Travel While on OPT

Useful Terms
I-797C: After applying for OPT, this notice will be sent to you as a receipt of your application. When you have received this form, your status is “OPT Pending”.

EAD Card: Employment Authorization Card. When your application is approved, you will receive your EAD card in the mail. Your status at this time will be “OPT Approved”.

If you are considering traveling out of the US while on OPT, consider your status FIRST:

OPT Pending  
If you are OPT Pending, meaning you have received Form I-797C, you may leave the country and re-enter to resume looking for a job. You will need to present the following documents to the immigration officer:

• Passport
• Visa
• Form I-20 (signed by a Designated School Official from the Office of International Services)
• Form I-797C
• A letter of good standing from our office

OPT Approved  
If you are OPT Approved, meaning you have received your EAD card, you may leave the country and re-enter to resume employment. Meaning, once you are OPT Approved, you can only reenter the US if you have already secured employment and can prove that employment. You will need to present the following documents to the immigration officer:

• Passport
• Visa
• Form I-20 (signed by a Designated School Official from the Office of International Services)
• EAD card
• Letter from employer stating that you are returning to work or a letter from a prospective employer stating when you will begin work.

By following these guidelines, you should not experience difficulty reentering the United States. However, please remember that immigration officers can exercise the right to deny anyone entry into the US, regardless of status. By traveling at anytime during your OPT, you assume the risk of being denied entry.