An F-1 student on STEM OPT is facing a difficult travel dilemma. They want to visit India but are unsure if it is safe to re-enter the United States after missing their 12-month STEM evaluation in September.
Missed Evaluation Raises Concern
The student’s DSO already knows about the missed evaluation, and the next evaluation is scheduled for March 2026. The student is within status and holds a valid I-20. The concern is whether Customs and Border Patrol may review the SEVP portal during entry.
Experts Warn About Travel Risks
Some experts advise against travelling right now as missing this compliance step could cause issues. They say travel during a compliance gap is risky, especially in the current anti-immigration climate in the US.
Conflicting Experiences From Other Students
Other F-1 students disagree and say that someone with a similar missed evaluation re-entered the US without any problem. They claim CBP officers usually focus only on core documents like a valid visa, passport, and I-20.
Who Handles Compliance Issues
Missed evaluations are normally addressed by the DSO or the USCIS, not CBP. However, a student travelling with a missed evaluation may still face questions or secondary inspection at the airport.
Steps Before Travelling
Before planning travel, the student should speak to their DSO and confirm that their SEVIS record is active. They must also secure a recent travel signature on their I-20. Without an active SEVIS status, re-entry can be denied.
