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Traveling outside the U.S. while on Post-OPT is allowed—but it comes with additional risks and responsibilities.

Recently, we have seen an increase in students experiencing difficulties at the U.S. port of entry, including visa cancellations, when they were unable to clearly demonstrate that their OPT employment meets F-1 requirements.

Before traveling, it is important to understand what you may be asked and how to prepare.

When you return to the U.S., a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer may ask questions such as:

• Who is your employer?
• What do you do in your job?
• How long have you been working there?
• How is your job related to your major?
• How many hours do you work each week?
   

You may also be asked to provide documentation and evidence to support your answers.

If you are unable to clearly explain your employment or provide proof, you may face:

• Delays or additional questioning
• Denial of entry
• Visa cancellation
   

You should carry the following documents in your carry-on bag (not checked luggage):

• A valid passport (at least 6 months into the future)
• A valid F-1 visa (unless you are visa-exempt, such as Canadian citizens)
• Your OPT I-20 with a travel signature less than 6 months old
• Your EAD card
• Proof of employment (see below)
• ASU Travel Letter
   

It is important you are able to provide clear evidence of your OPT employment. Having multiple documents to prove your employment status will be beneficial. 

Examples include:

• Basic employment proof
  • Job offer letter
  • Employment verification letter
  • Recent pay stubs
• Documents showing your job is related to your major
  • Job description
  • A short written explanation of how your job relates to your degree
     

Not all CBP officers will ask the same questions or request the same documentation. The inspection process at the port of entry can vary by officer and situation, so it is important to be prepared for a range of questions and requests.

If you are working in an unpaid position, you should be especially prepared to show documentation. Since you will not be able to show pay stubs, it is important that you can provide evidence of your work. 

Examples include: 

• A detailed verification letter from your employer confirming:
  • Your role and responsibilities
  • Your work schedule (at least 20 hours per week)
  • Start date and current status
  • Supervisor contact information
• Documentation of your work, such as:
  • Project/task summaries
  • Timesheets
  • Calendar of assignments
     

Unpaid roles can be more heavily questioned, so it is important to clearly show that your position is legitimate, active, and directly related to your major.

If you do not currently have a job or job offer, please be reminded that re-entry to the U.S. is not guaranteed. Since the purpose of OPT is to be working in a position directly related to your major for 20 hours or more per week, without employment, you may encounter increased scrutiny as to how you are maintaining your F-1 status on OPT. 

Even if you have unemployment days left, without active employment, the CBP officer could deem you ineligible to return. 

• Travel signatures are valid for 6 months while on OPT
• If your signature will be older than 6 months when you return, it is important to request a new I-20 before traveling
• You can apply for a new travel signature by submitting the Replacement and Travel I-20 eForm that can be found in the MyISSC eForm Portal via the F-1 Student Services tab.
   

• Be ready to clearly and confidently explain your job
• Keep your answers simple and consistent with your documents
• Carry both digital and printed copies of your documents
• Make sure the information in your SEVP Portal is up to date
   

Before you travel, ask yourself:

If not, take time to prepare your documents before your trip.

Travel on OPT is a benefit, but it also comes with risk. It is your responsibility to make sure you are fully prepared before leaving the U.S.