Traveling while on OPT

May I travel outside of the U.S. after I have applied for or secured OPT?

A. While your application for OPT is PENDING

Although the regulations allow you to travel outside of the U.S. and re-enter the country to search for employment with a pending OPT, you must be certain that you return before your EAD card is issued or you will forfeit your OPT. This is very risky because you do not know when your OPT will be approved. Therefore, you are advised NOT to leave the U.S. while your OPT is pending.

B. After your OPT has been APPROVED but BEFORE YOU HAVE A JOB OFFER

(Whether you’ve received the EAD card or not)

Do NOT leave the country. If your OPT has been approved and you depart the U.S. before getting a job, your OPT ends and you cannot reenter unless you have a written job offer.

C. After your OPT has been APPROVED and YOU HAVE A JOB OFFER

(Whether you’ve received the EAD card or not)

You may travel outside the U.S. You should be prepared to present:

1. A valid SEVIS I-20 endorsed by a DSO within 6 months
2. A valid F-1 entry visa
3. A passport that is valid for at least 6 months into the future
4. A valid EAD card or Receipt Notice Form I-7975
5. An offer letter on company letterhead indicating you are/will be employed, including specific dates of employment

Contact Wooster

Office of International Student Affairs

Babcock Hall
1315 Beall Avenue
Wooster, OH 44691
Phone: 330-287-3511
Fax: 330-263-2076
oisa@wooster.edu