest you take the following actions:

• Check the status of your application on the USCIS website .
• Let USCIS know that your case is outside normal processing time by submitting a case inquiry with them.
• You can also call the USCIS Customer Service Center for the status of your application at 1-800-375-5283. You will have to submit your receipt number to them when you call.

If you have taken all of the above actions, 15 days after submitting a case inquiry, please email [email protected]. When you email us, be sure to tell us when you last checked the USCIS website for your case status, when you submitted a case inquiry with USCIS, and when you called their Customer Service Center. Please also include a copy of your receipt notice from the USCIS on your OPT application.

Please note, the soonest we can check with USCIS on your behalf is 15 days after the date you last contacted them. We can only request a courtesy inquiry and there is no guarantee that they will consider our request. That said, we have earlier seen USCIS reduce processing time for some applications when we have submitted courtesy inquiries.

In addition, full details on how to request premium (or expedited) processing is on the USCIS webpage for the Form I-907 , the form needed to request premium processing. It's helpful to cross reference the current processing times tool linked above if and when you apply for OPT to determine whether the extra premium processing fee is worth the significant added expense.

You will need to confirm with the USCIS that they have your correct mailing address in their system. To do this, use either the USCIS inquiry form or call their National Customer line . You will need to know your receipt number when making an inquiry.

Create an inquiry with USCIS .

If you are having issues with your EAD being lost or misdirected, consider completing this USCIS case assistance request form . If you would like to provide consent for an advisor at OGS to speak with USCIS about your issues, please upload a signed statement indicating your consent for OGS staff to speak with USCIS.

If the card is lost, and USCIS cannot simply resend it to you, then you will have to apply for a replacement card. Review the process to replace a lost or stolen EAD if you need to apply to replace your card.

As soon as you receive the letter from USCIS, come to the OGS during our in person advising hours . We will review the reason for the letter together and help you prepare the requested documents.

Go to the US government's website to check your USCIS CASE Status Online: https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do . Once there, click "Change of Address" and follow the instructions. If you are using someone else's address, be sure to fill out "In Care of for Mailing, C/O" section.

Travel and OPT

If you want to travel while your OPT application is pending and you haven’t yet reached your completion date, then you are fine to travel. In other words, if you still haven’t finished your degree at NYU, as indicated on your I-20, then travel is the same as it has been; you’ll need to bring with you the same documents we normally recommend you have with you when you travel. For a full list of documents needed for reentry into the US, please review the items on the Travel and Visitors page.

If, however, you want to travel after the end date as listed on page 1 of your I-20 , you need to have your OPT approved and have the EAD card with you, along with proof that you have a job, in addition to your passport, valid F-1 visa and I-20 signed for travel in order to successfully get back into the US. We don’t recommend you travel outside of the US after you finish your degree unless you have your OPT approved, the EAD card, and a job offer letter. For a full list of documents needed for travel after your program end date elapses, please review the items on the Documents to Carry page. If you will need to renew the F-1 visa in your passport while you travel, please review the information on how to renew your visa .

If you are on pre-completion OPT, review our travel instructions for current students .

If you are on post-completion or STEM OPT, review our travel instructions for alumni .

If you want to travel while your STEM OPT application is pending and you will return from the US before your post-completion OPT end date, then you are fine to travel as long as you have all alumni travel documents .  

If, however, you want to travel after the end date of your post-completion OPT EAD, you need to have your STEM OPT approved and have the STEM EAD card with you, along with proof that you have a job, in addition to your passport, valid F-1 visa and I-20 signed for travel in order to successfully get back into the US. We don’t recommend you travel outside of the US after you finish your post-completion OPT unless you have your STEM OPT approved, the EAD card, and a job offer letter. If you will need to renew the F-1 visa in your passport while you travel, please review our visa renewal information .

Working on OPT

Once your OPT begins--see the start date as listed on your EAD, the card you’ll receive once your OPT is approved--you have a total of 90 days of unemployment during your OPT. If you cannot find a job within 90 days of the start of your OPT, then you must make plans to depart the US immediately or change to some other status in the US. Keep in mind that the 90 days of unemployment is for the entire OPT period. This means that if you use up 60 days of unemployment time looking for a job in the beginning, you only have 30 days of unemployment time for the remainder of your OPT period. You can also review the government's policy guidance on OPT .

Your job should be directly related to your NYU major. In other words, you must be able to make a strong connection between your job and what you studied at NYU. If you can’t make that connection, then you should not be working at that job for OPT.

Often a job posting or advertisement will include the kinds of degrees the employer believes will be well suited to the advertised position. Having a copy of that job ad is helpful for your documentation that the job is connected to what you studied. You can also get a letter from your job supervisor indicating how your degree is essential for your position. It helps to keep copies of these documents so that if the US government ever wanted to see proof of how you were keeping your status legal while on OPT, you would have easy and ready proof to provide to them. You can also review the government's policy guidance on OPT .

Please also see our information on post-completion OPT employment types .

Remember, your OPT is not linked to one employer; this means that you can have more than one employer while on OPT as long as every job you have is directly related to your major. You can also review the government's policy guidance on OPT .

There is no limit as to how many hours you can work. You can also review the government's policy guidance on OPT .

You can work at NYU while on OPT as long as your job is considered professional level and is not a student job. If you’re not sure if your NYU job is considered professional level, ask your hiring department. 

Students participating in OPT may work remotely as long as they continue to comply with F-1 requirements on OPT.

Get all the needed details on what, when, and how to report on our reporting updates while on OPT page .

If your card was lost or stolen while you are on OPT, we advise that you apply for a replacement card. Review the process to replace a lost or stolen EAD .

USCIS has not provided any guidance on this till now. They could potentially interpret any days the employee is on furlough as contributing to days of unemployment, therefore we believe it safest for students to try to secure some other volunteer work consisting of at least 20 hours per week in their field of study to prevent the accrual of further potential unemployment days. 

US government regulations state that optional practical training employment is automatically terminated when a student transfers to another school or begins study at another educational level. Only recreational or avocational classes are permissible while on OPT.

Options When You Finish Your OPT

As long as you worked and did not accrue more than 90 days of unemployment while on OPT, you can stay in the US for up to 60 days after completing your OPT.

Review your options for extending OPT.

Follow our transfer out of NYU procedure .

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Travel on opt.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program office at the Department of Homeland Security has issued operating instructions for  travel during OPT . 

Travel and re-entry after program completion, before EAD approval:

• You may re-enter to continue seeking employment
• Carry your I-765 receipt with you
• Make sure your I-20 is endorsed for travel

Travel and re-entry while on OPT:

• If your OPT has been approved and you depart before you get a job, your OPT ends and you cannot re-enter.
• Carry an employment letter with you
• Carry your EAD card
• Make sure your I-20 has been endorsed in the last 6 months

Need a new visa stamp?

• While you are on OPT, you are still on an F-1 visa.
• For this visa category, you must satisfy the consular official that you have sufficient intent to return to your home country. This may be a challenge when you have completed your degree, and are employed.

Students seeking services can see our current  student services page , which includes virtual and in-person options. For J scholar and Employment-based services, please see our Contact Us page .

Entry to the U.S.: Travel and Re-Entry

Required documents.

Documentation needed for travel may vary depending on the relationship you hold with UC Berkeley. Please refer to the below definitions to ensure you understand which term applies to you.

F-1/J-1 students: F-1 and J-1 students enrolled in a UC Berkeley degree-seeking or UCEAP program, or on post-completion OPT, STEM OPT, or Academic Training

J-1 scholars: J-1 scholars hold formal affiliations at UC Berkeley to conduct research or teach; J-1 scholars are NOT enrolled in UC Berkeley degree-seeking or UCEAP programs.

When traveling, carry documents with you in carry-on luggage, NOT in your checked baggage! You need access to your visa documents at all times during transit. 

