Travel on OPT and STEM OPT: Documents for Re-entry

Changes in a postponed rule. A DHS final rule published July 17, 2026 (91 FR 44976) includes these travel-related changes: Federal Register

Admission period. A student seeking admission for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT may be admitted until the end date of the approved employment authorization, plus 30 days. If the Form I-765 is still pending, shown by a USCIS receipt notice, admission is until the DSO's recommended employment end date on the I-20, plus 30 days. The rule also sets a 30-day period after the program or OPT end date, shown on the I-94. Federal Register
Carrying the I-797C. A person who leaves with a pending extension of stay or employment authorization application should travel with a copy of the Form I-797C receipt notice. Federal Register
Leaving before filing. F-1 students present on September 15, 2026 who leave before filing for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT, and are then admitted with a fixed admission period, must file both Form I-765 and Form I-539. Federal Register
Automatic revalidation. The wording changes from "shall readmit for duration of status" to "may admit," up to the unexpired period of stay authorized before departure. Federal Register

USCIS says a federal court postponed the rule's effective date on September 14, 2026, and that USCIS "will proceed under the previous regulatory provisions" until the order is lifted. USCIS I-765 Some Study in the States pages still describe September 15, 2026 as the effective date, and ICE's SEVP pages mention the rule's publication. None of these pages mentions the court order. Study in the States ICE SEVP The rest of this page summarizes the other official pages listed below.

Documents for re-entry on post-completion OPT

Under the regulation, an F-1 student with an unexpired EAD issued for post-completion practical training, who is otherwise admissible, may return after a temporary absence to resume employment. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(13) Three official sources list the documents for this re-entry in different words:

Source	What it lists	I-20 travel signature
Regulation, 8 CFR 214.2(f)(13)(ii)	An unexpired EAD issued for post-completion practical training, used together with a Form I-20; the student must be otherwise admissible	Endorsed for reentry by the DSO within the last six months
USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Part F, Ch. 7	A current visa (if applicable), a Form I-20 and an unexpired Employment Authorization Document	Endorsed for travel by the DSO within the last 6 months
ICE SEVP travel page	Your EAD in hand if USCIS has approved your OPT, plus your Form I-20, valid passport and visa, and "a letter of employment if you have one"	Its general F-1 list says endorsed for travel and signed by your DSO, with no time period

Sources: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(13) USCIS Policy Manual ICE ICE

None of these sources labels the items "required" or "recommended" in those words. The letter of employment appears only in ICE's wording. ICE
Study in the States, in its general travel page for all F and M students, says to make sure your DSO has signed your Form I-20 within the last year. That differs from the six months in the regulation and the USCIS Policy Manual. Study in the States
Study in the States says USCIS sends the EAD only to your U.S. address, and that you are expected to have the EAD in hand to re-enter. Study in the States

ICE's general list of F-1 re-entry basics also includes:

A passport valid for at least six months after the date of your reentry. Nationals of the countries ICE lists may enter on a passport that is current up to its expiration date. ICE ICE
A valid, current visa, or travel to a contiguous country or adjacent island for less than thirty days. ICE says a student from a visa-exempt country does not need a visa to reenter from the western hemisphere, but should present the I-20 to be admitted as an F-1 student. ICE
Financial information showing funds to cover tuition and living expenses. ICE
Having been outside the United States for less than five months. ICE

Other points from Study in the States and SEVP:

The CBP officer may inspect your visa, Form I-20 and passport. Study in the States says to hand-carry these and not put them in checked baggage. Study in the States
You do not need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee again to reenter after travel. Study in the States
A student who arrives without all required signed documents, with an unpaid I-901 fee or with a SEVIS status issue may receive a Form I-515A. It admits you for 30 days while you get and submit the proper documents to SEVP. Study in the States
A 2026 SEVP post says to request travel signatures from your DSO at least two to four weeks before traveling. Study in the States
SEVP lists traveling outside the United States as a change for which OPT students work with their DSO beforehand, so that government records are accurate for re-entry. Study in the States

Re-entry on STEM OPT

In the 2016 STEM OPT final rule, DHS said students on STEM OPT extensions may travel abroad and seek reentry in F-1 status. 81 FR 13103
The same statement lists a valid F-1 visa that permits multiple entries and a current Form I-20 endorsed for reentry by the DSO within the last six months. It does not mention an EAD. 81 FR 13103
It also says the student's status is determined by CBP upon admission, or through a USCIS decision on a change of status petition. 81 FR 13103
The regulation's re-entry provision refers to an "EAD issued for post-completion practical training." No official page reviewed for this guide says whether that wording covers STEM OPT EADs. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(13)

