Traveling During F1-OPT/STEM OPT

Travel After Degree Completion
For F-1 Post-Completion OPT & STEM OPT Students

CRITICAL WARNING: Failure to carry all required immigration documents may result in DENIAL of entry to the United States and/or loss of F-1 status and associated Post-Completion OPT and STEM OPT benefits.

COMPLIANCE ALERT: Individuals in F status are responsible for maintaining their U.S. immigration status. BEFORE submitting any Form I-20 request in iMIT, they MUST confirm that all Post-Completion OPT and STEM OPT Extension reporting requirements are up-to-date and accurate with the ISO.

I. FORM I-20, OPT, & TRAVEL OVERVIEW

IMPORTANT: J-1 students sponsored by MIT MUST refer to the ISO Entering the U.S. (Continuing J-1 Students) webpage for travel and entry requirements for current and alumni students. This webpage is ONLY for MIT-sponsored F-1 students.

Understanding the Form I-20 “Program End Date”

F-1 students MUST carefully evaluate any travel outside the U.S., both before and after the “Program End Date” listed under the “Program of Study” section on page 1 of their Form I-20.

Impact on Travel & Work/Employment Authorization

Although travel is permitted after submitting an OPT application to USCIS, it carries significant risks and should be done with caution. Therefore, BEFORE making travel plans, students MUST review the travel and entry requirements on the ISO website [here] and this webpage to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration rules and regulations.

CRITICAL REMINDER: Entry into the U.S. is at the discretion of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. The ISO CANNOT guarantee, influence, or predict decisions made by CBP officers at a U.S. port of entry.

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II. POST-COMPLETION OPT TRAVEL GUIDANCE

Travel BEFORE the Form I-20 Program End Date

REGARDLESS of whether an OPT application is pending or approved, F-1 students who travel outside the U.S. and return BEFORE the “Program End Date” listed on their Post-Completion OPT Form I-20 will enter as a “Current F-1 Student”, and they MUST carry the required documentation listed on the ISO website [here].

REMINDER: A new I-94 Record will be issued upon re-entry. This is expected and DOES NOT affect a pending or approved OPT application.

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Travel AFTER the Form I-20 Program End Date

Post-Completion OPT Application Pending:

The ISO strongly recommends that F-1 students travel outside the U.S. ONLY after their OPT application has been approved, and they have received their EAD card. Individuals who travel or remain outside the U.S. AFTER the Form I-20 “Program End Date,” while their OPT application is still PENDING with USCIS, may encounter serious immigration complications. These complications include, but are not limited to:

  • OPT Denial or Rejection: If USCIS denies or rejects the OPT application while the individual is outside the U.S., their F-1 status automatically ends, and they CANNOT return to the U.S. in F-1 status or reapply for OPT.
  • Requests for Evidence (RFE): USCIS may send an RFE that MUST be answered from inside the U.S. If the individual is outside the U.S., they may be unable to respond to the RFE, resulting in a denial.
  • EAD Delivery Issues: If the OPT is approved while the individual is outside the U.S., they MUST have the EAD card in hand to re-enter.
    • NOTE: The delivery of an EAD card can be challenging, especially when coordinating how to receive it from a U.S. address to an address abroad.
      • If the card is lost or delayed, a replacement EAD card application CANNOT be submitted from outside the U.S., which could delay their work/employment and even prevent the individuals’ return to the U.S.
      • Coordinating the delivery of an EAD card abroad can be difficult. If the card is lost or delayed, a replacement EAD card application CANNOT be submitted from outside the U.S.
  • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Guidance: Information on this issue can be found on their website [here], under the question “Can I re-enter if my request for OPT is still pending?”:
    • “Yes, but traveling during this time should be undertaken with caution. USCIS may send you a request for evidence while you are away, so you should ensure that both your DSO and USCIS have your correct U.S. address and that you can send any requested documents promptly. If USCIS approves your OPT application, you will be expected to have your EAD in hand to re-enter the United States. USCIS can only mail the EAD to your U.S. address.”