Your passport must be valid at least six months into the future at all times, especially upon initial entry or re-entry to the United States. If yours will expire soon, contact your  home country's embassy  in the United States.

U.S. Entry Visa

The visa stamp in your passport should be valid on the date of your return to the United States. (It does not need to remain valid during your stay in the United States). If you have an old, expired passport with a valid U.S. entry visa, you do not need to get a new visa stamp in your new passport as long as you carry both passports when you enter the United States. Canadian citizens do not need a U.S. entry visa. Canadian "Landed immigrants" (Permanent Residents, without Candian citizenship/passport) are required to obtain U.S. entry visas. For more information about visas, see  Understanding Your Visa.

F-1 students - the  name of the school on the Form I-20 should match the name of the school on the visa. The only exception is for students who directly transferred your I-20 to UC Berkeley using the same SEVIS ID. See our Transfer Students page for more information.   If your previous visa was from a school other than UC Berkeley,  and you are beginning a new SEVIS record (without SEVIS transfer), BIO recommends that you  obtain a new visa  at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad, if this is possible before your re-entry.  J-1 Exchange Visitors should only enter the United States with a visa showing the school's (or program) name noted on it, even if the visa has not yet expired. If you change schools, obtain a visa with the new name noted on it before entering or re-entering the United States.

In certain cases, visitors may be able to re-enter the United States with an expired visa after a short trip to Canada/Mexico using Automatic Visa Revalidation .

See Applying for a Visa for more information about applying for a new F or J visa.

Evidence of Financial Support

It is strongly recommended that F/J nonimmigrants carry proof of the financial support and resources reflected on the Form I-20 or DS-2019. Proof of financial support bank statements, or financial support letters should be dated within the last 6 months.

I-20 or DS-2019 (F-1/F-2, J-1/J-2 documents)

Make sure your original form  I-20  (F-1) or  DS-2019  (J-1) has been PROPERLY ENDORSED by the school official or agency that issued the document. For current F/J Students and Scholars , an I-20 or DS-2019 travel endorsement is valid for 12 months , or until the expiration of the document , whichever is first. Please note: Those on F-1 post-completion OPT/STEM OPT must have the endorsement within the past 6 months.  

• F-1 or J-1 Students: See here for how to obtain a Travel Endorsement (travel signature)  on your F-1 I-20 or J-1 DS-2019.
• J-1 Visiting Scholars, Professors, Researchers and Student Researchers:  To schedule an appointment to come to BIO for a travel signature, please email  [email protected]  and a link to schedule an appointment will be provided. Alternatively, you can email a  Travel Signature Request Form  with copies of your most recent DS-2019 and J-1 visa to  [email protected]  to request an updated DS-2019 with a new travel signature.
• F-1 Students on post-completion OPT/STEM OPT  see also  OPT Travel Information . 

SEVIS (I-901) Fee Payment

It is also recommended to travel with proof of your  SEVIS fee payment. If you need confirmation of your previous SEVIS fee payment, visit the SEVIS fee payment page and select the option to "Check I-901 Status/ Print Payment Confirmation."

Proof of Admission/Enrollment (New/Current F/J enrolled Students) or Proof of UC Berkeley Appointment (J Scholars)

F or J enrolled students (degree-seeking or UCEAP students): New students (entering for the first time) should travel with proof  admission. Continuing students should travel with proof of the current or next semester's registration (e.g. printout of full-time class enrollment or Enrollment Verification from  Cal Student Central ).

J scholars should bring a copy of their departmental appointment letter.

F-1 OPT, OPT STEM Extension, or J-1 Academic Training (AT) Students

F-1 OPT students should see  Traveling on OPT  for detailed instructions.

J-1 students on post-completion Academic Training should see "Travel and Re-Entry While on AT" on our  J-1 Academic Training  page for detailed instructions.

COVID-19 TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Proof of Testing/Vaccines 

See the CDC's current  International Travel recommendations  regarding COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements for U.S. entry, and be prepared with all required documentation.

How Can I Prepare for Re-Entry and Understand My Rights at the Border?

Given the current U.S. immigration climate, you should be prepared for the possibility of increased scrutiny at the U.S. port of entry in the form of additional questioning and/or inspection of your phone or social media.  Be aware: Officers may ask you questions about your reason for entering the U.S., your activities in the U.S., or your academic program. 

If you are questioned, remain calm and answer honestly and succinctly. What NOT to say: Jokes about terrorism, explosives, breaking U.S. laws, drugs, alcohol, etc. are never a good idea. 

Preparing Your Electronic Devices: CBP may also ask questions about your electronic devices or inspect them. This may include your social media accounts. For tips on how to prepare your devices, read this  ACLU article .

Social Media & App Review: Are you presenting your best self in social media and messaging apps? Take time to review your accounts for any content that may appear to show you engaged in activities that violate U.S. laws, your visa status, or academic integrity.

• Know Your Rights: See the  ACLU's resources  for information on your rights at airports and in encounters with law enforcement.

If there are any problems during entry, please notify Berkeley International Office as soon as you arrive.

Travel Signatures

F-1/ J-1 Students

See our Student Services page for how to obtain an updated travel signature for your F-1/J-1 Student I-20 or DS-2019.

J-1 Scholars 

To schedule an appointment to come to BIO for a travel signature, please email  [email protected]  and a link to schedule an appointment will be provided. Alternatively, you can email a  Travel Signature Request Form  with copies of your most recent DS-2019 and J-1 visa to  [email protected]  to request an updated DS-2019 with a new travel signature.

Travel Outside and Within the U.S.

Travel to other countries.

Other countries may require a visa and/or immunizations to enter their country. Before your departure, contact the nearest consulate or embassy of the country(ies) you plan to visit for updated information.

Travel Inside the United States

We strongly recommend that you carry a valid passport, I-94 copy or passport admission stamp, your I-20 or DS-2019, and proof of current registration or program when traveling inside the United States. J-1 scholars should bring a copy of their departmental appointment letter.

Student and Scholar Entry Timeline

We recommend that you arrive at least one week before your program begins or resumes. plan ahead refundable tickets are a good option should delays arise., arriving during bio office hours is recommended. in case of entry issues, you can request customs and border protection to contact bio .  .

New Students or Scholars F-1 and J-1 status applicants entering the United States for a new program can only enter up to 30 days before the start date of their I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) document- NO EARLIER.

New F-1 students who are transferring their F-1 status from another U.S. institution to UC Berkeley are not subject to the 30-day arrival limit. Be sure you have your signed UC Berkeley I-20 for entry!

New J-1 students/scholars who are transferring their J-1 status from another U.S. institution should consult with a BIO adviser regarding their transfer and travel plans.

Continuing Students and Scholars Students or visiting scholars/researchers/faculty who are either continuing an on-going program at UC Berkeley are not subject to the 30-day arrival limit. Be sure you have your signed UC Berkeley I-20/DS-2019 for entry!

Special Cases

Special concerns.

In the following cases, consult with a Berkeley International Office adviser at least two weeks before departure:

• F/J enrolled or post-completion OPT, STEM OPT, or AT students - You will be out of the United States for more than five months
• J-1 scholars - You will be out of the United States for more than one month
• You are considering traveling to Mexico or Canada to renew or change your U.S. entry visa.
• Your I-20/DS-2019 has expired or will expire within 30 days of your expected return to the United States
• You are currently applying or have applied in the past for U.S. legal permanent resident status (green card).

Returning to the United States Using "Automatic Revalidation"

"Automatic Revalidation" allows F, J, H, or O status holders under certain circumstances to re-enter the United States with an  expired  U.S. visa stamp in their valid passport after visiting Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands for  less than 30 days . Please speak with an adviser at Berkeley International Office and review our information regarding  Automatic Visa Revalidation  before making your travel plans.

Individuals with UC Berkeley-Sponsored H-1B

Please see H-1B Travel Documents .

