When traveling within the U.S. you may be asked by a law enforcement officer to show your immigration documents. Be sure you always have your documents or a copy of them with you; keep them in a safe place so as not to misplace them.

Students traveling outside of the U.S. should prepare diligently and be aware of any current travel restrictions.

The following documents are needed for re-entry to the U.S.

• A valid Form I-20 or DS-2019, endorsed for travel and signed by your DSO
• A valid, non-expired F-1 visa
• A valid, non-expired passport valid for at least six months after the date of your reentry or, if you are from one of the countries listed below, a passport that is current through the date of entry
• Recent financial documents providing continued financial ability

If you are from a visa exempt country, you do not need a visa to reenter the United States from the western hemisphere, but make sure that you present your I-20 to be admitted as an F-1 student and not a visitor.

Things to remember when you travel:

• If you are traveling outside the U.S. please check your SEVIS form I-20/DS-2019 for a valid travel signature by a Designated School Official.
• If the signature will be valid on the date that you will re-enter the U.S. you may use it for travel.
• If the signature will be expired on the date that you return to the U.S. bring your SEVIS form I-20/DS-2019 to a DSO for a new travel signature.
• If you plan to travel to a country other than your own, you should contact the Consulate of that country to find out if you need a visa. You can access information through the Department of State website.

Allows most F-1 students to travel to the countries contiguous to the U.S. for less than 30 days prior to the date of expiration on their current visa; provided the traveler has proper documentation. This process will revalidate your visa but will not renew you expiring or expired visa. See Visa Renewal Process for renewal steps.

Automatic Visa Revalidation