Lana Oconnell
International students who are already in the US on a non-student visa and plan to travel to Hawaii do not need a visa as they are not leaving the country. However, international students who are not US citizens or permanent residents will need a student visa to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa. There are two types of student visas available for academic study at a US university, and students will need to submit financial documentation for at least the first year of study. Additionally, students enrolled in a university abroad who are invited by a UHM host department to be a J-1 Student Intern should provide documentation of funding for the full period of the internship and will receive a Certificate of Eligibility for J-1 Exchange Visitor Status (J-Nonimmigrant), also known as form DS-2019.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students travelling to Hawaii from the USA | No visa required |
| International students travelling to Hawaii from outside the USA | Visa required |
| Visa type | F-1 or J-1 student visa |
| Visa requirements | Financial documentation, academic admission documents, Form I-20, DS-2019 form |
| Additional requirements for F-1 visa | Proof of intention to return to home country, proof of funds for tuition and living expenses |
| Additional requirements for J-1 visa | Documentation of funding for the full period of the internship |
| Spouse and children requirements | Must enrol in SEVIS, obtain individual Form I-20s, and apply for a visa |
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What You'll Learn
- International students with an F-1 visa can travel within Hawaii, Alaska, and mainland USA without prior approval
- Students enrolled in a university abroad must provide documentation of funding for the full period of the internship
- Students must be able to articulate their plan to return home at the end of their program
- Students must have a valid passport for at least six months beyond their period of stay in the USA
- Students must show proof of necessary funds to cover tuition and living expenses
International students with an F-1 visa can travel within Hawaii, Alaska, and mainland USA without prior approval
It is important to note that if you are travelling back to your home country or to a country where automatic revalidation does not apply, you must have a valid visa to return to the US. Additionally, if you have been outside of the US for more than five months, you will need a current SEVIS Form I-20 endorsed for travel by your designated school official (DSO), who can be found in the International Student Office. Your DSO will also need to verify that your SEVIS record is accurate and up-to-date.
International students on an F-1 visa must maintain their student status to remain in the US. To maintain this status, students must be enrolled in a SEVP-approved school and registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Students must also pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and may need to provide financial documentation for at least the first year of study.
It is recommended that international students consult with their DSO, embassy, or legal advisor for specific travel and visa requirements, as each person's circumstances are unique.
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Students enrolled in a university abroad must provide documentation of funding for the full period of the internship
International students enrolled in a university outside of the US who are invited by a UHM host department to be a J-1 Student Intern must provide documentation of funding for the full period of the internship. This is a requirement for obtaining a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa, also known as a form DS-2019. The Undergraduate or Graduate Admissions Office will forward the visa document (I-20 form for F-1 visas or DS-2019 form for J-1 visas) to the student, who then takes it, along with financial and admission documents, to the US Embassy to apply for the visa.
Students must be able to articulate their plan to return home at the end of their program. If asked, they should also be prepared to address how their spouse or children will support themselves during their absence, as this can impact their visa application.
International students in the US typically maintain F-1 status, which is a typical "student" status for those enrolled in an academic program. F-1 students are eligible for off-campus employment in cases of severe economic hardship, provided they have maintained F-1 status for at least one academic year and are in good academic standing. They must apply to CIS for work authorization.
F-1 students can also gain practical work experience through internships, which can be part-time or full-time, but they must still be enrolled as full-time students during the academic year. Students in J-1 status ("exchange visitors") can engage in part-time on-campus employment for no more than 20 hours per week during the school term.
It is important to note that Hawaii is a US state, so international students already studying in the US on a valid visa do not need additional documentation to travel there.
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Students must be able to articulate their plan to return home at the end of their program
International students on an F1 visa do not need an additional visa to travel to Hawaii from the US mainland as Hawaii is a US state. However, they will need to show some form of official government-issued identification document, such as a passport, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a REAL ID-compliant U.S. State ID, or a U.S. driver's license to board a commercial flight. Students must also be prepared to show proof of lawful immigration status in the US, such as a valid passport and Form I-20 or DS-2019.
During the visa interview, students may be asked about their specific plans after graduation. They should be prepared to discuss their future career goals, how their US education will benefit them in their home country, and any personal connections or obligations that will bring them back home. For example, students can mention family or financial ties, job opportunities, or future educational plans in their home country.
