It is important to remember that you are still in F-1 status while engaging in Optional Practical Training. That being said, you need to be able to show the following materials to re-enter the U.S. while on a period of post-completion OPT or the OPT STEM extension:
- Valid F-1 entry visa
- Valid passport
- I-20 which has been signed for re-entry within the last six months
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Proof of employment
If your F-1 entry visa is expired and you will be traveling outside the United States, you will need to apply for a new F-1 entry visa before you can re-enter in F-1 status. This may be more difficult than your original application because you still have to prove that you do not intend to remain permanently in the United States. This becomes more and more difficult to do the longer you remain in the United States.
If you no longer live in Philadelphia and cannot come in for a signature, you can request our office to reissue the I-20 and sign it for travel by submitting the online request form. We will email you the I-20.
Re-entering the U.S. in any visa classification other than F-1 will void the employment authorization. Check your I-94 upon entry. If anything other than F-1 is written there you are NOT in F-1 status and not eligible to continue employment.