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Re-entry after Post-Completion OPT (Optional Practical Training) and EAD (Employment Authorization Documentation) card has been issued
Regulations allow for reentry “to resume employment after a temporary
absence.” ISS cautions students attempting to reenter the United States while on post-completion optional practical training who have not yet secured jobs.
• Students may be questioned on whether or not they are returning to the U.S. to continue or start a job at the Port of Entry
• The longer a student has had an EAD but has not been working, the greater the likelihood he or she might encounter difficulties
• In all cases if you are not employed, you should be prepared to explain the substantial steps you are taking to secure employment
• SEVP further clarified that the student need not have already commenced actual employment before leaving, as long as the student has a job offer to return to.
• This policy concerns eligibility to reenter the United States. It does not mean that not having a job offer at the time the EAD is approved is a status violation. It is assumed, though, that a student with approved OPT who does not depart the U.S. must be engaged in a diligent search for employment.
• The best general guidance is for you to have both an EAD for post-completion
OPT and a job or job offer to avoid experiencing difficulty reentering the United States. If either of these two conditions is missing, then you are assuming risk.
• If you are on OPT and plan on traveling, be sure to request a travel signature.
Follow the check-list below:
-Complete an ISS Service Request Form: submit online OR download form, and check travel signature request on the form.
-Submit a copy of the letter of employment or proof of interviews scheduled for your return to the USA to ISS. We strongly advise you to carry with you the original letter of employment offer or proof of interviews when you travel.
-Provide ISS with a legible copy of your Employment Authorization Card (EAD)
-Submit original I-20 or DS2019 for travel signatures
-Expect at least 3 days for processing the travel signature and maybe longer during busy travel periods such as time right before winter and summer breaks.
-Obtain a visa if your visa has expired or will expire before your return to the US or if you changed your status within the US (See Obtaining a New VISA). It is also recommended that you visit International Student Services beforehand as it may be difficult to obtain a new visa while outside the US and on OPT. |
