Travelling outside the USA while on Optional Practical Training (OPT) [closed]

I have a friend who is doing a Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics (STEM) optional practical training (OPT). His OPT is ending on 15 June, 2018. His visa is valid till December 2018. He is travelling outside the USA on 21 April, 2018 and coming back on 15 May, 2018. Will there be any issue at immigration while he comes back to the USA, since he is just left with one month of his OPT?

f1-visas

Best Answer

Here is an F-1 travel FAQ from Homeland Security which mentions:

If USCIS has approved your OPT you will be expected to have your EAD in hand to re-enter the United States, in addition to your Form I-20, valid passport and visa, and a letter of employment if you have one. If you exceed the limits on unemployment while outside the United States, you will not be eligible to re-enter the United States in F-1 status.

If he has all of these things including proof of a job in the US, he should be able to re-enter for the purpose of finishing his job before his OPT ends. If he doesn't have a job in the US, he might have a harder time explaining his purpose of entry.

Before traveling during OPT, it's always a good idea to check with your Designated School Official to make sure your I-20, SEVIS record, OPT reporting and STEM OPT reporting requirements are all in order.

Pictures about "Travelling outside the USA while on Optional Practical Training (OPT) [closed]"

Travelling outside the USA while on Optional Practical Training (OPT) [closed] - From above of tired senior sportsman lying on fitness mat near ball and dumbbells and resting after training in sunny day

Travelling outside the USA while on Optional Practical Training (OPT) [closed] - Concentrated bearded senior black man wearing warm sportswear leaning forward with hands on knees and closed eyes in street near building while break in workout

Travelling outside the USA while on Optional Practical Training (OPT) [closed] - Concentrated African American bearded aged male athlete with closed eyes in activewear running on city street in sunny day

Can I travel outside the country with the OPT?

Traveling while on OPT or OPT STEM Extension In general, an F-1 student on post-completion OPT may travel outside the United States temporarily and be readmitted to resume F-1 status and employment for the remainder of the period authorized on his or her EAD card.

Can I travel outside US while waiting for EAD?

In general, travel is not recommended when an individual has a request pending with USCIS. This is because being outside the U.S. during the processing of a benefit could be considered abandonment of your petition.

How long can I stay out of the US on an OPT visa?

Post-completion and STEM OPT: You are eligible to travel abroad on a temporary basis (less than 5 months) and re-enter the U.S to continue employment.

How long can a person on OPT work remotely outside US for a US company?

The OPT is a student visa extension that allows international graduates to work in the US for up to 12 months after completing their studies.

Why You Should NOT Apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training) in 2022 - The REAL Truth About OPT!!

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Barbara Olsen, Anna Shvets, Barbara Olsen, Barbara Olsen