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Traveling outside the U.S. while on STEM 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.
 

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 STEM 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 STEM 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
    • Remember: Unlike during Post OPT, any work on the STEM Extension must be paid. Having verification of your position being paid (such as with pay stubs) is especially important while on the STEM Extension.
       
• 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 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.
• If your I-20 still shows your STEM OPT as ‘Requested’ or ‘Pending’ on the second page, it is a best practice to get your I-20 reprinted to show that your STEM OPT is ‘Approved’. You can also request for this adjustment if needed using the Replacement and Travel I-20 eForm.
   

If you will be traveling for more than 30 days, we recommend you obtain a letter from your employer explaining your employment status and the nature of any employment activities while you are outside the U.S. Remember: STEM OPT is a benefit for working within the United States. Your employer letter should address:

• How long you are expected to be outside the US
• Whether you will be continuing to work or taking time off
• If taking time off, an explanation of the way time off is being used (official vacation, unpaid leave, etc.)
• If work is continuing, an explanation of the temporary work arrangement (temporary permission to work remotely, etc.)
• Important: If you will be working remotely outside the country, the letter should indicate that this is a temporary arrangement, with the expectation that you will resume work in the US as soon as you return.
   

Remember that any travel may not exceed 5 months.

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