Traveling while your OPT application is pending

The two SEVP-run sites use different wording:

ICE: "Yes, but traveling during this time should be undertaken with caution." ICE
Study in the States: "If you have a pending practical training application, it is not recommended that you leave the United States." A 2025 SEVP post says the same. Study in the States Study in the States

Both sites describe the same practical points:

USCIS may send a request for evidence (RFE) while you are away. ICE says to give a correct U.S. address to your DSO and on the application, and to be able to send the requested documents. ICE
Study in the States says USCIS sends these requests only to your U.S. address. Study in the States
If USCIS approves your OPT while you are abroad, ICE says you are expected to have your EAD in hand to re-enter. USCIS can send the EAD only to a U.S. address. ICE

Traveling while a STEM OPT application is pending

The sources differ, and the two that address this directly are old:

2016 STEM OPT rule: DHS said students "whose application for a STEM OPT extension is pending" may travel abroad and seek reentry, with a valid multiple-entry F-1 visa and an I-20 endorsed for reentry within the last six months. 81 FR 13103
2010 SEVP policy guidance: written for the earlier 17-month STEM extension, it answered "No" to traveling when the EAD has expired and the extension request is pending, saying the student must wait for the new EAD. This guidance is dated April 23, 2010 and is still linked from ICE's Practical Training page. SEVP guidance 2010 ICE

No current SEVP or USCIS page reviewed for this guide addresses travel while a STEM OPT application is pending.

Travel and unemployment days

USCIS says time spent overseas counts toward your aggregate maximum allowed period of unemployment, and that time outside the United States does not extend your OPT. USCIS Policy Manual
ICE says that if you exceed the unemployment limits while outside the United States, you will not be eligible to re-enter in F-1 status. ICE
The regulation allows no more than 90 days of unemployment during post-completion OPT, and no more than 150 days in total for students granted the 24-month STEM extension. It says F-1 status during post-completion OPT depends on employment. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)
The 2010 SEVP guidance says time outside the United States counts as unemployment unless you are employed during employer-authorized leave or traveling as part of your job. It refers to the "90/120-day limits" in place at that time. The USCIS Policy Manual states no exceptions. SEVP guidance 2010 USCIS Policy Manual

Count your days with the OPT unemployment days calculator.

The grace period after OPT

ICE says you cannot re-enter during the 60-day period after finishing your program or OPT, because that period is only to prepare to leave the country. ICE
ICE's travel page shows "Updated 07/08/2025." The postponed 2026 rule described in the note above would set a 30-day period instead. ICE Federal Register
No official page reviewed speaks specifically about travel after the program end date when OPT is approved but has not started yet.

Absences of more than five months

The official sources are silent on how the five-month rule applies to students on post-completion OPT or STEM OPT. Here is what they say in general:

The regulation says an F-1 student returning from a temporary absence of five months or less may be readmitted "for attendance" at an SEVP-certified school, with a current I-20 endorsed for reentry or an updated I-20 after a substantive change. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(4)
ICE's F-1 re-entry FAQ section says it applies to continuing F-1 students who travel for five months or less. ICE
USCIS says a student who leaves for more than 5 months and cannot remain enrolled will not be able to maintain student status, and must seek readmission in initial status with a new I-20 to resume the program. The same USCIS section discusses OPT re-entry but does not link the two statements. USCIS Policy Manual
Study in the States says to make sure you are not leaving the country for more than 5 months. Study in the States
A 2015 Study in the States post describes the five-month rule for students whose record was terminated for more than five months, and for students who spent more than five months abroad during an absence from school. The page carries a notice that its content may be outdated. Study in the States

If your F-1 visa has expired

Renewing the visa abroad

ICE says you may stay in the United States on an expired F-1 visa while maintaining status. If you return home, or travel to a country where automatic revalidation does not apply, you need a valid visa to return. ICE
ICE says a student visa cannot be renewed inside the United States. ICE
ICE says the Department of State recommends applying in your home country. If you apply in a third country, you cannot return until the visa is issued, and you cannot return if it is denied. ICE
For a new visa application, ICE lists, among other documents, a copy of your Form I-20 endorsed for OPT and your EAD, if you have one. ICE
If an expired passport contains a valid visa, ICE says to present the old passport together with the new one. ICE
ICE strongly advises students with an expired visa and a terminated SEVIS record not to travel until the record is Active again. ICE

The State Department's travel.state.gov pages could not be checked for this guide, so visa facts here come only from ICE and the State Department regulation.