CAUTION: The ISO can NEVER guarantee entry into the U.S. or predict outcomes at a U.S. Port of Entry (POE). Students MUST have all the required documentation mentioned below to enter the U.S. AFTER the “Program of Study End Date” listed on page 1 of their Form I-20. Otherwise, they risk being denied entry and losing their F-1 status and OPT benefits.

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Post-Completion OPT Application Approved:

F-1 students who travel or remain outside the U.S. AFTER the Form I-20 “Program End Date” and whose OPT application has been APPROVED by USCIS MUST carry all of the following documents when returning to the U.S.:

  • 1. Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six (6) months into the future, at all times.
  • 2. Valid F-1 Visa Sticker/Stamp: Must be valid (not expired), except for citizens of Canada and Bermuda.
  • 3. “Certificate of Eligibility” Form I-20: The most recent Form I-20 MUST :
    • List the current OPT employer(s) on page 2.
    • Include an ISO travel signature (page 2) issued within the past six (6) months.
  • 4. EAD Card(s): The physical OPT EAD card(s).
  • 5. Employer Support Letter(s): A recent letter from the OPT employer confirming:
    • Dates of employment/training.
    • Job duties and worksite location.
    • Supervisor’s contact information.
    • Compensation information (if applicable).

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) guidance on travel during OPT can be found on their website [here], under the question “Can I re-enter if I left while on OPT?”:

  • “If USCIS has approved your OPT, you will be expected to have your EAD in hand to re-enter the United States, in addition to your Form I-20, valid passport and visa, and a letter of employment if you have one. If you exceed the limits on unemployment while outside the United States, you will not be eligible to re-enter the United States in F-1 status.”

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III. 24-MONTH STEM OPT EXTENSION TRAVEL GUIDANCE

Travel BEFORE Post-Completion OPT EAD Card End Date

REGARDLESS of whether a STEM OPT Extension application is pending or approved, F-1 students who travel outside the U.S. and return BEFORE their Post-Completion OPT EAD card expires will enter using their Post-Completion OPT EAD card, along with all the required documents listed below.

REMINDER: A new I-94 Record will be issued upon re-entry. This is expected and DOES NOT affect a pending or approved STEM OPT Extension application.

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Travel AFTER Post-Completion OPT EAD Card End Date

STEM OPT Extension Application Pending:

The ISO strongly recommends that F-1 students travel outside the U.S. ONLY after their STEM OPT Extension application has been approved, and they have received their STEM OPT EAD card. Individuals who travel or remain outside the U.S. AFTER their Post-Completion OPT EAD card expires, while their STEM OPT Extension application is still PENDING with USCIS, may encounter serious immigration complications. These complications include, but are not limited to:

  • STEM OPT Denial or Rejection: If USCIS denies or rejects the STEM OPT Extension application while the individual is outside the U.S., their F-1 status automatically ends, and they CANNOT return to the U.S. in F-1 status, and they will lose their STEM OPT Extension benefit for that degree level.
  • Requests for Evidence (RFE): USCIS may send an RFE that MUST be answered from inside the U.S. If the individual is outside the U.S., they may be unable to respond to the RFE, resulting in a denial.
  • EAD Delivery Issues: If the STEM OPT Extension is approved while the individual is outside the U.S., they MUST have the STEM OPT EAD card in hand to re-enter.
    • NOTE: The delivery of an EAD card can be challenging, especially when coordinating how to receive it from a U.S. address to an address abroad.
      • If the card is lost or delayed, a replacement EAD card application CANNOT be submitted from outside the U.S., which could delay their work/employment and even prevent the individuals’ return to the U.S.
      • Coordinating the delivery of an EAD card abroad can be difficult. If the card is lost or delayed, a replacement EAD card application CANNOT be submitted from outside the U.S.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) guidance on this issue can be found on their website [here], under the question “Can I re-enter if my request for OPT is still pending?”:

  • “Yes, but traveling during this time should be undertaken with caution. USCIS may send you a request for evidence while you are away, so you should ensure that both your DSO and USCIS have your correct U.S. address and that you can send any requested documents promptly. If USCIS approves your OPT application, you will be expected to have your EAD in hand to re-enter the United States. USCIS can only mail the EAD to your U.S. address.”