International Travel Considerations for Students on OPT

• Author By bradcham
• Publication date December 17, 2021
• Categories: News

You should inform your employer of your travel plans and have a contingency employment plan in the event that you are unable to return to the U.S. in time to resume work. Please check with your airline and destination country for testing, documentation, and quarantine requirements before you depart.

Students on OPT must have the following required documents to re-enter the U.S.:

• Valid Passport  (valid for at least six months beyond the date of the re-entry to the U.S.)
• Valid F-1 student visa in passport  (except students from Canada)
• OPT I-20 with a  valid travel signature from OIS  that is less than six months old
• I-797 Notice of Receipt
• Job offer letter, if applicable
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• STEM OPT I-20 with a  valid travel signature from OIS  that is less than six months old
• Expired OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• Proof of current employment or offer letter
• Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• Please make sure you have submitted your  OPT reporting requirements  if you are on approved 12 month OPT and make sure you have submitted your  STEM OPT extension reporting requirements  if you are on approved STEM OPT Extension
• All foreign national adults (with limited exceptions) traveling to the U.S. by air must provide proof of full vaccination with a W.H.O. approved COVID-19 vaccine.
• All air travelers aged two and older, regardless of nationality or vaccination status, must show documentation of a  negative viral test result taken within one day of the flight’s departure  to the U.S.
• With the recent emergence of the  Omicron COVID-19 variant , those traveling internationally should consider getting a COVID-19 booster vaccine. If you have received a J&J vaccine more than 2 months ago, or Pfizer/Moderna vaccine more than six months ago, you are eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster to ensure continuity of your immune response. Both  USC Pharmacies  and the  CA MyTurn website  offer booster vaccine appointments.
• Flight delays, cancellations and travel disruptions are common and should be accounted for when making travel plans.
• Visa appointments at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad remain backlogged. If you apply for a new visa stamp this winter, you are responsible for scheduling the appointment on your own, researching the country’s quarantine and vaccine requirements, and informing your academic department that your return to the US may be delayed if your visa stamp is not issued in a timely manner. Please keep in mind that it will likely take an additional 3-5 days after your visa is approved before your passport is returned to you with your new visa stamp.  Read more…
• Individuals traveling over break should plan on testing within 24-48 hours before arriving in Los Angeles and again 24-48 hours after arriving in Los Angeles. Those travelling internationally should also test again on day five after arriving in Los Angeles.
• OIS will close for the winter recess at 4:00 PM on Friday, December 17, 2021 and will resume  regular hours  on Monday, January 3, 2022. Requests submitted during winter break will be processed in the order they were received starting Monday, January 3, 2022.

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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.

Documents for Travel During OPT

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

Required: 

• Valid passport
• 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. 

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. 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:

• 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:

• 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

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.  Travel outside the US does not stop the accrual of time towards unemployment.

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• Updated Tip Sheet for F-1 Students Seeking OPT

Updated Tip Sheet for F-1 Students Seeking Optional Practical Training

In response to feedback from stakeholders, the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) has released an updated tip sheet on How F-1 Students Seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) Can Avoid Form I-765 Delays . These tips can help students avoid delays with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Key points in the updated tip sheet

• Check USCIS' website for updates before you submit your Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization .
• Make sure Form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status , is signed, dated, and endorsed for the correct type of employment authorization.
• Apply online .
• Students should ask their DSO for the date the DSO entered the recommendation into SEVIS.
• The Date Issued on Form I-20 may be different from the date the recommendation was entered in your SEVIS record.
• Submit a properly completed Form I-20 together with Form I-765 at the same time.
• If you move, update your mailing address with both USCIS through its How to Change Your Address page and the U.S. Postal Service through its Official USPS Change-of-Address page.

If you are a DSO

This tip sheet is meant for F-1 students. If you are a DSO, please note that the Form I-20 may not list the date you enter the OPT or STEM OPT recommendation into SEVIS but will list the date that you print the Form I-20. To help your F-1 students know what date you entered the recommendation into SEVIS, we recommend that you enter your recommendation into SEVIS and print the Form I-20 on the same day .

Why we updated the tip sheet

When we first posted the tip sheet in May, we recommended that students submit their Form I-765 within 30 days of the date listed by the DSO in the Date Issued section on Form I-20 (or within 60 days for STEM OPT). The Date Issued section on Form I-20 contains the only date visible to the student.

Based on feedback from stakeholders, we worked with USCIS to determine the best way to advise students on the OPT process. According to regulation, students should submit their Form I-765 within 30 days (post-completion OPT) or 60 days (STEM OPT) after the date the DSO enters the recommendation for OPT into their SEVIS record . However, only the DSO, not the student, can see this date, so the DSO should provide the date to the student .

We appreciate stakeholders bringing issues like this to our attention and encourage you to continue to do so in the future.

More information

View USCIS’ Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students page for further guidance.

The CIS Ombudsman is committed to helping DSOs, F-1 students, and other stakeholders address concerns related to the OPT and STEM OPT process. In August 2022, we hosted a webinar on international student issues, and you can find follow-up questions and answers on our Interagency Engagement on International Student Issues page. We continue to meet with stakeholders on this topic and to relay their feedback to USCIS, and we will develop additional resources as the need arises.

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F-1 optional practical training (OPT)

International Student and Scholar Services now offers our OPT workshop online . You can access the pre-recorded workshop on Media Space here or by using the button below. The workshop lasts approximately 20-30 minutes.

Still have questions after watching the online workshop? We've got answers! Join Express Advising sessions online! Visit the ISSS calendar for the full list of sessions offered.

• ISSS has received temporary permission to send I-20 documents electronically during this time. The OPT I-20 will be attached to the approval e-mail. Students must print off this document and sign and date it.
• The lockbox location has changed. Please check the USCIS website for the updated filing address for your OPT application.
• When applying for OPT, please only submit one OPT application, either online or through the mail. DO NOT submit both. This could result in the denial of both applications.
• You do not need to upload a separate I-765 if filing electronically. The online form serves as the I-765.
• Effective 4/3/2023, students may request premium processing through USCIS for their OPT application for an additional cost. Visit the USCIS website for full details.

What is OPT?

F-1 post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to be employed in the United States one year after completion of studies. Graduate students may apply for OPT after finishing all coursework but prior to thesis deposit and/or defense. Employment must be directly related to field of study and correspond with education level. Multiple employers are permitted; however, each position must be related to field of study and reported to ISSS. No job offer is needed to apply. However, OPT applicants are only allowed a total of 90 days unemployment during their initial 12-month OPT period.

Eligibility Requirements

• Are you completing the degree (non-thesis track) or finishing your required coursework (thesis track)
• Have you studied for a minimum of two semesters (Fall & Spring), directly prior to your completion of studies?
• Do you have a valid passport?
• Are you in valid F-1 status?
• If you have engaged in CPT employment, have you complied with all registration requirements?

Dates & Deadlines

• You may apply up to 90 days before your program end date.*
• The deadline to apply is the 60th day after your program end date.*
• You must select an OPT start date within the 60-day period after your program end date. Please note that this date is not guaranteed, as USCIS will determine the actual start date of your authorization.
• *Grad students on thesis-track -- the program end date is variable. Please refer to the OPT workshop and consult with ISSS if you have further questions. If you will hold an assistantship or tuition waiver, please consult the Graduate College policy BEFORE shortening your program.

The application MUST be received by USCIS within 30 days of ISSS creating a new I-20 or OPT will be denied. If it has been more than 30 days since your OPT I-20 was issued and you have not mailed off your application, please contact us . ISSS will cancel the current request. You must then complete and submit the OPT Re-request e-form through iSTART. Please do not submit a Reprint Request for this purpose.

Application Process

Please submit an OPT I-20 request e-form through iSTART to receive your new I-20 with ISSS recommendation for OPT. Click here to access the OPT Request e-form . You will also need to pay the $100 OPT Management Fee before your new I-20 can be processed. Please click here to make your payment.