Automatic visa revalidation

ICE describes automatic revalidation as returning from a visit of less than thirty days to Canada, Mexico or an adjacent island, with a valid Form I-20 and a valid unexpired Form I-94. It makes the visa usable for that single trip but does not renew it. You cannot apply for a new visa and use automatic revalidation at the same time. ICE ICE ICE

The State Department regulation, 22 CFR 41.112(d), lists conditions that include:

A Form I-94 endorsed to show an unexpired period of admission or extension of stay and, for an F student, a current I-20 endorsed by the school official. 22 CFR 41.112
An absence not exceeding 30 days in contiguous territory or adjacent islands other than Cuba. 22 CFR 41.112
Having maintained, and intending to resume, nonimmigrant status; a valid passport; and applying within the authorized period of initial admission or extension of stay. 22 CFR 41.112
Not having applied for a new visa while abroad. 22 CFR 41.112
It does not apply to nationals of countries identified as supporting terrorism in the State Department's annual report. 22 CFR 41.112

The wording differs: ICE says "less than thirty days," while the regulations say "not exceeding 30 days." ICE's F-1 answers do not list the new-visa or country exclusions that appear in 22 CFR 41.112(d). ICE 22 CFR 41.112

The DHS regulation in its version before September 15, 2026, 8 CFR 214.1(b)(1), said the officer "shall readmit for duration of status" an F student whose visa is automatically revalidated. The student had to present the prior I-94 and a properly endorsed I-20, or a new I-20 after a substantive change. 8 CFR 214.1(b) (Sept. 14, 2026) See the note above for the postponed rule's wording.

Cap-gap travel

USCIS says an F-1 student may generally travel and seek readmission in F-1 status during cap-gap if all three of these are true: USCIS

The H-1B petition and change of status request have been approved.
The student seeks readmission before the H-1B change of status takes effect, normally October 1.
The student is otherwise admissible.

USCIS says that if you travel while the H-1B petition and change of status request are pending, the change of status request is considered abandoned. USCIS
The USCIS Policy Manual states the same three conditions, and adds that if the H-1B petition is approved, a student who traveled may apply for an H-1B visa from abroad. USCIS Policy Manual
USCIS says students who do not qualify for cap-gap, and whose authorized stay ends before the H-1B start date, must leave, apply for an H-1B visa abroad if applicable, and seek readmission in H-1B status. USCIS
USCIS says a CBP officer always makes the final decision on admission, even when all listed requirements are met. USCIS
Study in the States says a student who leaves before USCIS approves the H-1B change of status cannot re-enter as an F-1 student under the cap-gap provisions. Study in the States

On the EAD, the sources differ:

Study in the States lists a valid, signed Form I-20 and an F-1 visa for cap-gap readmission, says you will not need to provide an EAD because it will already have expired, and says your proof of continued F-1 status is a note on your Form I-20. Study in the States
The 2016 STEM OPT rule says the EAD re-entry provision, 8 CFR 214.2(f)(13)(ii), does not apply to students who leave during cap-gap. 81 FR 13103
The 2010 SEVP guidance answered yes to cap-gap travel "provided the student has a valid EAD," and recommended not traveling during cap-gap if possible because a change of status application is considered abandoned if the applicant leaves while it is pending. This guidance is dated April 23, 2010. SEVP guidance 2010

After you return: check your I-94

CBP says travelers can get their arrival/departure (I-94) record online and print it from the I-94 website using "Get Most Recent I-94." CBP
Study in the States says CBP gives an admission stamp showing the date of admission, the class of admission and the admitted-until date. Study in the States
Study in the States says the information on the record must be correct, and that differences between the I-94 and SEVIS can cause problems. Study in the States
CBP says that if you received an electronic I-94 and leave by land, your departure may not be recorded accurately. CBP

See the I-94 guide for more on reading and correcting your record.

Common questions

What documents do I need to travel on OPT?

The sources list them differently. The regulation names an unexpired post-completion OPT EAD used with a Form I-20 endorsed for reentry by your DSO within the last six months. The USCIS Policy Manual lists a current visa (if applicable), that I-20 and an unexpired EAD. ICE lists your EAD in hand, your Form I-20, a valid passport and visa, and a letter of employment if you have one.

