Travel and Re-Entry to the U.S. while on OPT
In general, an F-1 student on post-completion OPT may travel outside the U.S. temporarily and be readmitted to resume F-1 status and employment for the remainder of the period authorized on his or her EAD card. The student must not have exceeded the maximum OPT unemployment time.
Warning: Re-entering the U.S. in a status other than F-1 (such as a tourist) will invalidate F-1 status and OPT authorization.
Request Travel Endorsement I-20 via M-International eForm
In order to re-enter the U.S., the student should be aware and will need to present the following at the Port of Entry:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity
- An unexpired F-1 visa stamp
- Form I-20, signed on the bottom of page 2 by an International Student Advisor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn Office of International Affairs within the preceding 6 months
- I-765 Receipt from USCIS
- Employment Offer (recommended)
- The OIA strongly advises against international travel after the 12 month OPT has expired and while the STEM Extension EAD is pending
- There may be significant risk involved in re-entering the USA after OPT has expired if the STEM Extension application is still pending - students must understand this inherent risk before making travel plans
- Travel is permitted if you have a valid 12 month EAD card for re-entry along with the documents listed below
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity
- An unexpired F-1 visa stamp
- Form I-20, signed on the bottom of page 2 by an International Student Advisor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn Office of International Affairs within the preceding 6 months
- I-765 Notice of Action Receipt from USCIS
- Employment Offer/Verification Letter (recommended)
- A valid passport with unexpired F-1 visa stamp
- Form I-20, signed on the bottom of page 2 by an International Student Advisor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn Office of International Affairs within the preceding 6 months
- Unexpired EAD Card
- Proof of employment (or employment offer)
If a student's F-1 visa has expired and the student wishes to traveling outside of the U.S., a new F-1 visa must be obtained before re-entering the U.S. Students who need to apply for a new visa should consult the University of Michigan-Dearborn Office of International Affairs prior to travel to discuss the visa application process and possible risks.