University of North Texas 
- International Students
- J-1 Scholars
- Intensive English
- Programs
- Scholarships/Funding
- Fulbright
- Faculty/Staff Resources
- Back
- Faculty/Staff Resources
-
- Fulbright Faculty Workshops
- Study Abroad Faculty Workshops
- Global Partnerships & Agreements
- Global Funding for Faculty
- Faculty/Staff Visa Services
- Host a J-1 Exchange Visitor
- Visa Types
- Award for Distinguished Contributions to International Education
- Early Career Award for Distinguished Contributions to International Education
- Study Abroad
Travel on OPT
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program office at the Department of Homeland Security has issued operating instructions for travel during OPT.
Travel and re-entry after program completion, before EAD approval
- You may re-enter to continue seeking employment
-
Carry your I-765 receipt with you
-
Make sure your I-20 is endorsed for travel within 6 months of your return date
- You must have a valid F-1 visa stamp to re-enter
Travel and re-entry while on OPT
- If your OPT has been approved and you depart before you get a job, your OPT ends and you cannot re-enter.
-
If you have a job, you may travel and re-enter to resume work at the same job.
-
Carry an employment letter with you
-
Carry your EAD card
-
Make sure your I-20 has been endorsed in the last 6 months
- You must have a valid F-1 visa stamp to re-enter
-
Is your F1 visa stamp expiring and you need a new visa stamp?
- While you are on OPT, you are still in F-1 visa status and must have a valid F-1 visa stamp to re-enter the U.S.
-
For this visa category, you must satisfy the consular official that you have sufficient intent to return to your home country. This may be a challenge when you have completed your degree, and are employed.