Savanna Hoffman
International students need to carry several documents when travelling, especially when entering the United States. The documents required include a valid passport, visa, and Form I-20. Students may also need to provide financial documents, such as bank statements, and proof of employment. Additionally, students on specific visa types, such as F-1 or J-1 visas, may have different requirements and need to maintain their visa status by actively participating in classes. It is important for international students to ensure they have the proper documentation before travelling to avoid any issues at their destination or upon their return.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Required Documents | Passport, visa, Form I-20, Form I-94, financial documents, proof of employment, EAD (OPT card) |
| Optional Documents | Certificate of enrollment, most recent Form I-94, DS-2019 travel endorsement, DS-2019 for new program |
| Notes | The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of re-entry. The EAD is required to re-enter the US after receiving approval for Optional Practical Training. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Passport requirements
International students must carry their passports when travelling to their country of education. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of re-entry. Students must also carry their visa and Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status". This form must be signed by a Designated School Official (DSO) and should be signed within the last year. The DSO's most up-to-date contact information should also be noted before leaving.
If you are an M-1 student, it is recommended that you bring your most recent Form I-94, "Arrival/Departure Record". If you are a registered student at Cornell, you can obtain a certificate of enrollment. This is not required for re-entry into the United States, but it will ease your re-entry if you are questioned at the border.
If you are outside of your country of education and your student visa is still valid, you should consult with your Designated School Officials before returning. If you have a pending practical training application, it is not recommended that you leave the country, as you may be required to send further evidence to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If your application is approved, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which will be sent to your address in the country of education. You will need this to re-enter the country.
If you are travelling internationally and need to renew your passport, you must call the State Department Passport Agency to schedule an appointment. Your appointment date must be within 72 hours (3 business days) of travel, and you must provide proof of travel. You can also pay an additional $60 for expedited service and mail your application with Priority Mail Express to get your renewed passport within 10 weeks.
F1 Work Rights: Can International Students Work in the US?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Form I-20
International students who want to study in the US on a student visa need Form I-20, also known as the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status". This form is issued by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to certified colleges and universities in the US. It proves that a student is enrolled in an accredited college or university and is required for paying the I-901 SEVIS fee, applying for a nonimmigrant visa, and travelling to the US.
Once accepted into an SEVP-certified school, nonimmigrant students will receive Form I-20 from their designated school official (DSO). Students must obtain Form I-20 for any eligible dependents they plan to bring to the US with them. The DSO and the student must both sign the form. If the student is under 18, their parents must sign the form.
International Students Thriving at McGill University
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Employment documents
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year. However, they may accept on-campus employment, subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is any alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or other types of required internships or practicum offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. CPT must be an integral part of an established curriculum. F-1 students participating in CPT must present documents to establish their identity and employment authorization, such as Form I-94 indicating F-1 nonimmigrant status and a state driver's license.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT provides a practical training experience directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study. F-1 students participating in OPT must obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS before starting work. To be eligible for OPT, students must have a Form I-20 endorsed for OPT and must apply to USCIS. While still in school, a student authorized for OPT may work up to 20 hours per week when school is in session and full-time during the student's annual vacation or when school is not in session. After completing their studies, F-1 students may be authorized for up to 12 months of OPT.
- Severe Economic Hardship: F-1 students may also be eligible to work off-campus due to severe economic hardship or special student relief. Any off-campus employment must be related to the student's area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS prior to starting work.
M-1 students (Vocational Student visa holders) may engage in practical training only after they have completed their studies. They must receive Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), to begin working and can only work for a maximum of six months of practical training. M-1 students can present their EAD to establish their identity and employment authorization for Form I-9 purposes.
International Students: Unpaid Off-Campus Work Rights
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Financial documents
International students need to present a variety of financial documents when travelling, particularly when entering the United States. These documents are necessary to obtain visas and demonstrate financial ability and stability.
Firstly, international students must provide evidence of their financial resources to their chosen educational institution. Each university has its own policies regarding the specific documents required and the amount of funding needed. For instance, some universities may accept investment statements, while others may not. Similarly, certain universities may require multiple months of bank statements, while this is not mandatory for others. It is essential for international students to carefully review the requirements of their intended educational institution.
The types of financial documents that may be requested include bank statements, bank letters, tax records, pay stubs, compensation letters, stocks, bonds, and proof of property ownership. These documents should demonstrate the ability to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and any other relevant costs associated with studying at the institution.
Additionally, international students may be asked to provide documentation from sponsors, such as financial aid letters, scholarship letters, or letters from employers indicating their annual salary. If the funding comes from mutual funds, annuities, or certain types of investments, appropriate proof will be necessary. It is worth noting that government or official agency funding documents should be translated into English.
In the case of the United States, international students must obtain a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," which is issued by their school once their information has been entered into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Both the student and a school official must sign this form. It is important to have this form signed within the last year and to carry it when travelling, as it will be inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers upon entry into the country.
Furthermore, students who are authorized for Optional Practical Training (OPT) must have their Form I-20 endorsed for OPT and apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This allows them to work temporarily in roles directly related to their field of study.
In summary, international students need to be prepared with a range of financial documents, including evidence of their own financial resources and any sponsorship or funding they may receive. These documents are crucial for obtaining the necessary visas and ensuring a smooth entry into their country of study.
International Students: Police Officers of Tomorrow?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Visa applications
International students must have a student visa to study in the United States. The type of visa required depends on the course of study and the type of school the student plans to attend. There are two types of student visas: F visas and M visas. F visas are for academic and language students, while M visas are for vocational students.
To apply for a student visa, international students must complete the following steps:
Submit the required forms and documents:
This includes the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (Form DS-160) and the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (Form I-20). Form I-20 must be signed by both the student and a school official. For M-1 students, it is also recommended to bring the most recent Form I-94, "Arrival/Departure Record". Additionally, students may be required to provide evidence of standardized test scores, their intent to depart the United States upon completion of their studies, and their ability to cover all educational, living, and travel costs.
Schedule and complete a visa interview:
Consular officers may require an interview to determine the applicant's qualifications for a student visa. During the interview, the consular officer will assess the applicant's eligibility and may request additional documents if needed. It is important to schedule the interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where the student lives. Wait times for interview appointments vary, so it is recommended to apply early.
Pay the visa issuance fee:
After the visa is approved, there may be a visa issuance fee, depending on the applicant's nationality. Arrangements will also need to be made for the return of the passport and visa.
It is important to note that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. It only allows foreign citizens to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request permission to enter. Upon arrival, students must present their passport, visa, and Form I-20 to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer, who will make the final decision regarding entry.
Additionally, students should be aware of other requirements and restrictions, such as the need for a valid passport for at least six months after the date of reentry and the restrictions on bringing certain items into the country. It is recommended to consult official government websites and utilize the resources provided by their college or university for detailed and up-to-date information on the visa application process.
International Students: Get Your Ontario Photo Card
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
International students need a valid passport, visa, and Form I-20 to travel to the US. They will also need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee and have proof of financial ability.
Form I-20, or "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", is issued by your school once they have entered your information into the SEVIS database.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of your re-entry to the US.
The I-901 SEVIS fee is a fee that students must pay to be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS).
