F-1 Travel & Re-entry

Before travel you should check your immigration documents and verify your F-1 status. Upon re-entry into the U.S. after traveling abroad, you will need to show the necessary immigration documents to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official at the port of entry; CBP has the final decision on your ability to re-enter the U.S. and decides based upon a variety of factors (documents, status maintenance, etc.). Students engaging in domestic travel (travel within the U.S.) should travel with the required identification and immigration documents as well. Students with any travel document needs, special circumstances or questions, or that encounter any difficulties while traveling/upon re-entry into the U.S., should contact International Student Services (ISS).

International Travel & Re-entry into the U.S.

Present the following documents to U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon re-entry:

• Required Documents
  • Passport (valid at least 6 months into the future)
  • Valid Visa (with multiple entry stamp)
  • Travel Endorsed I-20 (DSO signature on “Travel Endorsement” section of 2nd page)
    • During academic studies, travel endorsements are valid for one year or until the end of your academic program (whichever date is earlier)
    • During Authorized OPT travel, endorsements are valid for 6 months
• Recommended Documents
  • Form I-901 (SEVIS Fee Receipt)
  • Form I-94 (Most recent travel record)
  • Most Recent Transcripts (unofficial or official)
  • Evidence of financial support (bank statement, sponsor document, etc.)
  • Proof of student status (transcript, enrollment verification letter, academic department letter, etc.)

Students on OPT:

• Must have the documents identified above
• Must have the most recent document for their OPT application/authorization
  • If requested and USCIS application submitted, but not yet authorized by USCIS:
    1. OPT Requested I-20
    2. OPT application receipt
  • If authorized by USCIS:
    1. OPT Authorized I-20
    2. EAD card
    3. Employment letter (if job has been obtained)

Students that processed a Change of Status (COS) to F-1 within the U.S.:

• If you changed your status from any other status to F-1 inside of the U.S., you must obtain an F-1 visa while abroad (you were not issued an F-1 visa with your F-1 status approval) to re-enter the U.S.
• Plan accordingly to apply for your F-1 visa; make sure you can complete the entire visa process (including obtaining your F-1 visa) during your travel dates
• Bring your I-797 Notice of Approval, which also serves as your I-94 record
• Discuss travel plans with ISS. Having F-1 status through a COS does not guarantee that you will successfully obtain an F-1 visa and be able to re-enter the U.S.
• If you do choose to travel, you must also travel with the documents identified above, including the recommended ones. You should consider traveling only if absolutely necessary due to the risk of not being able to obtain an F-1 visa to return to the U.S.

Domestic Travel (Within the U.S.)

Students that wish to travel domestically (within the U.S.) generally do not need to have their I-20 endorsed for travel, but should travel with the necessary identification documents (Passport, I-20, etc.). This includes direct travel to and from U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands) located within the Caribbean. However, if at any time during your trip you enter another country (including port entries on a cruise trip) you will need to make sure you have all your valid immigration documents in order to re-enter the U.S. As such, ISS recommends that students carry their immigration documents, including a travel endorsed I-20, with them even if they only plan to travel in between U.S. territories and the mainland or on a cruise.