Q: I am planning to travel outside the U.S. for a month,.How safe is it to travel during this period?
I am an international student currently on F1 OPT status and working as a volunteer with an NGO related to my major. I am planning to travel outside the U.S. for a month, from January 1, 2025, to February 3, 2025, and wanted to ask for your advice:
How safe is it to travel during this period?
Are there any anticipated changes to immigration policies under Trump's administration that I should be aware of?
What necessary documents should I carry to ensure a smooth return?
I’d appreciate any insights or recommendations you can share. Thank you.
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A:
Given the uncertainty around potential policy changes in 2025, you should take extra precautions to protect your immigration status during international travel. Your current F1 OPT status requires specific documentation to ensure your successful return to the United States.
Before traveling, ensure you have a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond your return date), a valid F1 visa stamp, your original I-20 form with a recent travel signature from your DSO (signed within the last 6 months), your EAD card, and proof of current employment through a letter from your NGO. Your employment documentation should clearly show how your volunteer work relates to your field of study, as this connection is crucial for maintaining OPT status.
While no one can predict future immigration policy changes with complete accuracy, you can protect yourself by maintaining detailed records of your travel plans and keeping digital copies of all your documents. Consider scheduling your return with enough buffer time before your OPT end date, and stay in touch with your DSO throughout your time abroad. You might also want to carry additional supporting documents like your academic transcript, degree certificate, and detailed job description to demonstrate your compliance with F1 OPT requirements.
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