Travel and Re-entry to the U.S. While on OPT

Traveling while on OPT or OPT STEM ExtensionIn general, an F-1 student on post-completion OPT or STEM OPT may travel outside the United States temporarily and be readmitted to resume F-1 status and employment for the remainder of the period authorized on his or her EAD card. The student must not have exceeded the maximum OPT unemployment or OPT STEM Extension unemployment time and must not have been absent from the US for more than 5 months.Please also review all general travel and re-entry information on the main Travel and Re-Entry page.WARNING: Re-entering the United States in a status other than F-1 (such as a tourist) will invalidate F-1 status and OPT authorization.DocumentsBefore Completing Academic Program & Before OPT EAD Approval*After Completing Academic Program & Before OPT or STEM EAD Approval*After Completing Program & After OPT or STEM EAD ApprovalValid passport✔✔✔Valid F-1 visa stamp (if applicable)See below: "Getting an F-1 Visa Stamp During OPT/STEM" if your visa will...