Additionally, students should provide supporting documents that reinforce their intention to return. This can include proof of property ownership, letters from employers indicating that the student will be returning to a job, or evidence of family ties and obligations in their home country.
It is important for students to be honest and authentic in articulating their plan to return home. Consular officers are trained to assess the credibility of applicants, and any false or misleading statements can lead to visa denial. Students should also be aware that their circumstances may change during their time in the US, and they must always maintain a valid reason to return home, even if their initial plans change.
In summary, international students must be able to clearly and convincingly articulate their plan to return home at the end of their program. This demonstrates their commitment to complying with the terms of their visa and helps ensure a smooth visa application process and a positive experience studying in the US.
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Students must have a valid passport for at least six months beyond their period of stay in the USA
International students intending to travel to Hawaii from the USA must have a valid passport for at least six months beyond their period of stay in the USA. This is a mandatory requirement for students seeking to enter the United States. The passport serves as a vital document for identification and verification purposes, ensuring smooth entry and re-entry into the country.
It is important to note that the validity of the passport is crucial for both initial entry and subsequent re-entry into the United States. Students must ensure that their passports remain valid throughout their stay in the country, including any periods of extension or temporary absence. This requirement is in place to comply with immigration regulations and facilitate seamless travel.
Additionally, it is recommended that students possess a valid visa, such as an F-1 or J-1 student visa, along with their passport. While Hawaii is a US state, and a valid visa may not be necessary for travel within the US, it is always advisable to carry one. The F-1 student visa is commonly used by students whose academic expenses are privately funded. To obtain this visa, students must submit financial documentation for at least the first year of study to the appropriate admission office.
In certain cases, international students already in the US on a non-student visa who wish to study at the University of Hawaii at Manoa may need to seek advisement from an ISS adviser. They can provide guidance on changing to student status or eligibility to attend while on a non-student visa. This process is essential to ensure compliance with US immigration laws and regulations.
Moreover, students should be aware that their spouses and unmarried minor children who intend to reside with them during their studies may apply for dependent visas, such as the F-2 or M-2 visas. Proper documentation, such as proof of relationship and a copy of the student's visa, is required for their visa applications. It is important to consult with the appropriate authorities and carefully review the requirements for each specific case.
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Students must show proof of necessary funds to cover tuition and living expenses
International students intending to study in Hawaii need to apply for a student visa. There are two types of student visas available for academic study at a U.S. university. The student visa category is further subdivided into "student" and "student intern" categories, depending on the course of study. Students must show proof of necessary funds to cover tuition and living expenses. This can be done by submitting financial documentation for at least the first year of study to the appropriate admissions office. The admissions office will then send the student an I-20, Certificate of F-1 Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.
Students enrolled in a university abroad who are invited by a UHM host department to be a J-1 Student Intern should provide documentation of funding for the full period of the internship. Both J-1 Students and J-1 Student Interns will receive a Certificate of Eligibility for J-1 Exchange Visitor Status (also known as form DS-2019). The Undergraduate Admissions Office or the Graduate Admissions Office will forward the visa document (I-20 form for students seeking the F-1 student visa or DS-2019 form for students seeking the J-1 student visa) to the student, who will then take it, along with financial documents and admission documents from UH Manoa, to the US Embassy to apply for the F-1 or J-1 student visa.
Students must be able to clearly articulate their plan to return home at the end of their program. If asked, they should also be prepared to address how their spouse and children will support themselves during their absence. Additionally, prospective students must bring their evidence of financial ability when applying for their student visa with the U.S. Department of State. It is also advised to have the evidence on hand when entering the country at a U.S. port of entry, in case a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer asks to review it.
While international students are not eligible for U.S. government-funded financial aid, some SEVP-certified schools offer financial aid and scholarships for their international students. Students can also look into other financial aid options, such as applying for scholarships or taking out loans. Additionally, there are specific tuition exemptions for those who are citizens of freely associated states, U.S. Title 10 active-duty service members, their dependents, and those with Native Hawaiian race/ethnicity/ancestry/descent.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Hawaii is a US state, so you don't need to show your visa or I-20 to travel there as you are not leaving the US. A state ID or passport should be fine.
To board a plane or ship, you will need to show an official government-issued identification document such as your passport, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or a REAL ID-compliant U.S. State ID or U.S. driver's license.
Yes, there may be agriculture-related forms to fill out when you enter Hawaii, but these are unrelated to your ID.
