COVID-19 International FAQs

Generally, no – you do not need special documents from the university in order to travel to the U.S. If you need specific documentation for your planned trip, submit an Ask an Advisor eForm requesting an updated I-20. We understand that some airlines may require specific letters regarding the operations of the university. Please provide as much information in your request as possible, and we will issue a letter for you. The ISSO will email your documents to your UT Dallas email address.

As you all know, international mobility remains challenging in the COVID-19 pandemic. It is impossible to predict if and when further restrictions will be put in place by the U.S. Administration for travelers returning from high-risk countries. If you are currently outside the U.S. or plan to travel outside the U.S., we recommend that you continue to monitor travel updates by CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Yes, if you are in a nonimmigrant visa category and plan to travel to the U.S. on or after November 8, 2021, a new CDC order requires you to be vaccinated. You can read more about this new requirement on the ISSO News page.

You must be physically in the U.S. at the time you submit your Optional Practical Training (OPT) application.

You may stay in the U.S. on an expired F-1 or J-1 visa as long as you maintain your immigration status and meet normal enrollment requirements. (Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter the U.S.)

If you leave the U.S. and your visa will have expired by the date you wish to re-enter the U.S., then you will need to obtain a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate before you can re-enter the U.S. (Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter the U.S.) Because of the changing array of travel restrictions, nonimmigrant students should refer to their local embassy’s website through the U.S. Department of State for any updates about visa issuance.

If you will be traveling to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands, may be eligible for automatic revalidation.

Due to the impact of the coronavirus, many employers are asking their employees to work from home. You may still maintain your F-1 status while working remotely on practical training. We also recommend that you keep any communication from the employer that instructs you to work from home so you have it as supplemental documentation for the future.

If you are on OPT/STEM OPT
You are not required to report that you are working remotely. However, you may submit a OPT/STEM OPT reporting eForm through iComet if you wish. The eForm includes a section for notes, where you can indicate “Working remotely from home.”

ISSO will add a remark to your SEVIS record indicating that you are working remotely. You will not receive an updated I-20 for this change unless you are also changing employers.

If you are on CPT
Due to the impact of the coronavirus, many CPT employers are asking their interns to work from home. You may still maintain your F-1 status while working remotely on CPT.

• Please inform the JSOM Career Management Center, University Career Center, or Jonsson Career Services to confirm if you are eligible for remote work.

If you applied to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR) status in the United States, consult an immigration attorney regarding international travel.