Traveling on OPT or STEM OPT (What You Must Know!!)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ส.ค. 2024
- Learn the best travel tips to follow when considering travel on OPT or STEM OPT as an F1 visa student.
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F1 visa students engaged on OPT/STEM OPT need to understand the risks involved when traveling on OPT or STEM OPT. In this video, you will learn how to lower or eliminate some of the risks involved with travel on OPT/STEM OPT.
Typically, when traveling on OPT or STEM OPT, it is best to have in your possession the following documents which would be needed when going through US customs at the US port of entry (keep these in your carry on, and not in your checked luggage);
1. A valid passport
2. A valid US Visa
3. An I20 endorsed for OPT/STEM OPT with a valid travel signature
4. A valid EAD card (or the Form I-797C Receipt Notice)
5. A job offer letter (or evidence of job search)
6. Evidence of Financial Support (bank statements, paystubs)
N/B: If you will be traveling outside of the US while your OPT is pending, you should be aware of any communication received from USCIS that is sent to your US address. In the case that your EAD is approved and sent to your US address, you will need this to re-enter the US.
** High Risk **
Be cautious of travel outside the US while on OPT or STEM OPT under the following scenarios:
1. Travel while STEM OPT extension application is pending
2. Travel while H1B petition is pending
3. Travel after filing an adjustment of status application
4. Travel with an expired EAD or an EAD soon to expire
- Other Related Videos -
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In this video, you can learn what to do if the wait times for processing your USCIS case has exceeded the normal processing window. You will need to have obtained your receipt notice from USCIS which would contain a receipt number to use these methods.
Learn how to track your case status after receiving your receipt notice from USCIS: th-cam.com/video/samKy6UBf88h/w-d-xo.htmlttps://y...
In this video, I discuss the best ways to track the status of your USCIS case after receiving your receipt notice containing your receipt number.
Watch this video to learn how to stop accruing OPT/STEM OPT unemployment days: • OPT Unemployment Days ...
Are you eligible for the STEM OPT extension? If so learn how to apply for the STEM OPT extension in this video: • Applying for STEM OPT ...
-- Links to Resources from US Department of Homeland Security --
Frequently Asked Questions about travel on OPT from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement website: www.ice.gov/sevis/travel
DISCLAIMER: This video and content is designed for general information only and is NOT legal advice. The information presented in this video should not be construed to be formal legal advice. If you need legal advice, you may contact a licensed attorney.
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Are you considering travel on OPT/STEM OPT? Let us know in the comments below.
Hi, I came to India on emergency purpose my stem extension case status shows it is still pending. I have the latest I 20 which I used for opt extension filling. Can I use the same I 20 ?
I just received my EAD card but need to travel (the card says not valid for reentry) and my US VISA has expired, I have an appointment to the embassy that is why I need to travel back home to renew the visa. what can I do?
@@suzanabosedasilva604 Hii..I am in the same situation. any update on your situation ? Thanks
Thank you so much for this video! I have an urgent question, and I hope you can help me. I am planning on going back home (Nigeria) for the holidays. I am on stem opt, which expires on February 2023. I am coming back in January from Africa, is there any chance the embassy does not issue me a reentry visa? and even if they do, will I have issues at the customs border while returning to the US? PLEASE answer ME.
THANK YOU
Hi, I’m planning to travel too. Can you share your experience? Were you able to come back without issues?
Very informative! Thanks a lot!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you! This was great
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for the response
Glad to help! Best of luck!
Great video! From your experience, have you been asked by US employers how many years of OPT you have left? Like do they make a difference between regular OPT and 3-year OPT?
Yes I have. In my experience, I've found that employer's who are familiar with hiring international students know the difference between OPT and STEM-OPT, and take this into consideration when making their hiring decisions.
I am on opt and actively looking for a job is it risky to travel outside of the us now?
Hello! Thank you for such an informative video!
I am an OPT student and I have all the required documents that you have stated in the video except I am currently working part-time and not full time (it is written on my job offer letter too) so do you think that can be a problem?
I would not expect that to be a problem as part time work is acceptable during OPT.
Your videos are invaluable thank you so much for the time and effort! I'm currently on CPT and shortly filing for OPT but thinking it's better to stay on CPT until I get back and then file for the OPT, does that make sense? Thanks again we appreciate you!
Filing for OPT when you're in the US is recommended.
Can you work couple of months outside of US? Have stem opt ead card that expires in 3,5 months and want to work the remaining months in my home country and return on F1 student visa when I’m admitted to masters.
hello, Can i travel outside of usa before my opt EAD start date and come back before OPT EAD start date?
Hello! Thank you for providing such valuable information in your video!
I am an OPT student, and I've all the necessary documents mentioned in your video, including the no-objection letter from my employer. Currently, I am employed full-time with a consulting firm and undergoing practical training. However, I've encountered a situation where they are not compensating me until I successfully complete my training, as specified in my offer letter.
