Travel and Re-entry in F-1 Status / OPT
Here's more information based from:
International Students and Scholars Office
Columbia University
Last Reviewed: February 23, 2006 Last modified: February 23, 2006
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http://www.columbia.edu/cu/isso/visa/F-1/F-1_travel.html
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Travel while on Post-completion Optional Pra:
tical Training
The entry requirements while you are on OPT are similar to the requirements while you are a student; however, you will need to show some additional documentation. The Department of Homeland Security allows for re-entry while on OPT "to resume employment after a temporary absence".
All individuals who have applied for post-completion OPT must carry the following documents:
___ Passport valid for 6 months into the future
___ Valid F-1 entry visa, unless using visa revalidation
___ I-20 recertified within the past 6 months. Please note that this is a change in the length of validity of recertifications. Recertifications are generally valid for one year, but once you are on OPT, they are valid for only 6 months.
** See Documents Required for Re-entry in F-1 Status for document descriptions.
If you have applied for OPT, but not yet received the EAD, you must also carry the following:
___ Original receipt notice issued by the Vermont Service Center confirming your request for OPT.
If your OPT has been approved, you must also carry the following:
___ EAD card
___ Letter from employer confirming that you are employed or have been offered employment
The guidance from DHS states that if an individual has been approved for OPT and leaves the U.S. prior to receiving a job offer, the OPT authorization ends. If you are planning to leave the U.S. and do not have all of the required documentation, please speak with an advisor at the ISSO.
If you require a new entry visa while on OPT, be aware that there is no guarantee that you are eligible for one. You are required to establish non-immigrant intent every time you apply for a non-immigrant visa. This may be harder to establish when you are working rather than studying. If you have an expired F-1 entry visa, speak with an ISSO advisor before planning a trip abroad.