WARNING: For the reasons listed above, the ISO strongly advises against traveling or remaining outside the U.S. AFTER a Post-Completion OPT EAD card expires. Students who are missing ANY required travel documents listed below may be DENIED entry to the U.S.

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STEM OPT Extension Application Approved:

F-1 students who travel or remain outside the U.S. AFTER their Post-Completion OPT EAD card expires and whose STEM OPT Extension application has been APPROVED by USCIS MUST carry all of the following documents when returning to the U.S.:

  • 1. Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six (6) months into the future, at all times.
  • 2. Valid F-1 Visa Sticker/Stamp: Must be valid (not expired), except for citizens of Canada and Bermuda.
  • 3. “Certificate of Eligibility” Form I-20: The most recent Form I-20 MUST :
    • List the current OPT employer(s) on page 2.
    • Include an ISO travel signature (page 2) issued within the past six (6) months.
  • 4. EAD Card(s): The physical OPT EAD card(s).
  • 5. Employer Support Letter(s): A recent letter from the OPT employer confirming:
    • Dates of employment/training.
    • Job duties and worksite location.
    • Supervisor’s contact information.
    • Compensation information (REQUIRED).

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) guidance on travel during OPT can be found on their website [here], under the question “Can I re-enter if I left while on OPT?”:

  • “If USCIS has approved your OPT, you will be expected to have your EAD in hand to re-enter the United States, in addition to your Form I-20, a valid passport and visa, and a letter of employment if you have one. If you exceed the limits on unemployment while outside the United States, you will not be eligible to re-enter the United States in F-1 status.”

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IV. KEY POST-OPT & STEM OPT TRAVEL REMINDERS

IMPORTANT: Individuals traveling to or transiting through a country(s) where they are not a citizen or permanent resident MUST check entry/transit requirements with that country’s embassy/consulate BEFORE departure. A list of foreign embassies and consulates can be found on the U.S. Department of State (DOS) website [here].

CRITICAL WARNING: Individuals in F-1 status can NEVER enter the U.S. on a tourist visa (B-1/B-2) or the Visa Waiver Program (VWP, ESTA), as this will TERMINATE their F-1 status and INVALIDATE any OPT and STEM OPT benefits.

Documents & Reporting Responsibilities

  • Travel Signatures: After the end date listed on a student’s Form I-20/during OPT, travel signatures (page 2) are ONLY valid for six (6) months.
  • I-94 Record: Students MUST continue to check their I-94 record upon EVERY entry into the U.S. to confirm it lists “F-1” as the Class Of Admission and “D/S” as the Admit Until Date.
  • OPT EAD Card: If a student’s Post-OPT or STEM OPT EAD card has been approved, they MUST carefully review all information on the card and upload a copy to iMIT upon receipt. If there are any errors on the card, the student MUST email their ISO Advisor as soon as possible.
  • Travel Considerations: If a student exits the U.S. and their F-1 visa sticker/stamp has expired, they MUST apply for a new F-1 visa sticker/stamp at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate abroad before returning to the U.S. in F-1 status with OPT.
    • NOTE: Students not traveling outside the U.S. DO NOT need a valid F-1 visa sticker/stamp in their passport to remain in the country.

COMPLIANCE ALERT: F-1 students are NOT allowed to have prolonged absences outside the U.S. for more than five (5) consecutive months.

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U.S. Government Oversight & Maintaining F-1 Status

CRITICAL REMINDER: F-1 students are responsible for maintaining their lawful nonimmigrant status while participating in any period of authorized OPT work/employment.

U.S. Government Oversight: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) closely monitors work/employment authorizations for international students. DHS-issued Policy Guidance clearly states that ALL off-campus work/employment activities MUST meet the eligibility criteria and reporting requirements, including being “directly related to the student’s major area of study” [8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)].

