M1 student, how to travel international before OPT?

[lopezkoa 0]

Is it possible to travel internationally before I start my OPT.  I will graduate in August and have 2 weeks free before I start my OPT on August 15. I want to travel internationally and was wondering what do I need to do before I travel to be sure that I am able to re-enter on my same M1 visa. Do I need to apply for a re-entry permit online or do it at the airport before I travel and is there anything else I need to know before doing this?

[arken 4,197]

While you can travel some CBPs may still give you hard time during return. Best is to travel once you've started working.

 

Documents required: OPT card, valid M1 visa, signed for travel i-20 for OPT from your ISO/DSO, job offer letter.

[nastra30 2,076]

3 hours ago, lopezkoa said:

Is it possible to travel internationally before I start my OPT.  I will graduate in August and have 2 weeks free before I start my OPT on August 15. I want to travel internationally and was wondering what do I need to do before I travel to be sure that I am able to re-enter on my same M1 visa. Do I need to apply for a re-entry permit online or do it at the airport before I travel and is there anything else I need to know before doing this?

I agree with @arken. Especially making sure you already have a job offer related to the OPT.

[lopezkoa 0]

3 hours ago, arken said:

While you can travel some CBPs may still give you hard time during return. Best is to travel once you've started working.

 

Documents required: OPT card, valid M1 visa, signed for travel i-20 for OPT from your ISO/DSO, job offer letter.

 

I most likely wont be able to travel after I start OPT because I wont have enough time.

 

When I graduate on August 4, I have almost 2 weeks until I start OPT, so i start on August 15 so I have time to travel.  My M1 Visa is valid until October. I also have my I-20 documents for OPT employment with Sevis number.

 

I didn't receive my OPT card yet but I mailed my application and check for it  last month, so since it might take 3 months i may or may not have received it by August. Would this be a problem if I didn't receive the card yet?

Edited June 21, 2022 by lopezkoa

[arken 4,197]

16 minutes ago, lopezkoa said:

I also have my I-20 documents for OPT employment with Sevis number.

You need to have it signed by your international school office specifically calling out your travel on one of the page to be able to return back.

 

16 minutes ago, lopezkoa said:

didn't receive my OPT card yet but I mailed my application and check for it  last month, so since it might take 3 months i may or may not have received it by August. Would this be a problem if I didn't receive the card yet?

So it's still pending. I strongly advise not to travel while opt is pending and your classes already over. You may get into trouble.

Edited June 21, 2022 by arken