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International Travel Guidance

International Services Portal

Contact

Office of International Services

1020 Walnut Street,
Scott Memorial Library, 5th Floor

F-1 Students on Post-Completion OPT or STEM-OPT

Contact your DSO if you are on OPT and do not have valid employment or if your passport or visa will expire soon. You must also contact your DSO if you plan to discontinue your OPT or STEM Extension.

Email all your inquiries and questions to your Designated School Official (DSO),

Center City Campus: [email protected]

East Falls Campus: [email protected]

Required and Recommended Documents

F-1 students who have completed their studies and have applied or are approved for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) or the 24-month STEM extension of OPT must have the following documents to return to the US after a temporary absence:

  1. Unexpired passport valid at least six months into the future on the date of your return to the U.S.
  2. Unexpired F-1 entry visa issued by a U.S. Consulate
  3. OPT or STEM OPT Form I-20 with a travel signature from an OIS advisor not more than six months old on the date of your return
  4. Your OPT / STEM OPT I-20 should reflect your employment authorization dates and (if you are employed) your most recent employer
  5. Additionally, carry one of the following documents, depending on the status of your application:
  • OPT application is pending (in process): Copy of your I-797 Receipt Notice from USCIS
    • International travel while an OPT apllication is pending can be risky. Important considerations are:
      • OPT applications must be fled from inside the U.S.
      • If your visa is expired, visa renewals are difficult while an OPT application is pending.
      • If your OPT is denied, you cannot re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status.
      • If your OPT is approved while you are outside the U.S., you may be expected to have your EAD card for re-entry
  • OPT application has been approved: Your Employment Authorization (EAD) card from USCIS.

  • Recommended Documents

  1. Employer Offer Letter
  2. Proof of Employment- this can be copies of your paystubs

Note: Traveling after your program end date and while your OPT is pending may be subject to increased scrutiny by CBP.

Students Being Sponsored by H-1B Employers

Students on practical training who are in the process of being sponsored for an H-1B temporary worker status should always consult with their H-1B employer about travel plans before departing the U.S., as international travel may affect an H-1B petition that is in process with USCIS.

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