ATTENTION: All work/employment activities MUST be specific to the student’s major field of study and NOT based on general concepts from the degree program or a single course.

Eligibility & Reporting Requirements: This information is outlined throughout the U.S. government web pages, the ISO Knowledge Base webpage here, and on the following ISO web pages:

COMPLIANCE REMINDER: Optional Practical Training (OPT) is NOT a separate U.S. immigration status; it is a “benefit” of F-1 status. After completing an MIT degree program, a student’s F-1 status is no longer tied to their academics but instead to their qualified U.S. work/employment.

F-1 students approved for Post-Completion OPT or the STEM OPT Extension MUST ensure that all required reporting obligations are completed accurately and on time to maintain their lawful F-1 status in the U.S. Compliance with all U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulations is MANDATORY.

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V. TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION & ISO PROCESSING

Requesting Updated Immigration Documents & Travel Signatures

WARNING: MIT-sponsored F-1 students MUST request a new “Certificate of Eligibility” Form I-20 document with an updated travel signature online through iMIT. The ISO DOES NOT accept in-person requests.

Determining When a New Form I-20 with an Updated Travel Signature Is Required: BEFORE making travel plans – OR – submitting a request to the ISO, F-1 students in a period of Post-Completion OPT or the 24-Month STEM OPT Extension MUST confirm that their most recently issued “Certificate of Eligibility” Form I-20 has a valid travel signature on page 2 that was issued within the past six (6) months.

  • To determine whether a new Form I-20 with an updated travel signature is required, review the questions below:
    • 1) Travel Timing: Will the student enter the U.S. within the 30 days?
    • 2) Travel Signature Validity: Is the travel signature on page 2 of the most recent Form I-20 MORE than six (6) months old from the expected U.S. entry date?
    • 3) OPT Employer Information Accuracy: Does the most recent Form I-20 NOT reflect the student’s current Post-OPT/STEM OPT employer information on page 2?
      • If the answer to any of the above questions is “YES,” the student MUST request a new Form I-20 with an updated travel signature BEFORE returning to the U.S.

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How to Request a New Form I-20 with an Updated Travel Signature: After reviewing the most recently issued Form I-20, if a new document or updated travel signature is required, follow the steps below:

  • 1) Log in to iMIT Limited Client Services for Alumni.
  • 2) From the left-side menu, select ”F-1 Student Services”.
  • 3) Open the ”Request Replacement of Form I-20” e-Form.
  • 4) Answer all the questions in the e-Form, also selecting a reason for the request (e.g., “Travel Signature”).
  • 5) Upload the REQUIRED financial documentation, ensuring that ALL materials meet the following criteria:
    • Financial Documentation Requirements:
      • Currency & Validity: MUST be in U.S. dollars (USD) – AND – issued within the past six (6) months.
      • Acceptable Financial Evidence: Documentation MUST demonstrate a *specific amount in USD (*see below) and may include evidence, such as:
        • A copy of a recent employer support letter confirming employment and current salary.
        • A copy of a recent employer offer letter listing position details and salary.
        • A copy of a recent paycheck.
        • A copy of a personal bank statement showing sufficient funds.
        • A copy of a sponsor’s bank statement – AND – accompanying letter of financial support from the sponsor.
  • 6) Review all information and documents to make sure they are correct and up to date.
  • 7) Click “Submit”.

*MINIMUM FUNDING REQUIREMENTS*

  • F-1 Student (ONLY) Costs: A single F-1 student MUST show financial documentation for at least:
    • $4,000 per month (or $48,000 for 12 months) to cover estimated living expenses and health insurance costs during Post-OPT/STEM OPT.
  • Dependent Costs (F-2): MUST include the F-1 student costs above, plus the following dependent costs:
    • One Dependent: +$1,256/month ($15,075 per year)
    • Two Dependents: +$500/month ($6,000 per year)
    • Each Additional Dependent: +$292/month ($3,500 per year)

*ATTENTION: These amounts are based on MIT’s current estimated living expenses and health insurance costs for individuals and dependents on Post-Completion OPT or the 24-Month STEM OPT Extension.

