Travel Outside the U.S. for Students on OPT, STEM extension, or Academic Training

Learn about the required documents for re-entry to the U.S., Customs and Border Protection, and other important information about re-entry.

Students should be prepared with their documents when re-entering the U.S. and be prepared to answer questions from a Customs and Border Patrol officer. 

Documents

These are the documents students should carry for re-entry:

1. Passport that is valid 6 months into the future
2. An F-1 or J-1 visa that is valid on the date of re-entry to the U.S.
3. A printed I-20 (F-1 students) or printed DS-2019 (J-1 students) that has been signed for travel
4. Most recent I-94 (https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/)
5. Letter from employer stating the student will be returning to work
6. EAD card- F-1 students only

Interacting with Customs and Border Patrol (CBP)

The permission to re-enter the U.S. is determined by Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). Be sure to provide the officer with the documentation that they request and answer questions concisely. CBP officers are able to search electronic devices. For additional information, see the links below.

• Border Search of Electronic Devices at Ports of Entry
• Electronic Device Searches at U.S. Ports of Entry: What You Need to Know

After Re-Entry in the U.S.

After students re-enter the U.S., they should print their I-94 (https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home) with their most recent entry information. If the information is inaccurate, be sure to let ISS know (iso@lsu.edu) so we can advise you on getting the I-94 updated. Students must keep a paper copy with the most recent I-94 with them as it shows their status in the U.S.

Travel while OPT or STEM Extension are Pending

Travel outside the U.S. after a student has completed their program and while an OPT application is pending and travel outside the U.S. after a student has completed their 12-month OPT and while the STEM extension is pending can be risky. Students will need a valid EAD card to re-enter the U.S. and could be denied entry if they do not have an EAD card. Please email iso@lsu.edu if you have questions about your specific situation.