Travel

We encourage you to contact the ISO anytime you plan to travel outside of the U.S. This is particularly important as regulations and practices concerning reentry into the United States continue to change. Many students now experience significant difficulties and delays in applying for visas at U.S. embassies or consulates. When you return to the U.S. after travel abroad, you should bring your passport, Form I-20 and Form I-94 to the ISO so that we may update your file. Immigration regulations require that we maintain current copies of your passport and immigration documents.

Travel Within the U.S.-You may travel within the U.S. provided you maintain your lawful F-1 status and have a valid passport, Form I-20, and Form I-94 in your possession.

Travel Outside the U.S. before Completion of Studies-You may leave the U.S. at any time. You are permitted to return in F-1 status if you have a valid passport, valid F-1 visa stamp and a current Form I-20 that has been signed for travel on page 3 by an authorized staff member at the ISO. Only a Designated School Official (DSO) at the ISO is authorized to sign a Form I-20. A travel signature is valid for one year except for travel to Canada , Mexico and adjacent islands, in which case the signature is valid for six months.

Travel Outside the U.S. after Completion of Studies-The date you officially complete your studies is very important to your ability to travel and re-enter the U.S. If you attempt to return to the U.S. in F-1 status after your completion date, you may be denied the right to re-enter the U.S. unless you have been authorized to engage in Optional Practical Training and have received your Employment Authorization Document and obtained a written offer of employment in your field of study.

Any physical absence from the United States for a period of 5 months or more may affect your eligibility for Optional Practical Training or other opportunities for off-campus employment. Please discuss this with your ISO advisor in an appointment before finalizing your travel plans or leaving the United States.

Contact the ISO for more information about a leave of absence.

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