As the world becomes more connected, international students in the U.S. often wish to travel abroad, whether for leisure, family matters, or other reasons. If you are an F-1 student on post-completion OPT or STEM OPT, you may be wondering about the nuances of traveling while maintaining your status. Here, we delve into the key points you should consider before embarking on your journey.  

Traveling and Re-entry:

An F-1 student on post-completion OPT can travel outside the U.S. and be readmitted to resume F-1 status and employment, provided they meet specific criteria. The student must:  

Be working in a field relevant to their degree. 

Not exceed the permissible unemployment duration during OPT (90 days)  or STEM OPT (60 days). 

However, it's crucial to be aware that, due to the current U.S. immigration environment, there might be increased scrutiny at U.S. ports of entry. This can manifest as added questioning or inspection of personal devices and social media. 

Documents to Carry Before leaving the U.S., ensure you have the following documents:  Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from your reentry date. Valid F-1 Visa Stamp: Unless you are a Canadian citizen. If your student visa is expired, you will need a new F-1 visa stamp. OPT-endorsed Form I-20: This form should be endorsed for travel by your Designated School Official (DSO) within the last six months. Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD): This card demonstrates your work authorization. Employment Verification Letter: This letter from your OPT employer confirms your employment. 

Counting Days Abroad One significant point to remember is that time spent outside the U.S. during a valid EAD may count against the unemployment limit set by the USCIS. Currently, OPT students can have a maximum of 90 days unemployment during the initial 12 months of OPT. For those on STEM OPT, it's 60 days within the 24-month period.  

Navigating Questions at the Port of Entry Officers may inquire about various aspects, such as:  Your reason for visiting the U.S. Your activities while in the country. Details about your academic program. 

If questioned: Stay Calm: Answer honestly and briefly. Be straightforward. Avoid Risky Jokes: Avoid making off-color remarks about illegal activities, terrorism, etc. Preparing Your Electronic Devices Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may inspect your electronic devices. This could encompass:  Device Inspection: Officers may ask to see your phone, laptop, or tablet. Social Media Scrutiny: Your public profiles and posts may be checked for content that may show violations of U.S. laws or breach of visa status. 

Social Media & App Audit It's essential to review and ensure your online presence doesn't raise red flags. This includes checking for photos, videos, or posts that might be misconstrued or directly indicate violation of laws or academic integrity. 

In Conclusion Traveling while on OPT or STEM OPT is feasible, but it requires meticulous planning and an understanding of U.S. immigration policies. Make sure you're well-prepared, have all the necessary documentation, and understand the implications of your travel. Safe travels!