Douglas Olsen
International students in the US often have questions about their ability to travel within the country. While there are some restrictions, it is generally possible for international students to travel within the US, provided they have the correct documentation. This includes a valid passport, visa, and immigration documents. Students should also be aware of the requirements for re-entering the US, such as having a valid travel signature and ensuring their visa is up to date.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Travel within the US | Carry original immigration documents and passport. |
| Travel outside the US | Valid passport, visa, and travel signatures required. |
| Travel to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands | May re-enter the US with an expired visa if the trip is less than 30 days and you have an unexpired I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel signature, valid passport, and unexpired I-94 Admission/Departure record. |
| Travel for work purposes | A letter from the employer is required for international travel. |
| Travel during Academic Training | DS-2019 should show "Amend a previous form: Academic Training Added" in the "Purpose of Form" section. |
| Travel while unemployed | Not encouraged, especially if approaching the maximum allowed days of unemployment. |
Explore related products
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Scenic Drives Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/814R4OsGtCL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
$13.9 $14.95
What You'll Learn
Travel documents required
International students are required to carry certain documents with them when travelling inside the US. These documents may be needed for a domestic flight, or when travelling by car, train, or bus, especially within two or three hours of the northern or southern US borders.
Firstly, a valid passport is required. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of re-entry into the US. If you are an M-1 student, it is recommended that you bring your most recent Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record”. You can pull your I-94 up online if you need to.
Secondly, students need a visa issued by the US consulate. Canadians do not need a visa but do require an I-20/DS-2019. Students in H-1B or O-1 status need an I-797 Approval notice, and those on F-1 OPT or STEM OPT need an EAD card.
Thirdly, students need proof of their student status. This can include a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status”, signed by a DSO within the last year, or a printed copy of your registration status. If you are a J-1 student, you need a DS-2019 showing J-1 status, signed for travel within the last year.
Finally, students need proof of financial support. This can include copies of documents mentioned on your I-20 funding letter or bank statements for personal funds.
International Students: Work Options Beyond E-Verify
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Travel within local areas
International students can travel within the US, but they should be aware of certain restrictions and requirements. Firstly, it is important to carry valid identification and immigration documents when travelling within the US, even when travelling within local areas. While a US-issued driver's license is generally not considered proof of lawful status, other forms of identification, such as a Real ID, state ID card, or passport, are accepted for internal travel. It is recommended to carry colour photocopies of your current immigration documents, including your passport and I-20, at all times within the local area. If you are travelling outside the local area but remaining within the US, it is advisable to carry the original versions of these documents. Additionally, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date of your planned re-entry into the US.
When travelling near the borders of Canada or Mexico, or within two to three hours from the US borders, it is particularly important to have your immigration documents readily available. In some cases, you may be permitted to travel to Mexico, Canada, or certain adjacent islands and re-enter the US with an expired visa, provided you meet specific requirements, such as possessing an unexpired I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel signature. This process is known as Automatic Revalidation.
For F or J students, travelling outside the US is typically permissible during scheduled university breaks or periods of academic or practical training. However, it is important to ensure that you have the required documents to re-enter the country, including a valid visa and passport. Additionally, if you are travelling to a country other than your home country, it is advisable to contact the consulate or embassy of that country to understand their specific visa and entry requirements.
When travelling within the US, it is recommended to carry health insurance information, although it is not mandatory. Additionally, if you are on a visa and have specific questions about your situation, it is always best to consult an ISS or ISSS advisor for personalised advice and to ensure you have the necessary documentation for your trip.
International Students: Macaulay Honors Eligibility
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Travel by road, rail, or air
International students can travel within the United States by road, rail, or air. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning travel. Firstly, it is important to carry valid identification and immigration documents, as these may be requested by law enforcement officers or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers during travel. This includes a valid passport, visa, and any other relevant documents, such as an I-797 Approval Notice, if applicable. It is also recommended to check the guidelines set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) before travelling by air, as their regulations change frequently.
When travelling by road, international students should ensure they have a valid driver's license and insurance. While police officers may not always ask for legal documents, it is important to have them readily available. Obtaining a State ID, Liquor ID, or a driver's license can be useful for identification purposes. Additionally, it is worth noting that beginning May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card will be required for domestic air travel and to enter certain federal facilities.
For travel by rail, there are no specific requirements mentioned beyond carrying valid identification and ensuring compliance with general travel guidelines.
When travelling by air, it is always recommended to carry the same immigration documents as for international travel. This includes a valid passport and visa, as well as any other relevant documents advised by the specific airline or TSA guidelines. It is important to stay updated with the TSA's guidelines and regulations, as they tend to change frequently.
Additionally, it is important for international students with pending practical training applications to avoid leaving the country if possible. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may send requests for evidence while travelling, and these requests will only be sent to the student's U.S. address. Having an approved practical training application and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is crucial for re-entering the United States.
How International Students Can Get UK Internships
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan, 3 IN 1 USB Rechargeable Portable Fan [12-19 Working Hours] with Power Bank, Flashlight, Pocket Design for Travel/Summer/Concerts/Lash, Gifts for Women (Pink)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51E76z7oaWL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Travel for work purposes
International students in the US are allowed to work, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Generally, all employment is contingent on remaining within the terms and restrictions of your visa.
