Carnegie Mellon University
Division of Enrollment Services  ›  Office of International Education  ›  Travel  ›  Travel Documents for Re-Entry to the U.S.  ›  F-1 & J-1 Students  ›  Travel on OPT or Academic Training

Travel on Optional Practical Training or Academic Training

F-1 Students Authorized for Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Students who travel while on OPT are required to travel with additional documentation. Students who travel while on OPT (and particularly those who must obtain a new visa sticker to re-enter the U.S.) run a greater risk of not being readmitted to the U.S., so careful planning is encouraged.

Students on OPT should carry the following documents to re-enter the U.S. after a trip abroad:

  • Valid passport
  • I-20 with travel signature no more than 6 months old
  • Valid F-1 visa sticker
  • OPT EAD card 
  • Job offer letter

J-1 Students on Academic Training (AT)

J-1 students who have graduated and are on authorized AT are required to present the following documents to re-enter the US: 

  • Valid passport
  • Valid DS-2019, with AT authorization, endorsed for travel by the OIE foreign student advisor within the last 12 months 
  • Valid J-1 visa sticker
  • Job offer letter (recommended) 

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Important Notes:

Students who do not carry all of the required documents may not be permitted to re-enter the U.S. If you have additional questions regarding travel and re-entry, be sure to consult with your OIE advisor before traveling outside the U.S.

Students traveling on pending OPT/STEM should contact OIE to discuss their plans.