Assemble Documents

• Always check the USCIS forms page to make sure you are using the latest form version and paying the correct fee.
• I-765 filing fee is payable by personal check, money order OR credit card payment with use of form G-1450 .
• Two identical immigration-style photos taken within 30 days of filing Form I-765. Photos should be placed in a clear Ziploc-type bag. For more photo guidelines, please refer to the “Color Photo Specifications” section below, or visit the U.S State Department website. ISSS recommends photos be taken professionally to comply with photo regulations.
• Copy of pages 1 & 2 of Form I-20 printed with the OPT endorsement, signed by the DSO and student on page 1.
• Form I-765 (Please follow instructions on USCIS website. Guidelines from ISSS available below.)
• "All previously used SEVIS numbers" and
• "Evidence of any previously authorized CPT or OPT and the academic level at which it was authorized.
• Photocopy of Form I-94 ( electronic Form I-94) printout or both sides of cardstock I-94 copied).
• Photocopies of the following passport pages:
• Passport ID pages: photo page, page with passport validity dates, including renewal page if original has expired, and pages showing amendments such as name changes, corrections, etc.
• Most recent F-1 entry visa page (if any).

Optional: You may also include the optional form G-1145 e-Notification of Application to receive a confirmation that your application has been received by USCIS. This is NOT your official receipt notice.

The I-765 must be properly and timely filed with USCIS. The student must file an OPT application (signed I-765, signed I-20, and fee) within 30 days of the DSO's OPT recommendation in SEVIS, AND within other OPT filing deadlines. You MUST apply from within the U.S.

Mailing Your Application

Please view the USCIS Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-765 page for full mailing addresses. It instructs filers to submit these applications to the USCIS Chicago Lockbox, at:

For U.S. Postal Service (USPS): U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Chicago Lockbox Attn: I-765 C03 P.O. Box 805373 Chicago, IL 60680 For FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Attn: I-765 C03 (Box 805373) 131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517

Note: Mail by "Certified Mail with a Return Receipt Requested" or "Express/Overnight with Delivery Confirmation." Make photocopies of all documents you send for your records.

USCIS is now accepting I-765 OPT applications online. You can find more information about the online application on the USCIS website .

**Before sending your application, please be sure to confirm the Lockbox mailing information for your application on The USCIS Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-765 page .**

Completing the I-765 (post-completion OPT - 12 months)

IMPORTANT: Please make sure to use the most recent version of the form I-765.

Please follow the I-765 instructions provided on the USCIS website, particularly page 15 - 19. For your reference, please see below for general guidelines to assist you.

• For the initial OPT application, this is considered to be ‘ initial permission to accept employment’.
• Provide basic biographical information about yourself. Note: If using a friend or relative’s address, complete Question #5.a (In Care of Name).
• Question #26 – provide your CURRENT SEVIS number, listed at the top of your I-20 document.
• Question #27 – (C)(3)(B) is the eligibility category for POST-completion OPT. You are NOT required to complete Question 28 as a result.
• Don't forget to sign within the 'Applicant's Signature' box. Signature should not touch the lines or go beyond the space provided.
• In general, Part 4 and Part 5 do not apply to student's applying for OPT as students do not generally have an interpreter assisting with the application.
• This section can be used to provide information on previously used SEVIS numbers and to indicate attached files such as previous EAD, approval notice and I-20s.
• List previously used SEVIS numbers and indicate "previous CPT/OPT authorization documents attached."
• Put 'N/A' if a question does not apply to you.
• You must complete and submit ALL 7 pages with your application.

Color Photo Specifications

You must submit two identical color passport-style photographs of yourself taken recently (within 30 days of filing form I-765).

The photos must have:

• A white or off-white background, be printed on thin paper with a glossy finish, and be unmounted and unretouched.
• The two identical passport-style photos must be 2 by 2 inches.
• The photos must be in color with a full face, frontal view, on a white to off-white background.
• Head height should measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches from the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin, and eye height is between 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 inches from the top of your eyes to the bottom of photo.
• Your head must be bare unless you are wearing headwear as required by a religious denomination of which you are a member.
• Using a pencil or felt pen, lightly print your name and SEVIS number on the back of the photos.

Maintaining F-1 status while on OPT

• Students with a program end date in August are limited to holding a 50% assistantship in summer prior to program end date, and must register for a full course load or have a reduced course load in place for that semester.
• Check with ISSS prior to international travel - travel endorsements need renewing every six months while on OPT
• Keep ISSS updated with any changes in home address, employer (including being unemployed), and email address, by visiting iStart within 10 days of the change.
• While on OPT, you are allowed to be unemployed for up to 90 days (cumulative throughout your OPT period).
• Prior to leaving the university, update UI-Integrate with your preferred non-university e-mail address.
• You will not be able to hold student employment on campus after your program end date. This includes hourly and graduate assistant work done on the Illinois campus. As ending your program early can result in the loss of your tuition waiver, we recommend you review the Graduate College policy on tuition waivers before shortening your I-20.
• Do not withdraw your registration after you apply for or receive OPT.  If you do, ISSS must terminate your F-1 record.
• Once you receive your Notice of Action Form (2-3 weeks after applying) you can use the case number and provided web address to follow the status of your application.
• You may not begin your OPT employment until you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and the effective date on the card has been reached. 
• Once you receive your EAD card, please submit a copy via the OPT Employer Information Update e-form in iStart, when you report OPT employment.
• Submit OPT Employer Information Update e-form within 10 days of employment (including reporting unemployment). The e-form will only be available in iStart after your OPT start date. You will receive a new I-20 with employer information listed.
• Submit address updates whenever you move within the U.S.
• If you are a beneficiary of a timely filed H-1B petition requesting an employment start date of October 1st of the following fiscal year your work authorization under OPT will automatically extend to October 1st. However, the extension of duration of status and work authorization would automatically terminate upon the rejection, denial or revocation of the H-1B petition filed on your behalf.  If your status has been extended, you are responsible for reporting this information to ISSS so we can ensure your SEVIS record has been updated with the extension.
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Frequently Asked Questions (OPT)

Can i apply for post–completion opt while outside the us.

No , you must be in the US in order to be able to apply for OPT.

Can I submit my OPT application by mail and through the USCIS Online tool?

No , please do not submit two OPT applications, this could result in a denial of your application.

Can I change the requested OPT dates after the application has been sent to USCIS?

No , please choose carefully. Once you have sent your OPT application to USCIS there is no changing of OPT start dates.

What is my immigration status while my OPT is pending?

You are still an F-1 Student while your OPT application is pending. OPT is a benefit of F-1 status, it is not a new visa type or status.

When do my 90 days of unemployment begin?

Your 90 days of unemployment begin counting on the  approved OPT start date.

What does the program end date on my I-20 mean?

• The program end date marks the end of study and the transition to the OPT phase of F-1 status.
• You must stop working after the I-20 program end date if you are employed on-campus.

What are current session start and end dates?

• You can ignore these dates.
• If you have been issued an OPT-endorsed I-20, you are in good standing and ready to apply for the benefit from USCIS.

Will I need a travel signature even while on OPT?

Yes , The travel signature is valid for six months (not one year) during OPT.

Do I need to worry about USCIS processing my OPT application within the 60-day grace period?

You may legally stay in the U.S. as long as your OPT application is pending with USCIS. The 60-day departure deadline/grace period after graduation is not applicable to students with pending OPT applications with USCIS. (The 60-day grace period moves to the end of the OPT year as long as you do not exceed the allowed unemployment days). However, your application for post-completion OPT must be received by USCIS by the end of the grace period – be sure to apply early so that you have plenty of time to resolve potential errors.

Can I apply for jobs before I have OPT approval?

You can apply for jobs and accept job offers, but you cannot begin the actual OPT activity until you have your OPT approval/EAD Card.

What are the reporting requirements while on post-completion OPT?