Do you think it will create any problem? Your insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
I don't think it will. Work on OPT could be unpaid and not cause a problem down the line. As long as the company is not violating any US labor laws.
Great video, very informative. My question is if is it possible for me to travel outside the US with an expired US visa on my passport? I am currently making use of my OPT, already have an EAD card and a valid signature on my I-20. The only thing is the visa on my passport that expired last May, everything else is good and up to date.
You don't need a valid US visa to exit the US, you will need one to return however.
Hi, my friend is on her OPT - STEM Extension and already got her EAD Card. She is working for an IT Firm which allows her to work from home from her home country as well. I wanted to know, what is the maximum number of days in a year she can spend in India and work from there without creating a risk for her immigration status? She has already spent 4 months outside the US while she has been on her STEM EXTENSION.
Please suggest!
After approving opt for how many days we can stay home country outside from the USA ?
I have my ead
I mean I got it in March im working outside usa but im planning to return in July end is it gonna be problem?
Loved the video, very helpful! What if my F1 visa is expired but I have an approved OPT and EAD, can I come back in the country?
Glad you did. Well you can't reenter the US until you obtain a new F1 visa. Unless you're traveling to reenter the US using Automatic Revalidation: th-cam.com/video/YSWu-Um8hLY/w-d-xo.html
Have you ever experienced any issues in an F1 renewal process while having an approved STEM OPT EAD Card? I
Thank you so much for this video! I have an urgent question, and I hope you can help me. I am planning on going back home (Nigeria) for the holidays. I am on stem opt, which expires on February 2023. I am coming back in January from Africa, is there any chance the embassy does not issue me a reentry visa? and even if they do, will I have issues at the customs border while returning to the US? PLEASE answer ME.
THANK YOU
How did you navigate this please?
I am scheduled to graduate on December 8th, 2023. I got my OPT EAD card with a start date of February 5th, 2024. I am planning to travel to India for my brother's marriage, departing on January 1st, 2024, and returning to the USA on January 30th, 2024. However, I anticipate a potential job offer from a desi consultancy without a confirmed client at this point.
Considering this situation, I am seeking clarification on whether it is advisable to proceed with my travel plans. I understand the importance of maintaining compliance with OPT regulations and want to ensure that my actions align with the guidelines.
There's always a risk with travel on OPT especially with no job offer after your graduation.
Hey I am also kind of stuck in the same situation as you, were you able to re-enter the US on 30th Jan?
Hello! I’m doing my OPT and I have all the requirements you say in the video. Just a question, I’m planning to travel in a couple of days out of the country and my visa expires in exactly one month. I’m planning to be out of the country only for 5 days, that means I’ll be entering back to US 3 weeks before my visa expires, is that a risk???
Hey ! Did you get back in ?
I am on OPT currently. I have got the EAD card expiring next year. I am also employed. My question is : For how long I can stay outside the US ? Can I stay outside the US for 4 months ?
Given the COVID19 pandemic, there have been certain flexibilities made for F1 students working on OPT. Generally an F1 student can maintain their status if they do not stay outside the US for more than 5 continuous months. So it's best to contact your DSO and your employer for clarification on your specific case.
My friend I have a quick question, so If I have received my Ed card and it says starts July 13 can I leave and reenter to USA without employment letter, still I and looking for 1 but I have to go to my country for familiar emergency.
Hey, did you travel?
Does Automatic visa revalidation applies to students on OPT. Traveling adjacent islands?
Yes. OPT is still considered an active F1 status.
@@SojourningScholar what if the OPT application is pending? Can automatic visa revalidation to adjacent island still apply?
Not advisable to travel after your graduation date while the OPT EAD is still pending.
Hello, I really enjoyed your video, it was quite enlightening. I'm presently on an F1 visa, and although my EAD start date is set for May 13th, 2024, I haven't received my EAD card yet. I need to travel to India for my sister's wedding in the first week of June 2024, and I plan to return by mid-July. Do you have any advice for handling this situation?
Glad it was helpful! Processing times are at 3.5 months now. So if you're past that window by early June 2024, you might be good.
Is it advisable to renew visa while on OPT after getting paystubs or can I do it before my start date with an employer letter, OPT card in hand and latest I-20??
Either way comes with some risks. So it's hard to say.
My OPT application got approved and I got my EAD card. Can I travel abroad and reenter before I start working? Or do I have to start working first before doing any travel?
Can you please answer this question
I have my opt for next 2 years , can I travel internationally while my h1b is pending. What steps do I need to take after return to US
Quite risky to do so. It's best to stay in the US until the H1b petition has been approved.
Hello, I do have all the documents mentioned in the video(along with job offer letter and a letter from the employer stating that I will travelling on such dates). I am planning to travel outside US for a month and when I get back to the US my F1-OPT/EAD would be valid for around 40 more days. I am planning to apply for my STEM OPT after I get back into the US. Given these conditions, am I good to travel outside US ?
