University of North Texas 
- International Students
- J-1 Scholars
- Intensive English
- Programs
- Scholarships/Funding
- Fulbright
- Faculty/Staff Resources
- Back
- Faculty/Staff Resources
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- 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
While we do not recomend traveling while your OPT application is pending, please see below for requirements:
- You may re-enter to continue seeking employment
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Carry your I-765 receipt with you
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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
- You must have a valid passport with more than 6 months validity remaining
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.
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If you have a job, you may travel and re-enter to resume work at the same job.
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Carry an employment letter with you
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Carry your EAD card
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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
- You must have a valid passport with more than 6 months validity remaining
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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.
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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. As such, we do not recommend international travel if you require a new F-1 visa stamp.