You must report your OPT employment within 10 days via the SEVP portal. During your post-completion OPT period, you must also report the following:

• Changes to your name, residence, or mailing address
• Any employment changes (ending a job, changing jobs)
• Names and addresses of all OPT employers
• Start and end dates of all OPT employment
• New immigration status (change to H-1B, for example)
• You decide to leave the United States, so you will not start or continue OPT

If you don’t have access to your SEVP portal please submit a SEVP portal help request via your MyISSS portal. And if it’s been more than 10 days since you began employment please submit a Report New Employment request .

Can I travel outside of the US while my OPT application is being processed by USCIS?

After your final quarter ends, you are technically allowed to travel and reenter the U.S. while your post-completion OPT application is processing, with or without a job offer.

ISS does not recommend travel after graduation with a pending OPT application because of these risks:

• USCIS sometimes returns, denies, or sends a request for more information regarding OPT applications. These requests are sent by postal mail, so it might be difficult for you to respond if you are not inside the U.S. It is your application, so ISS does not have the authority to respond for you.
• After your OPT application is approved, you must also have proof of employment and your EAD Card in order to reenter the U.S. If the OPT application is approved while you are abroad, and if you do not yet have proof of employment or your EAD Card, this could jeopardize your return to the U.S.

If you are unable to change or cancel your travel plans, carry the following documents with you:

• Your OPT receipt notice from USCIS
• Your OPT I-20 with a valid travel signature from ISS (travel signature is valid for only 6 months during OPT)
• Valid Passport
• Unexpired F-1 visa (unless you are Canadian or are returning from a short trip to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, with some exceptions). It is risky to apply for an F-1 visa while your OPT application is pending. If your current F-1 visa is expired, we recommend waiting until your OPT application is approved and you have a job offer before applying for a new F-1 visa.

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Extension of Post Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 Status for Eligible Students under the H-1B Cap-Gap Regulations

ALERT : Although F-1 nonimmigrant students with degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) may apply for a  24-month extension  of their post-completion OPT employment authorization, our policies regarding the cap-gap extension remain the same. An F-1 student who is the beneficiary of a cap-subject H-1B petition and request for change of status that is filed on time may have their F-1 status and any current employment authorization extended until the first day of the new fiscal year.

The “cap-gap” period starts when an F-1 student’s status and employment authorization expires and, unless terminated, ends on Oct. 1, the required start date of the H-1B cap-subject petition filed on their behalf if seeking cap-gap authorization.

Cap-gap occurs because an employer may not file, and USCIS may not accept, a cap subject H-1B petition submitted more than six months in advance of the date of actual need for the beneficiary’s services or training. As a result, the earliest date that an employer can file an H-1B cap-subject petition is April 1 for the following fiscal year, which starts Oct, 1. If USCIS approves the H-1B petition and the accompanying change of status request, the earliest date that the student may start the approved H-1B employment is Oct. 1, but the beneficiary’s OPT employment authorization may expire before the H-1B start date.

Current regulations allow certain students with a pending or approved cap-subject H-1B petition to remain in F-1 status during the cap-gap period. This is referred to as filling the "cap-gap," meaning the regulations provide a way of filling the "gap" between the end of F-1 status and the beginning of H-1B status that might otherwise occur were F-1 status not extended for qualifying students.

Cap-subject H-1B petitions that are timely filed for an eligible F-1 student that request a change of status to H-1B on Oct. 1 qualify for a cap-gap extension.

Timely filed means that the H-1B petition (indicating change of status rather than consular processing) was filed during the applicable H-1B filing period, which begins April 1 and while the student's authorized F-1 duration of status (D/S) admission was still in effect (including any period of time during the academic course of study, any authorized periods of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), and the 60-day departure preparation period commonly known as the "grace period"). A cap-subject H-1B petition will not be considered to be properly filed unless it is based on a valid, selected registration for the same beneficiary and the appropriate fiscal year, unless the registration requirement is suspended.

Once the petitioner timely files a request to change status to H-1B on Oct. 1, the automatic cap-gap extension will begin. If the student’s H-1B petition is approved (or selected and approved if the registration requirement is suspended), the student’s cap-gap extension of status will continue through Sept. 30. The cap-gap extension of status will automatically terminate if the student’s H-1B petition is denied, withdrawn, revoked, rejected, or is not selected, or if the change of status request is denied or withdrawn even if the H-1B petition is approved for consular processing. The student will have the standard 60-day grace period from the date the extension of status terminated or their program end date, whichever is later, to depart the United States (however, the 60-day grace period does not apply to an F-1 student whose accompanying change of status request is denied or revoked due to a status violation, misrepresentation, or fraud).

Students are strongly encouraged to stay in close communication with their petitioning employer during the cap-gap extension period for status updates on the H-1B petition processing.

Please note: F-1 students who have entered the 60-day grace period are not authorized to work. If an H 1B cap-subject petition is properly filed for a student who has entered the 60-day grace period, the student will receive the automatic extension of his or her F-1 status, but will not be authorized to work since the student was not authorized to work at the time H-1B petition was filed.

F-1 students who do not qualify for a cap-gap extension and whose periods of authorized stay expire before Oct. 1 are required to leave the United States. They then need to apply for an H-1B visa at a consular post abroad, if applicable, and seek to be readmitted into the United States in H-1B status for the dates reflected on the approved H-1B petition.

Additionally, the cap-gap provision applies only to beneficiaries of cap-subject H-1B petitions, not to beneficiaries of  cap-exempt H-1B petitions .

The cap-gap extension of OPT is automatic for eligible students. A student does not file an application for the extension or receive a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to cover the additional time. The only proof of continued employment authorization currently available to an affected student is an updated Form I-20 showing an extension of OPT, issued to the student by their Designated School Official (DSO). This document serves as proof of continued employment authorization.

If a student chooses to obtain an updated Form I-20, they should provide their DSO with evidence of a timely-filed H-1B petition (indicating a request for change of status rather than for consular processing), such as a copy of the petition and a FedEx, UPS, or USPS Express/certified mail receipt. The student’s DSO will issue an updated Form I-20, showing an extension until June 1.

The student should return to their DSO with a copy of the petitioning employer’s Form I-797, Notice of Action, indicating that the petition was filed and accepted. The Form I-797 must have a valid receipt number. The student’s DSO will issue another updated Form I-20, showing an extension until Oct. 1. In such situations, the student can continue to work while the update to their Form I-20 is being processed. Because the cap-gap extension is automatic, the updated Form I-20 is not required for a student to continue working; it merely serves as proof of the extension of OPT employment authorization.

If an H-1B petition filed for an F-1 student with a cap-gap extension is denied, rejected, revoked, or withdrawn, the student will have the standard 60-day grace period (from the date of the notification of the denial, rejection, revocation, or withdrawal of the petition) to depart the United States.

The 60-day grace period does not apply to an F-1 student whose accompanying change of status request is denied due to a status violation, misrepresentation, or fraud. In such cases, the F-1 student is ineligible for cap-gap extension of status and the 60-day grace period. Similarly, the 60-day grace period and cap-gap extension of status does not apply to an F-1 student whose petition was revoked based on a finding of a status violation, fraud or misrepresentation discovered following approval. In both of these instances, students are required to immediately leave the United States.

An F-1 student may generally travel abroad and seek readmission to the United States in F-1 status during a cap-gap period if:

• The student’s H-1B petition and request for change of status has been approved;
• The student seeks readmission before their H-1B employment begins (normally at the beginning of the fiscal year on Oct. 1); and
• The student is otherwise admissible.

However, if an F-1 student travels outside the United States while the H-1B petition and the change of status request remain pending the request for change of status will be considered abandoned.

Please note that even if an F-1 student meets all of the requirements listed above, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer always makes the final determination on whether to admit an applicant for admission after inspection at a port-of-entry. F-1 students may refer to the DHS Study in the States page for a list of the documents needed to confirm eligibility for F-1 status.