Best to contact an immigration attorney for the best guidance. Use our link in description section to find an attorney.
Hey, I am in the same situation. Could you please provide an update on what documents and questions were asked during re-enter the USA
@@vaidehipatel1242 do you have any further recent info on this? Thanks.
I am in Iowa and planning to go to Hawaii. Can I go there with my passport, EAD Card, i20? My us visa is expired tho..
Hawaii is a US state. So, traveling from Iowa to Hawaii as an international student is like traveling from Iowa to Ilinois. You don't even need a passport to board the plane, as a state issued ID is fine.
@@SojourningScholar Thank you very much!
Hi..Thanks for the great video
I am on stem opt. My F-1 visa is expired. I am planning to travel to India for VISA restamping. I have all the docs like Step opt approved I-20, EAD card, Passport etc. Is there any risk as the the degree is completed?
There is always risk with travel on OPT. THe goal is to minimize or avoid them if you can.
Hi. I have applied for my opt but do not have my EAD card, i am currently outside of the U.S as I had to travel for family reasons. Will I have a problem re entering the u.s?
Hi, I have a trip I need to take and my opt is pending. Can you please let me know if you were able or not to re-enter the USA with you pending opt application?
@@nataoliveira5997 hey fam were you ever able to renter? I’m in a same situation and need to travel
Hello, I am on OPT and have a full time employment with a company in the US that allows working remotely. For how long can I stay outside the US while I continue to work for that company?
Best to be in the US during your time on OPT.
I'm on my stem OPT which is Valid until dec 2023. My H1B is not picked up in FY 2022 . Can I travel to India during my OPT period?
As long as you have a valid F1 visa and have maintained your status during your OPT period, you can seek re-entry into the US while on OPT.
@@SojourningScholar What is the maximum number of days anybody can spend outside US without hampering their immigration status and work from home since their job allows them to work from home!
Hey, I have my OPT approved, EAD card with me along with "Unpaid internship" employment "part-time" offer letter from a US NGO, and also have all valid documents not expiring before re-entering in US. I am planning international travel for just two months. My question, having a part-time unpaid internship offer from a company is a problem if the immigration asks about financial support evidence proof?
Watch our latest video on OPT unemployment.
Did you travel with unpaid internship?
@anishajadhav1377 heyy, did you travel?
Hi, I am on STEM OPT extension and planning to travel outside of the US. I am planning to stay in my home country for two months and my employer allowed that. The first month I will balance with my annual leaves and in the second month, I am planning to take leaves without pay. Is there any problem with that? My employer is also willing to allow me remote work from my home country in that period. Kindly comment on this. My F1 visa and travel signature are valid for this entire period. Thank you.
Risk always with OPT travel. Be mindful.
hi @MHJalani, Did you get a chance to take 2 month leave/wfh? and any experience with immigration? Thanks
My OPT is going to end on MAR 21,22. I am going to travel and come back by FEB 15,22 and apply for STEM OPT. Is it safe to go?
As long as you've maintained your status while on OPT, I would not expect any issues entering the US port of Entry with a valid F1 visa and your current OPT I-20. However, keep in mind that 1 month might be a short time to start the STEM OPT application. As getting the Form I-983 approved by your company might take a while. Watch our video on applying for STEM OPT with the Form I-983. Best of Luck!
@@SojourningScholar Thanks for your reply. I have already applied for my i983 and I am planning to set my docs ready before returning back, so that I can apply ASAP.
That's the way to do it!
My opt expires in two months 7days can I travel 10 days and come back while 2 months are there still
Nothing is guaranteed. As always travel on OPT can be risky!
What if the F1 visa is expired abd stem opt is valid
Then if you leave the US, you'll need a new F1 visa to get back to the US in F1 status. The OPT/STEM OPT are work authorizations and not visa extensions.
My F1 visa expires in Aug. My EAD first 12 months end in November, and will apply for 2 year extension in Aug. Can I travel abroad in December with expired F1 Visa? How do I renew my F1 visa if EAD card is not enough to travel abroad?
Hey did you get any suggestions on this? I am on a similar situation
@@muhannadalhasani4316 same situation - any idea?
@@MA-ou1cx Hi my situation was this, visa expired a year ago, my EAD card expiring mid September. Went home in July after booking an appointment to renew my visa in advance only needed SEVIS, I-20, passport, pic etc. They didn’t ask about my EAD card but doesn’t hurt to have it. Got a 5 year student visa and went back to the US with no complications
@@chaotic7209 hello - thanks for replying! My situation is that my f1 visa was expired 2020 and my stem opt will expire in may 2024. I am thinking to go back to renew my visa. How long do you think it will take to renew? I know it may be risky?
@@chaotic7209 how many months you had left on your OPT when you renewed your f1
My visa is expired when my OPT card arrived, can I still travel?
You must have an unexpired a US F1 visa to return to the US.
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How about if you are on the STEM OPT and are employed and want to travel within the US? Do I need anything besides the EAD card and F1 visa.