We have prepared this document to give you an easy way to assemble the appropriate documents described in the accompanying "Important Update" on OPT.

The Department of Homeland Security has contacted its port officers and the Department of State has sent a cable to its consular posts advising them of the following requirements for visa issuance and admission to the U.S. Those officers will be expecting to see these documents when you apply for a visa stamp or try to enter the U.S.

We strongly suggest that you collect the documents indicated below and attach them to this checklist for presentation to consular and port of entry officers. Carry them with you, on your person. Do not put them in your luggage.

BEFORE GRADUATION. Travel prior to graduation while the I-765 is pending does not cancel the OPT application.

• Valid passport.
• Valid visa stamp. If you have one already, you do not need to go to the consulate for a new one. If you need a new visa stamp, then present the other documents in this checklist to the consular officer.
• Valid I-20 with a signature that will be less than one year old on the day you plan to enter the U.S. Verify the signature date before you leave.

AFTER GRADUATION WHILE OPT APPLICATION IS PENDING. Travel after graduation while the I-765 is pending does not cancel the OPT application.

• Valid passport.
• Valid visa stamp. If you have one already, you do not need to go to the consulate for a new one. If you need a new visa stamp, then present the other documents in this checklist to the consular officer.
• Valid I-20, the new one issued when you applied for OPT.
• I-765 Receipt Notice. Get this from the International Office before you leave.

AFTER GRADUATION AND AFTER OPT HAS BEEN GRANTED AND THE EAD ISSUED.

• Valid passport.
• Valid visa stamp. If you have one already, you do not need to go to the consulate for a new one. If you need a new visa stamp, then present the other documents in this checklist to the consular officer.
• Valid new I-20 with the approved OPT annotation, and with a signature that will be less than six months old on the day you plan to enter the U.S. Get this from the International Office before you leave.Valid EAD card.
• U.S. job offer. In general a job offer should be on company letterhead, and should indicate the title of the position, the salary, and the starting date. Get this from your employer before you leave.