F-1 students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees included on the  STEM Designated Degree Program List (PDF) , are employed by employers enrolled in and maintain good standing with E-Verify, and who have received an initial grant of post-completion OPT employment authorization related to such a degree, may apply for a 24-month extension of such authorization. F-1 students may obtain additional information about STEM OPT extensions on our  Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT) page  or the  STEM OPT Hub .

Students who are eligible for a cap-gap extension of post-completion OPT employment and F-1 status may apply for a STEM OPT extension during the cap-gap extension period.

However, students may not apply for a STEM OPT extension once the cap-gap extension period is terminated (if the H-1B petition is rejected, denied, revoked, or withdrawn) and the student has entered the 60-day grace period.

The law allows you to be unemployed during your OPT period for a limited number of days.

If the student’s OPT end date is shortened to Sept. 30 even though their H-1B employment would not begin until a later date, the student should contact their DSO. The DSO may request a data fix in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) by contacting the SEVIS helpdesk.

• Laid off or terminated by the H-1B employer: If the student has been approved to change their status to an H-1B nonimmigrant but is laid off/terminated by the H-1B employer before the date they officially obtain H-1B status, the student can retrieve any unused OPT if they have an unexpired EAD issued for post-completion OPT. The student will remain in F-1 status and can continue their OPT using the unexpired EAD.

The student also needs to make sure that USCIS receives a withdrawal request from the petitioner before the H-1B change of status goes into effect. This will prevent USCIS from changing the student’s status to H-1B. Once the petition has been revoked or withdrawn, the student must provide their DSO with a copy of the USCIS acknowledgement of withdrawal (the notice of revocation). The DSO may then contact the SEVIS helpdesk to request a data fix in SEVIS to prevent the student from being terminated in SEVIS.

If USCIS does not receive the withdrawal request before the date that the student is supposed to change status to an H-1B nonimmigrant, then the student will need to stop working, file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, to request F-1 status, and wait until the change of status request is approved before resuming OPT employment.

The F-1 student can continue working with their approved EAD while the data fix in SEVIS is pending if:

• The (former) H-1B employer withdrew the H-1B petition prior to Oct. 1
• The student finds employment appropriate to their OPT;
• The period of OPT is unexpired (which would indicate that the student was not actually utilizing “cap-gap” since they otherwise had valid OPT authorization); and
• The DSO has requested a data fix in SEVIS.
• The period of OPT is unexpired (which would indicate that the student was not actually utilizing “cap-gap” since they otherwise had valid OPT authorization);; and
• The student has not otherwise violated their F-1 status.
• Maintaining valid F-1 status: If the employer withdraws the H-1B petition before the date that the student officially changes to H-1B status, the student generally will remain in F-1 status while the data fix is pending. The student would have the standard 60-day grace period to depart the United States unless the H-1B petition was revoked because of fraud or violation of status.

If the employer withdraws the H-1B petition approval after the date that the student officially changes to H-1B status, the student’s status will have been changed from F-1 to H-1B. The student will no longer be in valid F-1 status and would need to file a Form I-539 if seeking to change back to F-1 status.

Travel Within the United States

You and your dependents may be surprised to learn that federal law requires that you carry “registration” documentation at all times. This includes a basic identity document such as a passport, plus your current I-20 and I-94 . For day-to-day purposes, we suggest you keep these documents in a secure location, such as a bank safe deposit box. However, if you are traveling within the U.S. you should carry these documents with you. If you are traveling by air, train, bus, or ship, you may be required to produce these documents before boarding. Keep photocopies of all your documents in a separate location, in the event your documents are lost or stolen.

Entry into Another Country

Before you leave the United States, contact the consulate of the country to be visited to inquire about visa and travel procedures.

Reentry into the U.S.

Be prepared to present the following items at the port of entry into the U.S.:

1. I-20 (F-1 Students) With Valid Travel Signature

Be sure you have your most recent I-20

• Your I-20 must be signed by an International Student Advisor before you leave the U.S. All students are required to obtain a travel signature that allows you to return to the U.S.
• This signature is valid for one year (12 months) after the signature date and can be used for multiple entries.
• If you are on OPT, you must obtain a travel signature every 6 months.

2. DS-2019 (J-1 Exchange Visitors) With Valid Travel Signature

The DS-2019 must be signed by an International Student Advisor (not an academic advisor, not a soccer coach, not the football coach) before you leave the U.S. All students are required to obtain a travel signature that allows you to return to the U.S. This signature will be valid for one year (12 months) and can be used for multiple entries.

Carry all DS-2019s you have ever been issued, not just the most recent one.

Request a  travel signature

3. Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months when seeking admission or readmission to the United States, unless your country has an agreement with the United States. For a list of countries under this agreement, see the list on the Immigration Customs Enforcement website .

Your passport should remain valid throughout your stay in the U.S.

4. Valid U.S. Visa

You must present a valid, unexpired visa in the category for which admission is being sought each time you enter the U.S. (Canadian citizens are exempt from the visa requirement; however, landed immigrants of Canada are generally required to obtain a visa.) If your visa expires while you are in the U.S., the next time you travel abroad you must obtain a new visa in the proper category in order to be readmitted to the United States. Apply for the visa in your home country, unless circumstances or travel plans make this impossible. If you apply for a visa at a U.S. consulate in another country, your application may be reviewed more critically than if you applied at home. In-person interviews are required for most visa applicants. You are encouraged to contact the U.S. consulate as early as possible to schedule the visa interview appointment. Anticipate delays in visa issuance due to enhanced security reviews.

An exception to the rule requiring a valid, unexpired visa exists for students in F-1 and J-1 status who travel for less than 30 days solely to Canada or Mexico or islands in the Caribbean except Cuba. Your visa will be considered to be “extended” (and “converted” to the proper visa category if you had changed status while in the U.S.) to the date of re-entry, eliminating the need to obtain a new visa at a U.S. consulate before that particular re-entry. This procedure is known as “ automatic visa revalidation .” Note that if you apply for a new visa while in Canada, Mexico and islands in the Caribbean, you will not be able to return to the U.S. unless the visa is granted. Also, citizens of Iran, Syria, and Sudan are not eligible for automatic visa revalidation.

5. Financial Evidence

6. current class schedule.

You can print your current class schedule from your MyCPP . 

Initial entry : new students must bring proof of admission to CPP.

7. SEVIS I-901 Fee Receipt

Travel after completion of studies (f-1 students).

If you do not apply for OPT, you have a 60-day grace period after the last day of your final term. Once you leave the U.S. (including short trips to Canada and Mexico) after completing your studies you cannot reenter the U.S. with your current I-20 . The grace period is for travel within the U.S. and preparation for departure.

Travel and OPT

Students have many questions about whether or not it is okay to travel while OPT is processing and/or during the OPT period. Here are the rules about travel and OPT, depending on your situation.

During your final semester, after you submit your Post-Completion OPT application

After graduation, while your post-completion opt application is processing.

After your final term ends, you can travel and reenter the U.S. while your post-completion OPT application is processing, with or without a job offer. You must carry your OPT receipt notice from USCIS, your OPT I-20, and the other regular travel documents.

Be aware of these risks:

• USCIS sometimes sends a request to OPT applicants asking for more information or for you to correct a problem with your documentation. These requests are sent by postal mail, so it might be difficult for you to respond if you are not inside the U.S. It is your application, so ISSO does not have the authority to respond for you.
• After your OPT application is approved, you must also have proof of employment and your EAD in order to reenter the U.S. If the OPT application is approved while you are abroad, and if you do not yet have proof of employment or your EAD, this could jeopardize your return to the U.S.
• You must have a valid F-1 visa to travel during the OPT year (except for short trips to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean). It is risky to apply for an F-1 visa while your OPT application is pending. If your current F-1 visa is expired, we recommend waiting until your OPT application is approved, and you have a job offer before applying for a new F-1 visa.

