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Can I travel while my OPT or STEM extension I-765 is still pending?

Traveling while your initial OPT I-765 is pending is risky: USCIS may consider the OPT application abandoned if you depart while it is being adjudicated, and you generally cannot re-enter to start OPT without the approved EAD in hand. Travel during a pending STEM OPT extension is treated more leniently because you may continue working on the automatic 180-day extension of your prior EAD, but re-entry still depends on your documents and the CBP officer. In all cases, talk to your DSO before leaving and avoid travel if you do not yet have the EAD or a clear basis to re-enter.

Watch out

Departing with a pending initial OPT application can be treated as abandonment; STEM extension travel is safer but still document-dependent and decided by CBP.

Source: ICE SEVP, Travel (ice.gov/sevis/travel)

Informational, not legal advice. Immigration rules change and individual cases differ. Confirm anything that affects your status with your school’s DSO or an immigration attorney before acting.

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