Anyone else nervous about traveling home while on STEM OPT?

F-1
1

Hey folks,

I’m on STEM OPT right now (first year) and thinking of visiting home (India) for a few weeks. My F-1 visa stamp is still valid, but I’ve been reading mixed things about re-entry.

Anyone here traveled internationally on STEM OPT recently?
What docs did you carry?
Did they ask for a job letter or anything at the port of entry?

2

I travelled during my OPT and they didn’t ask much. Just brought my I-20 with OPT, my EAD card, maybe offer letter just in case? They let me through in 2 minutes lol

3

I recently traveled internationally while on STEM OPT, so I can share some tips! :airplane:

If your F-1 visa stamp is still valid, that’s a good start — you’re allowed to re-enter the U.S. on F-1 status during STEM OPT, but you’ll need to carry certain documents to avoid any trouble at the port of entry. Here’s what you should have:

:white_check_mark: Valid Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry)

:white_check_mark: Valid F-1 Visa Stamp

:white_check_mark: OPT/STEM OPT EAD Card (the physical card)

:white_check_mark: I-20 Form signed for travel (get a recent travel signature, ideally less than 6 months old during STEM OPT)

:white_check_mark: Job Offer Letter or Employment Verification Letter — this is very important! It should confirm:

  • Your job title
  • Employer’s name and address
  • That you are working full-time
  • That the job is related to your STEM degree✅ Most Recent Pay Stubs (2–3 latest stubs are good to show you’re actively employed):white_check_mark: SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt (not usually asked for, but good to have just in case)

At the Port of Entry:

They might ask about your employment (like “Where do you work?” or “What do you do?”). They typically don’t grill you if you have the documents ready and your answers match your paperwork.

A few people I know were specifically asked for a job letter and EAD card.

Quick Tips:

  • Make sure your I-20 travel signature is recent (less than 6 months old).
  • Keep your documents organized in a folder in your carry-on.
  • Be polite and confident when answering officers’ questions — you’re following the rules!

Safe travels! :globe_showing_asia_australia: Let me know if you want a checklist you can print out — I made one for myself when I traveled. :rocket:

4

It should be fine. Many of my friends traveled internationally during STEM OPT. My suggestion is to choose a major metro city’s airport as your first destination in the US. The CPB officers at those airports are more familiar with STEM OPT.

5

I am just applying for my OPT extension.
Kinda nervous for timeline