International students should not travel outside the United States without first speaking to an immigration attorney. Due to the current changing environment, there has been increased scrutiny of international students and all foreign nationals entering the United States.
A valid visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. Students should be proactive about travel and prepare for prospective sudden changes in enforcement. Unpredictable changes at U.S. consulates with regards to staffing and enforcement may cause unforeseen delays and challenges. Please note, students should be aware that there has been great scrutiny of social media and activities in the United States. SEVIS terminations and F-1 visa revocations are occurring.
If travel is necessary, students must travel with a passport that is valid for the full period they want to remain in the U.S., their F-1 visa stamp, and relevant I-20 documentation. When traveling internationally on F-1 status with Optional Practical Training (OPT), students must be fully prepared to explain their employment situation to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon reentry. In addition to carrying the valid passport and unexpired F-1 visa, students on OPT should also bring a signed Form I-20 with an OPT recommendation and a recent travel signature (within the last six months), their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, and a job offer or employment verification letter. This letter should clearly state their job title, duties, employer’s name and contact information, start date, and how the job relates to their field of study. Students must also be ready to verbally explain their work in clear, simple terms—what they do, who they work for, and how it connects to their academic background. Being well-prepared and organized helps ensure a smooth return to the United States.
This alert is for informational purposes exclusively and should not be construed as legal advice. Any questions or concerns, kindly email: michael@wildeslaw.com