*IMPORTANT REMINDER: F-1 students MUST carry their financial documentation and proof of employment when traveling abroad. U.S. immigration officials may request these documents upon entry to the U.S.

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ISO Processing Times & Submission Recommendations

  • Immigration Document Processing Timeline: The ISO strives to process immigration requests as efficiently as possible and typically completes correct and complete requests within 10 business days (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date of submission through iMIT.
  • Delivery of Immigration Documents: After the ISO processes a request, the student will receive an email at the primary email address on file. The email will include instructions on how to access and download the immigration document.
    • NOTE: Current U.S. government guidance allows the ISO to send immigration documents electronically.
  • Immigration Document Signature Requirements: F-1 students are NOT permitted to sign immigration documents digitally or electronically. Upon receiving the document(s), students MUST download, print, and hand-sign (“wet sign”) and date the document(s) to make it a valid hard copy, accepted by the U.S. government.
    • NOTE: Signed documents may then be used for international travel and visa sticker/stamp applications (as applicable).

CRITICAL REMINDER: Students should ALWAYS carry their previously issued immigration documents when traveling, as these may be needed to verify their prior U.S. immigration history.

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VI. IMPORTANT REMINDERS & RESOURCES

Quick Reminders:

  • Maintaining a U.S. immigration status is an F-1 student’s RESPONSIBILITY.
  • NEVER begin paid or unpaid work/employment without proper authorization.
  • Report ALL changes and updates in iMIT within 10 calendar days.
  • During approved periods of OPT (Post and STEM), a travel signature on a Form I-20 is valid for ONLY six (6) months from the date it was issued, as indicated on page 2 of the most recently issued Form I-20.
  • Keep copies of ALL immigration and employment documentation ever issued.

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MIT Resources:

  • Special Topics in Immigration and International Travel (OGC) webpage
  • MIT Global Support Resources – Travel and Safety Abroad website
  • Technology Tips For Travelers (IS&T) webpage
    • International Travel Considerations section
  • MIT International Scholars Office (ISchO) Guidance for MIT Departments/Offices hiring individuals on the F-1 STEM OPT Extension webpage

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ISO Resources:

  • ISO Main Employment webpage
  • ISO Post-Completion OPT: Reporting Requirements webpage
  • ISO F-1 STEM OPT Extension: Reporting Requirements webpage
  • Obtaining the Form I-94 Record webpage
  • U.S. Port-of-Entry Inspection & Common Questions information
  • Traveling With Electronic Devices, Data, & Equipment Information
  • Secondary Inspection information
  • Nexus & Global Entry information
  • Special Situations information
  • Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR) Information
  • U.S. Entry Visa Sticker/Stamp Requirements webpage
    • Applying for a New U.S. Student Entry Visa in a Third-Party Country webpage
    • Third-Party Country Visa Applicants webpage
  • How to Contact the ISO for Assistance Information

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U.S. Government Resources:

  • USCIS F-1 Student Resource webpage
  • USCIS Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students webpage
  • DHS Working in the United States webpage
  • DHS Training Opportunities in the United States webpage
  • ICE Travel webpage
  • CBP Travel For International Visitors webpage

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Other Travel Resources:

  • The New England Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Know Your Rights: What to Do if You are Detained at a Port of Entry guide.
  • The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Know Your Rights: Enforcement at the Airport webpage.

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Disclaimer: The information on this webpage is only for MIT-sponsored students.

For additional questions, students should first review the ISO Employment web pages thoroughly. They are encouraged to use the ISO search tool (located at the top of the ISO website) or consult the comprehensive FAQ section in the ISO Knowledge Base. MIT students may also contact their designated ISO Advisor directly for assistance.

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MIT Division of Graduate and Undergraduate Education