Traveling abroad? Be sure to plan ahead!
If you are a current F-1 or J-1 student planning to travel abroad, be sure to carry the following documentation with you when you request reentry into the United States.
CURRENT F-1 and J-1 STUDENTS:
- A valid passport, with at least 6 months of validity* remaining
- *Exception: Countries listed on the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Travel page have an agreement with the US that allows citizens to enter on a current passport up to the actual date of expiration.
- A valid F-1 or J-1 visa*
- *Exception: If you are a Canadian citizen, you will not have a visa stamp in your passport.
- A current I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel signature less than one year old
- Note: The US Department of Homeland Security has announced that schools may sign and send I-20s electronically. After receiving your I-20 from the OIS via email, please be sure to print out your I-20 and sign the bottom of page 1. Carry the print-out of this I-20 when presenting it to US officials.
- Recommended: A copy of your SEVIS I-901 fee receipt (printable from the I-901 fee website)
- Recommended: Proof of funding (i.e. financial aid award, original bank statements, etc.)
- Recommended: Proof of enrollment (i.e. admissions offer, letter from Registrar, etc.)
F-1 visa holders on active Post-Completion or STEM Extension OPT:
- A valid passport, with at least 6 months of validity remaining
- *Exception: Countries listed on the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Travel page have an agreement with the US that allows citizens to enter on a current passport up to the actual date of expiration.
- A valid F-1 visa*
- *Exception: If you are a Canadian citizen, you will not have a visa stamp in your passport.
- An OPT I-20 (showing an OPT status of Requested, Pending, or Approved on page 2) with a travel signature less than six months old
- Note: The US Department of Homeland Security has announced that schools may sign and send I-20s electronically. After receiving your I-20 from the OIS via email, please be sure to print out your I-20 and sign the bottom of page 1. Carry the print-out of this I-20 when presenting it to US officials.
- Proof of employment (i.e. letter from your supervisor, job offer letter, contract, etc.)
- Recommended: A valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD card)
- Recommended: A copy of your SEVIS I-901 fee receipt (printable from the I-901 fee website)
If you encounter any issues entering the US in F-1/J-1 status, call the OIS (413-542-5971). Outside of regular business hours, call ACPD (413-542-2291) to be connected with OIS advising staff.
Please note that leaving and reentering the US after graduation while an OPT application is pending with the USCIS, or if you are unemployed, can be risky. If you are in this situation and need to travel abroad, please consult with the OIS.
Failure to have the proper documentation with you can result in you being denied reentry into the US or you being granted temporary, conditional entry with a I-515A.