After graduation, and after your Post-Completion OPT application is approved

After graduation, if your post-completion OPT has been approved and your EAD issued, you can travel and reenter the U.S. only if you have proof of employment. If you are still looking for practical training opportunities, you should not travel internationally.

For travel, carry the following documents with you:

• Proof of employment in your field of study (letter of employment, written job offer)
• EAD card (on the EAD card, there is a statement “Not Valid For Reentry.” This means the EAD card cannot be used by itself for reentry to the U.S.)
• Valid passport
• Unexpired F-1 visa
• OPT I-20 signed for travel by an international student advisor within the last 6 months

Unemployment

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This packable, expandable tote is a go-to secret for expert travelers.

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The Packable Carryall is a secret weapon in packing all the stuff you can't fit into your regular ... [+] bag.

The best wedding gift we received was also one of the simplest. My mother’s friend Jane, a consummate world traveler, bought us a green zippered nylon pouch that expanded into a carry-on sized tote bag to stuff away all the things we couldn’t cram into the rest of our luggage.

Our honeymoon was a six-week trip around Indonesia and Australia and we bought lots of knickknacks, so it was incredible to have an extra full-size bag when we needed it.

That was 25 years ago but we kept Jane’s green bag until it literally burst at the seams. Then we duck-taped the seams and kept using it. I hadn’t found anything I liked as much until I saw something called The Packable Carryall by Away.

A tote bag wherever you need it. And when you don't, it folds into a six-by-four inch zippered ... [+] pouch.

I knew Away from the reviews I’d read on Wirecutter and elsewhere but that was for their regular Carry-On roller suitcase. The Packable Carryall was more of an emotional investment for me. It had to live up to the rigors of a bag that had taken us to seven continents and back over the years, and maybe also update the experience with new tech and materials.

Happy to say The Packable Carryall didn’t disappoint. It’s made of lightweight, water-resistant 100% recycled nylon and is tiny in its pouch (at roughly six by four inches, it folds even smaller than Jane’s duffel). I love that the removable zippered pouch stays attached to the interior when not in use so you don’t lose it. Jane’s bag had one big interior space that was amazing for stuffing, but the Packable Carryall has more organization inside, including a zippered interior pocket that makes it feel like an upgrade over our tried-and-true. The straps are solid and stylish, too.

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What's the best state for you », white house's sullivan to travel to saudi arabia and israel.

White House's Sullivan to Travel to Saudi Arabia and Israel

U.S. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S., April 24, 2024. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/ File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan plans to travel to Saudi Arabia and Israel this weekend, a U.S. official said on Tuesday as Israeli tanks pushed deeper into eastern Rafah, stoking fears of additional civilian deaths.

Additional details on his trip were not available.

The visit would come as the United States continues to press Israel to hold off on a major military ground incursion into Rafah, one of the border crossings in Gaza where more than a million people had been sheltering.

The Biden administration and the Israeli government have reached an understanding that any operation in the refugee-packed city would not be "significantly expanded" before Sullivan's visit, Axios reported Tuesday, citing a senior U.S. official.

War in Israel and Gaza

U.S. and Israeli officials were scheduled to hold additional in-person discussions on Rafah but weeks have past without a new date being set.

Israel's international allies and aid groups have repeatedly warned against a major ground incursion into refugee-packed Rafah, where Israel says four Hamas battalions are holed up.

"We're going to continue to have conversations obviously with the Israeli government," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at a briefing.

"Those conversations continue and they have been constructive," she said, noting Sullivan said this week he expects in-person conversations to happen in the upcoming days.

(Reporting by Steve Holland; writing by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Eric Beech)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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Protect Your Trip »

The best affordable luggage: 7 great options under $150 on amazon.

Quality luggage doesn't have to break the bank.

The Best Cheap Luggage

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Travel horror stories can make anyone feel like they need to spend the big bucks on good luggage, but that's simply not the case. While cheap suitcases might make you think of shoddy materials and personal items strewn across tarmacs or luggage carousels, the truth is today's budget-friendly luggage brands offer quality construction at an attractive price.

We've put together a list of the best luggage under $150, including both carry-on bags and checked luggage. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, these affordable luggage options are set to become your go-to bags for every type of trip.

Best Soft-sided Carry-on: SWISSGEAR Sion 6283 21-inch Expandable Carry On Spinner Luggage

• Jump to features and traveler insights ↓

Best Hard-sided Carry-on: Amazon Basics 20-inch Hard-side Spinner

Best soft-sided checked bag: swissgear 6283 24.5-inch expandable spinner luggage, best hard-sided checked bag: coolife luggage 28-inch expandable suitcase, best duffel bag: samsonite andante 2 32-inch wheeled duffel.

• Best Backpack: ZOMAKE Lightweight Packable Backpack 30L

Best Underseat Bag: TPRC 15-Inch Smart Under Seat Carry-On

(Note: Prices and availability for this luggage were accurate at the time this article was updated; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors.)

Courtesy of SWISSGEAR

What sets it apart: SWISSGEAR consistently earns rave reviews for its durable yet affordable luggage. This soft-sided carry-on bag, in particular, stands out with more than 18,000 reviews and a 4.4-star rating on Amazon. The bag has two exterior pockets and two interior pockets, plus a removable zippered wet bag for organization. Adjustable tie-down straps secure clothing and shoes in place. Other features include a built-in ID tag, a locking telescopic handle, multidirectional spinner wheels and multiple carry handles. This SWISSGEAR suitcase is available in a variety of colors, including an eye-catching teal.

Travelers appreciate: Recent buyers agree this bag is roomier than it looks. They also appreciate how effortlessly it rolls on most surfaces.

Price: $119.99 or less

What sets it apart:  Perfect for weekend getaways and other short trips, this hard-sided Amazon Basics spinner provides travelers with the organizational benefits of larger luggage in a compact model. The extra-thick ABS hard shell protects a fully lined interior complete with a divider, clothing straps and three zippered pockets for small items.

These features pair with the suitcase's full 180-degree opening and its ability to expand for up to 15% more packing space (but remember to check carry-on size restrictions before doing so, as this may put the suitcase outside of limits for some airlines). This hard-sided bag also has four double spinner wheels and a telescoping handle to maneuver through tight airplane aisles with ease. It comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Travelers appreciate: Adventurers have used this luggage everywhere from the rough cobblestones of Europe to the bullet trains of Japan , and there is one thing they all agree on: This hard-sided spinner moves like a dream. Recent travelers praise the durable wheels and easy glide for moving across different surfaces smooth and effortless. While the spinner isn't immune to scuffs and scratches, reviewers say the hard exterior has held up across multiple baggage handlings.

Price: $84 or less

What sets it apart: This medium-sized bag – a slightly larger version of our soft-sided carry-on pick – offers enough space for a weeklong vacation. Its pockets can help you stay organized during your travels, too: There are two exterior pockets, two internal pockets and a detachable zippered wet bag designed for toiletries. The expandable bag also has tie-down straps for securing belongings in place (an essential feature for checked luggage ), as well as a locking telescopic handle, top and side handles, and 360-degree spinner wheels.

Travelers appreciate: Travelers praise everything about this bag, from its durability to its maneuverability. They also appreciate that it comes in bright colors that have made it easier to locate at airport baggage claim.

Price: $129.99 or less

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Courtesy of Coolife

What sets it apart: While many affordable hard-sided luggage options struggle to stand up to airport baggage handling, the ABS and polycarbonate material of this spinner provides a light and durable hard shell. Added design elements like the textured scratch-resistant finish and beveled upper edge increase the bag's toughness. Built for durability and ease of use, this expandable Coolife suitcase has multidirectional silent wheels and a sturdy aluminum telescoping handle for smooth travel.