Can I travel while my OPT is pending?

The official sites use different wording. ICE says yes, but travel during this time should be undertaken with caution. Study in the States says leaving is not recommended. Both note that USCIS may send a request for evidence, and that USCIS sends requests and the EAD only to a U.S. address.

Can I travel on STEM OPT with a pending application?

The sources differ and are old. The 2016 STEM OPT rule says students with a pending STEM OPT application may travel with a valid multiple-entry F-1 visa and an I-20 endorsed within the last six months. SEVP guidance from 2010, written for the older 17-month extension, said a student whose EAD expired while the extension was pending must wait for the new EAD. No current SEVP or USCIS page reviewed addresses this.

Does time abroad count as unemployment on OPT?

USCIS says time spent overseas counts toward your maximum allowed unemployment and does not extend your OPT. ICE says exceeding the unemployment limits while abroad makes you ineligible to re-enter in F-1 status. The 2010 SEVP guidance lists two exceptions, employer-authorized leave and travel as part of your job, while USCIS states none.

Can I re-enter during the grace period after OPT?

ICE says no. It says the 60-day grace period after finishing your program or OPT is only to prepare to leave the country.

Can I travel during cap-gap?

USCIS says you may generally travel and seek readmission in F-1 status during cap-gap if your H-1B petition and change of status have been approved, you return before the change of status takes effect, and you are otherwise admissible. Traveling while they are pending causes the change of status request to be considered abandoned.

Can I renew my F-1 visa inside the U.S.?

ICE says no: a student visa cannot be renewed while in the United States. ICE says the Department of State recommends applying in your home country.

Does the five-month rule apply to OPT?

The official sources reviewed do not say. The regulation and ICE describe the five-month temporary absence rule for readmission for attendance and for continuing F-1 students. No official page reviewed explains how it applies to post-completion OPT or STEM OPT.

Keep your records in EADly

EADly can save each trip with its dates, prompt you after an international trip to save your new I-94, and keep your EAD and I-20 dates alongside it. EADly Free saves one trip.

Get EADly on the App Store

Official sources

Every fact on this page comes from these official pages. Dates are the "last updated" or "last reviewed" dates the pages showed when checked on September 28, 2026.

ICE SEVP: TravelUpdated 07/08/2025
ICE SEVP: Student and Exchange Visitor ProgramUpdated 08/11/2026
ICE SEVP: Practical trainingUpdated 12/10/2024
SEVP Policy Guidance 1004-03, Update to OPTApril 23, 2010
Study in the States: Traveling as an F or M studentLast updated August 17, 2026
Study in the States: Back-to-School Preparations (blog)August 17, 2026
Study in the States: Spring Break Travel Reminders (blog)March 11, 2025
Study in the States: OPT Student Reporting RequirementsLast updated June 1, 2023
Study in the States: What is the Five-Month Rule? (blog, flagged as possibly outdated)January 14, 2015
Study in the States: H-1B Status and the Cap Gap ExtensionLast updated April 28, 2025
Study in the States: Getting to the United StatesLast updated May 25, 2023
USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Part F, Ch. 7: Absences From the United StatesCurrent as of September 23, 2026
USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Part F, Ch. 5: Practical TrainingCurrent as of September 23, 2026
USCIS: Cap-Gap Extension of OPT and F-1 StatusLast reviewed/updated 01/17/2025
USCIS: Form I-765, Application for Employment AuthorizationLast reviewed/updated 09/15/2026
CBP: Arrival/Departure Forms: I-94Last modified July 22, 2026
8 CFR 214.2 on eCFR (paragraphs (f)(4), (f)(10)(ii)(E) and (f)(13) cited here are the same before and after September 15, 2026)Checked September 28, 2026
8 CFR 214.1 on eCFR (version as of September 14, 2026, before the postponed rule)Point-in-time version 2026-09-14
22 CFR 41.112 on eCFRChecked September 28, 2026; last amended 86 FR 55693 (Oct. 7, 2021)
Federal Register: 81 FR 13040, STEM OPT final rule (March 11, 2016)Published 03/11/2016
Federal Register: 91 FR 44976, Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission (July 17, 2026)Published 07/17/2026

This page summarizes official information. It is not legal, immigration or tax advice. Confirm your situation with your DSO or a qualified immigration attorney. Last updated September 28, 2026.

Travel on OPT and STEM OPT

At a glance