Most international students in the United States hold an F1 visa, which is the U.S. non-immigrant student visa. F1 students are allowed to work in the United States, but only under certain conditions. On-campus employment is the category most freely permitted by the USCIS regulations, and it does not require USCIS approval. However, although F1 status includes an on-campus employment privilege, on-campus employment opportunities at most schools are limited. Even if you can obtain a job on campus, you may not rely on it to prove financial resources for the year, and often these jobs are not related to your studies. Many schools do require that you obtain permission from the International Student Office prior to accepting any on-campus employment, and may not permit such employment in a student's first semester or year. For on-campus work, an F1 student is subject to the following rules: you can work full-time on campus during holidays and vacation periods if you intend to register for the next academic semester; the employment may not displace (take a job away from) a U.S. worker.
Students may work full-time during summer and other breaks (as long as the student will return to school after the break). Students may work full-time after completion of all coursework, if a thesis or dissertation is still required and the student is making normal progress towards the degree. After completion of your degree, OPT work must be full time (40 hours/week) and must be completed within 14 months after completion of your degree. Applications for post-completion OPT must be received by USCIS before the completion of the degree.
If you are travelling for work purposes, it is important to check in with your DSO. When you meet with your DSO, you should ensure that your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is up-to-date and in Active status. Make sure that your DSO has signed your Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” within the last year, and that you are not leaving the country for more than 5 months. You should also make sure that you have your DSO’s most up-to-date contact information, including both a daytime telephone number at the school and a 24-hour emergency phone number, before you leave. If you have a pending practical training application, it is not recommended that you leave the United States. USCIS may send you a request for evidence while you are travelling, and you are expected to be able to send in the requested documents.
If USCIS approves your practical training application, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which USCIS will only send to your U.S. address. You are expected to have your EAD in hand to re-enter the United States.
If you leave the country after completion of your degree, but before receiving your EAD and obtaining a job, you may not be readmitted. You can leave the country after completion of your degree if you have your EAD and a job, but make sure you bring everything that you’ll need to get back in (including valid passport, valid EAD card, valid F1 visa, all your I-20s with page 3 endorsed for travel by your international student advisor within the past 6 months, and a letter of employment, including dates of employment and salary).
If you are travelling on a cruise, verify if the route includes international travel. If so, visit the Travel Outside the U.S. page for information about travel guidelines and documents required for international travel. Travel inside the U.S., including to Hawaii and Alaska, does not require special permission from ISS. This means you do not need to request a travel signature on the I-20 or DS-2019, as those are required specifically for reentry into the U.S. Photo identification issued by the State of California or another U.S. state should be sufficient for travel inside the U.S. However, we strongly recommend that you bring copies of your passport, valid F or J visa, I-20 or DS-2019, and I-94 with you as well, especially if you will be visiting U.S. cities that border other countries, as those areas are more prone to immigration checkpoints.
International Students: Claiming 1098-T Education Tax Benefits
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Travel during academic breaks
International students enrolled at a university in the United States may be able to travel domestically and internationally during academic breaks. However, there are several important factors to consider before making travel plans. Firstly, students should be mindful of their visa status and ensure that their visa allows for travel during academic breaks. Different visas have different requirements and restrictions, so it is crucial to carefully review the terms of your specific visa.
Additionally, students should maintain their academic status by complying with attendance policies and making normal progress in their academic program. It is generally recommended that students avoid travelling during required academic terms and instead plan their travel during university vacations or recesses. This helps to ensure that their studies are not disrupted. Before embarking on any travel, students should also check in with their Designated School Official (DSO) and ensure that their record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is up-to-date and active.
When travelling internationally, it is essential to have all the required documents for re-entry into the United States. This typically includes a valid passport, a visa, and other relevant documentation such as the Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status". It is recommended to consult with an advisor or the appropriate university department to understand the specific documents needed for your individual situation. Students should also be mindful of the potential risks associated with travelling while their OPT/STEM OPT or other applications are pending.
Furthermore, students should be proactive in planning their travel and stay updated with any travel advisories or restrictions that may impact their ability to return to the United States. This includes being aware of any visa interview requirements and ensuring compliance with all necessary procedures, such as registering their travel itinerary and accommodation details with their university. By taking these steps, international students can help ensure a smooth travel experience during academic breaks while studying in the United States.
Explore Cuba: International Students' Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, international students do not need a visa to travel within the US. However, they should carry their passport and immigration documents, especially if travelling by air, as these will be required.
International students should carry their passport and immigration documents, such as their I-20 form. It is also recommended to carry health insurance information. If you have a driver's license, this can be useful for internal travel, but it does not prove lawful status.
It is recommended to carry colour photocopies of your current immigration documents at all times. However, if you are travelling outside of your local area, you should carry the original versions of these documents.
![Aecooly Slim Portable Fan, Thin Handheld Fan, USB Rechargeable Mini Personal [24H Max Cooling Time], Battery Powered Small Foldable Pocket for Travel, Summer, Gifts for Women, Girls -Beige](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61-gWIgUjpL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