The incorporated TSA lock gives an extra level of security for personal items. The bag's interior comes fully lined with several pockets, clothing straps and a divider to ensure all of your items stay organized. This suitcase already has a large capacity, but it also offers an extra 2.5 inches of space when expanded. It comes with a two-year warranty as well.

Travelers appreciate: Recent travelers love this suitcase's durable wheels and ease of movement, with many commenting on how easily it rolls across different surfaces. They also appreciate the spacious storage and built-in lock, as well as the beautiful exterior and six color options that make it easy to identify at baggage claim. The Caribbean blue, in particular, is even more striking than it looks in photos.

Courtesy of Samsonite

What sets it apart: Designed to maximize convenience and durability, the Samsonite Andante 2 takes duffel bags to the next level. This checked bag is constructed with water-resistant fabric, a locking pull handle, multiple exterior grab handles, corner protectors and bumper runners. There's a separate water-resistant pocket at the end of the duffel to pack your walking shoes or wet items, so your clothes and electronics stay dry.

The main portion of the bag is broken into two parts, with a drop-bottom compartment that's perfect for packing cubes and allows for extra organization when packing. The drop-bottom compartment is accessed by a 180-degree zip opening, and the U-shaped main compartment has a large opening for easy packability. An extra bonus of using this checked duffel bag is the lightweight design, which weighs in at slightly less than 8 pounds despite having wheels.

Travelers appreciate: Recent packers love the spacious compartments and durable materials of the Samsonite Andante 2. As a testament to its quality, travelers have put this bag through the wringer with heavy loads and multiple destinations, and still say the bag barely looks used by the end. They also praise the reliability and affordability of this bag, but some warn it doesn't stand upright easily when filled, a trait common among rolling duffel bags .

Best Backpack: ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L

What sets it apart: Not only does this backpack work well as a personal item for air travel, but it doubles as a day bag you can use at your destination – think cruise excursions, city trips and more. It's incredibly lightweight and foldable, so you can also stuff it in other luggage when not in use. The backpack has one front zippered pocket and two side mesh pockets for a water bottle and other travel essentials. Available in a variety of colors as well as other sizes , it is both water- and tear-resistant.

Travelers appreciate: Reviewers appreciate how lightweight and versatile this backpack is, as well as how much it can store.

Price: $21.99 or less

What sets it apart: The ultimate underseat bag , this soft-sided carry-on features a USB port for charging devices on the go. It also has a variety of external pockets, including a side pocket that allows for quick access to the essentials, and there are three additional pockets inside. This bag is available in a few different colors, including black and purple.

Travelers appreciate: Buyers rave about this bag, noting it works well as a personal item. While it fits under the seat on most planes, some recent reviewers note that Frontier has made them stow it in the overhead bin.

Price: $53 or less

Frequently Asked Questions

The following brands offer quality luggage at an affordable price. These brands also offer savings promotions throughout the year:

• Amazon Basics
• American Tourister

The difference comes down to the cost of materials. For example, a hard-sided suitcase like The Carry-On by Away is more expensive because it's made of polycarbonate, a type of plastic that is virtually indestructible. Polycarbonate is more costly than materials like ABS, which is used in the Amazon Basics Hardside Carry-On .

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta loved traveling as a student and, as a result, figured out quickly that not all budget luggage brands are created equal. Dealing with everything from broken wheels to stuck zippers, she's had to improvise her way through a lot of luggage disasters. Those experiences helped her figure out what to look for when purchasing affordable luggage. Vasta hopes this article will help other budget travelers avoid her early mistakes.

Amanda Norcross regularly tests luggage and used her personal experience as well as consumer ratings and reviews to choose the best cheap luggage.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Weekender Bags
• Hard vs. Soft Luggage: How to Choose
• The Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S.
• The Cheapest Travel Insurance Companies Worth the Cost

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US Airlines Forecast Record 2024 Summer Travel, up 6.3% Over Last Year

JetBlue and Southwest Airlines planes are parked at the LaGuardia Airport in New York City, U.S. March 4, 2023. REUTERS/Chris Helgren/File Photo


By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A group representing major U.S. airlines forecast record summer travel with carriers expected to transport 271 million passengers, up 6.3% from last year.

Airlines for America said Tuesday that U.S. carriers plan to fly more than 26,000 daily flights this summer, up nearly 1,400 over 2023, or 5.6%, when they carried 255 million passengers. The summer travel season forecast is for June 1 to Aug. 31.

American Airlines said it will boost flights by 10% this summer.

United Airlines is forecasting a record-setting 3 million travelers expected to fly during the May 23-28 Memorial Day travel period, up nearly 10%. Delta Air Lines said it expects a 5% jump in Memorial Day weekend customers to nearly 3 million customers between May 23-27.

The forecast comes as the Federal Aviation Administration is struggling to address a persistent shortage of air traffic controllers. Some airlines voluntarily trimmed New York flights last summer to address congestion issues.

The FAA said in March it would relocate control of the Newark, New Jersey, airspace area to Philadelphia to address staffing and congested New York City area traffic by June 30.

Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and other lawmakers last week urged the FAA to rescind plans to force 17 air traffic controllers to move from New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) to Philadelphia.

At several facilities, controllers are working mandatory overtime and six-day work weeks to cover shortages. The FAA agency is about 3,000 controllers behind staffing targets and the agency said last autumn it had about 10,700 certified controllers - about the same as a year earlier.

Airlines can lose their takeoff and landing slots at congested airports if they do not use them enough. The FAA extended cuts to these minimum flight requirements at New York City-area airports through October because of staffing issues, and major airlines last month asked for them to be extended through October 2025.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Michael Erman)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

Tags: United States

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Description

In this 3D, action-adventure platformer, play as Exe, an outlaw robot with his unexpected sidekick, Shipset, as you blast your way through armies of robots, control spaceships and forge your own path on a mission to save the universe from impending doom! Set in a sci-fi world where only robots exist, travel the galaxy and experience non-stop robot mayhem and explosive action! Their journey begins the way many great stories do – with a prison break. FEATURES Out of this World Environments - Discover stunning and colourful environments across the galaxy as you embark on an explosion-filled adventure that will have you jumping, blasting, and driving your way across an unpredictable universe to never-before-seen planets. Explore unique atmospheres, terrains, and inhabitants in each planet and spacetime you find throughout your journey. Fight through Time and Space - Join our two outlaw robots, Exe and Shipset, on an electrifying race against Evilware, a former scientist set on causing chaos. Amidst an intergalactic war, they must uncover the truth, meeting a cast of crazy companions along the way. Their mission: step up as heroes and save the galaxy from destruction. ROBOTS, ACTION and EXPLOSIONS - Fight as a space gunner and blast robots back to infinity! Our unlikely heroes will have to hone their skills and build-up their arsenal in preparation to destroy diverse robot armies. From Evilware’s devilish Abyssal aquatic army and more, optimise your fighting style thanks to a varied arsenal of weapons in real-time battles and space fights. Gear Up and Customise Your Arsenal - Upgrade Exe’s artillery as you fight against diverse armies using a variety of high-powered weapons! Gain Botcoins throughout your adventure by destroying the environment and finding hidden crates. Then spend all your hard-earned coins in the available in-game shops to unlock and mod special weapons! Jump, Dash and Roll into an Action-Packed Adventure - Jumps, dashes, grappling and wallruns? That’s only the start! As a classic 3D platformer, Akimbot will make use of all the tools in your arsenal to navigate across the universe. Exploit your dash to cover short distances in no time or use your turbo-charged propulsion system for an extra double jump boost! Hold on to your circuits and get ready for an action-packed adventure as you join Exe on this riveting journey across the universe to save the Algorithm. Akimbot promises an entertaining, high-octane experience for all players!

Published by

Developed by, playable on.

• Xbox Series X|S

Capabilities

• 4K Ultra HD
• Single player
• Spatial Sound
• Dolby Atmos
• Xbox achievements
• Xbox cloud saves