Table of contents:
NEW - Traveling on Optional Practical Training – NEW INFORMATION!!!!!!!
Q: Can I reenter the U.S. if my request for OPT is pending?
A: YES, you may reenter to search for employment.
You MUST carry the following documents:
1. I-765 receipt notice (Form I-797) – very important!!!!!!!
2. I-20
3. valid passport
4. valid visa stamp
Q: Can I reenter the U.S. if I left while on OPT?
A: If your OPT has been approved and you depart before you get a job, your OPT
ends and you cannot reenter.
If your job has not started yet that is all right, but you must have a job offer.
If you have a job, you may travel and reenter to resume work at the same job.
You MUST carry the following documents:
1. EAD card
2. I-20 – signed within the past 6 months
3. valid passport
4. valid visa stamp
5. offer letter from employer
This is new information.
Regulations have always said you were suppose to have a job to reenter the United States, but immigration interpreted that to mean you could come in and look.
But now the interpretation is different. You must have a job that you are going
to work at if you travel outside the U.S. while on OPT.