Travel Information for International Students

This section will provide you with information regarding reentering the U.S. after a temporary absence. If you plan to leave the U.S. and return to FSC, you must have the necessary documents to permit reentry to the U.S.

Please remember that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the Port of Entry (POE) ultimately decides to grant or deny entry into the United States. The decision is based upon the facts and circumstances presented at the time of entering. We cannot guarantee admission or readmission to the United States.

• Prior to travel, request a travel endorsement of your I-20. Processing time is approximately 3-5 business days. An updated I-20 will be sent to you via email. If you received an electronic I-20, you must print and sign the document and carry the paper version with you.
• Your I-20 will not be endorsed for travel during your post-graduation grace period and you cannot re-enter in your F-1 status if you depart the United States.

Traveling Internationally For Students Currently Enrolled

For current students, the travel signature on your I-20 is valid for one year from the date it was issued or until the completion of your program, whichever comes first.

Travel with these required documents:

• Valid passport: your passport must be valid at least 6 months into the future at all times. Contact your embassy or consulate if you need to renew your passport.
• Valid F-1 visa: your visa must be valid on the date you will re-enter the U.S. If your visa has expired while abroad, you will need to apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate abroad.
• I-20:  your I-20 must have a valid travel signature.
• Recommended: Proof of enrollment, this can be a transcript or enrollment verification certificate that is issued by the registrar’s office, or a copy of your current or future academic schedule.
  
  

Traveling Internationally For Students on OPT or STEM OPT

For students on Post-completion OPT or STEM OPT, the travel signature on your I-20 is valid for 6 months or until the completion of your program, whichever comes first.

If your Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT application is pending a decision, we do not recommend traveling abroad.

If you have not received your EAD card, we recommend avoiding international travel until the EAD card is received.

If traveling internationally with a valid EAD card but lacking a job offer, we recommend postponing travel if possible; re-entry may be denied for a traveler lacking a job offer during OPT or STEM OPT.

Travel with these required documents:

• Valid passport: your passport must be valid at least 6 months into the future at all times. Contact your embassy or consulate if you need to renew your passport.
• Valid F-1: your visa must be valid on the date you will re-enter the US. If your visa has expired while abroad, you will need to apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate abroad.
• Form I-20: your I-20 must be your most recent I-20 with your OPT authorization and valid travel signature. If you received an electronic I-20, you must print and sign the document and carry the paper version with you.
• Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card)
• Proof of employment (Job Offer Letter )

Travel within the U.S.

You should carry the following original documents:

• Valid passport
• F-1 visa (does not need to be valid)
• I-20 with a valid travel signature
• Printed copy of I-94 record

IMPORTANT:  It is the student's responsibility to see if they need a visitor's visa to enter the country to which they are traveling to. A F-1 student visa is only for entry to the U.S.

Helpful Resources:

https://www.ice.gov/sevis/travel
https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/traveling-as-an-international-student