Lana Oconnell
International students in the US may wonder what documents they need to carry when travelling within the country. While a passport is not always necessary, it is strongly recommended that international students carry a copy when travelling, particularly when visiting cities that border other countries, as these areas are more prone to immigration checkpoints. Additionally, a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, is required for adults over the age of 18 to pass through airport security and can be used as an alternative form of identification when travelling within the US.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Documents required for travel within the US | A valid U.S. government-issued photo ID or a passport from the country of origin |
| Documents required for domestic flights | Passport and immigration documents |
| Documents required for travel by car, train, or bus | Passport and immigration documents |
| Documents required for travel to U.S. cities bordering other countries | Passport, valid F or J visa, I-20 or DS-2019, and I-94 |
| Documents required for travel on a cruise | Verify if the route includes international travel |
| Acceptable forms of ID for international students | Driver's license, bank cards, and copy of passport |
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What You'll Learn
International students travelling with children
If you are an international student with a child who is a US citizen, they must have their own travel documents, such as a passport or visa, when entering or exiting the country. If your child is travelling alone, with only one parent, or with a guardian, additional documentation may be required. This includes a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent, indicating the name and date of birth of the child, as well as the name and date of birth of the parent travelling with them, and stating that the child has their permission to travel. This letter should be notarised and accompanied by a form of photo identification, such as a passport or driver's license.
For international students travelling with children who are not US citizens, similar documentation may be required. All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents, such as a passport or visa, to enter the US. If the child is travelling without both parents, additional documentation from their country of citizenship may be necessary, as each country has its own requirements for minors travelling internationally. It is recommended to contact the embassy or consulate of the child's country of citizenship to understand the specific documents required.
When travelling by air, airlines may have specific requirements for minors. They may request an unaccompanied minor form and a fee for their service, which provides an airline employee escort for the child at the airport and on board the plane. Additionally, identification and contact information for the accompanying adult and the person receiving the child at their destination may be needed. It is important to contact the airline in advance to understand their specific requirements, including age restrictions for their unaccompanied minor services.
Lastly, if you are an international student residing in California and require identification for your child, you can obtain a non-driver ID for them. This can serve as a form of identification during travel within the US.
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Photo identification
When travelling within the US, adult passengers aged 18 and older must show valid photo identification at the airport checkpoint. The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) provides a list of acceptable forms of photo identification on its website, which includes:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- State photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. passport or passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, so it is recommended to check the TSA website before travelling to ensure you have the most up-to-date information. Additionally, some states, like California, offer non-driver ID cards for children who need identification for travel.
In some cases, individuals may not have their physical passport with them when travelling within the US. For example, their passport may be collected by a consulate for visa processing. In such cases, the TSA has a procedure for identifying travellers without identification documents. This may include providing other forms of identification, such as bank cards, and answering security questions. It is also recommended to carry copies of your passport and other relevant documents, such as visas, when travelling within the US, especially when visiting areas that are more prone to immigration checkpoints.
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Travel outside of the state
For international students studying in the United States, it is important to carry certain documents when travelling outside of your state. While photo identification issued by a US state should be sufficient for travel within the US, it is recommended that you carry additional documents, especially if you will be travelling by air or visiting cities bordering other countries.
Firstly, always carry a valid passport. Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your date of entry into the US. In addition to your passport, you should carry your visa and any relevant immigration documents. This includes your I-20 or DS-2019 form, as well as your I-94 arrival/departure record. If you are an F-1 or J-1 student, and your visa expires while you are abroad, you will need to reapply for your visa before returning to the US. If your country of citizenship allows you to keep your old passport, you can carry this with your new passport when travelling. Otherwise, you will need to apply for a new visa.
It is also a good idea to carry copies of your passport and visa when travelling. This can be helpful if your original documents are lost or misplaced. Additionally, make sure to review any guidelines set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and always follow their procedures. For example, the TSA requires that adult passengers 18 and older show valid identification at the airport checkpoint. If you are travelling with a child who does not have a US birth certificate, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as a non-driver ID or a copy of their passport and visa.
When travelling outside of your state, especially by air, it is important to be prepared and carry the necessary documentation. While a US driver's license or identification card may be sufficient for routine travel within your state, it is always better to be over-prepared and carry your passport and visa to avoid any potential issues. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you have the necessary documentation when travelling outside of your state as an international student in the US.
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Practical training applications
International students in the US have access to several practical training opportunities which allow them to gain valuable work experience in their field of study. The two main types of practical training available for F-1 students are Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). M-1 students are only eligible for practical training, which must directly relate to their program of study.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is available for F-1 students when it is an integral part of an established curriculum within a school. It can take the form of an internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required practicum offered through a cooperative agreement with the sponsoring employer and the college or university. CPT can be part-time or full-time and is not restricted by a weekly work limit. To qualify for CPT, students must have completed one full academic year of study at an SEVP-certified school, unless they are a graduate student whose program requires immediate CPT. Students seeking CPT must get authorization from their Designated School Official (DSO) in SEVIS and receive an updated Form I-20 indicating their authorization for the training opportunity. CPT requires a signed cooperative agreement or a letter from the employer.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is a form of training, often paid, that directly relates to an F-1 student's program of study. It can take place during or after the completion of the program. Students must request approval from their DSO, who makes this recommendation in SEVIS and endorses the student's Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." The student must then file Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," along with supporting documents, and receive authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before starting their training. OPT can be applied for at each education level, with a maximum of 12 months at each level. Pre-completion OPT impacts the time a student is eligible for post-completion OPT, and students who complete one year or more of full-time CPT are ineligible for post-completion OPT.
STEM OPT Extension
F-1 students who are on a regular period of OPT and have received a STEM degree may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. To qualify, the training opportunity must be related to their STEM degree, and the employer must use the E-Verify program. The student and employer must complete and sign Form I-983, "Training Plan for STEM OPT Students."
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Ports of entry
International students entering the US should be aware of the requirements and procedures at the country's ports of entry. The experience may vary depending on the mode of entry, such as an international airport, seaport, or land border crossing, and the specific US location and country of origin.
At a US port of entry, international students will typically encounter US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers for primary, and sometimes secondary, inspections. It is important to have the necessary documents ready for inspection by the CBP officers, who have the authority to decide whether to admit non-immigrants into the country.
The required documents for international students on an F, M, or J visa typically include a foreign passport with a valid visa, a completed US Customs Declaration Form, and a signed Form I-20 (for F or M students) or DS-2019 (for J1 exchange students). Additionally, an M-1 student is advised to bring their most recent Form I-94 ("Arrival/Departure Record"). It is essential to ensure that the passport is valid for at least six months after the planned date of re-entry into the US.
During the primary inspection, students must declare any food items and amounts of money exceeding $10,000. If successful, the CBP officer will stamp the passport and admission form, allowing students to remain in the US legally until the end of their program. It is worth noting that denial of entry can occur for various reasons, including health issues, fraudulent documents, a criminal record, or a history of status violations in the US.
In certain cases, a CBP officer may issue a Form I-515A, providing a 30-day admission while the individual obtains and submits the proper documentation. This form is typically given when required documents are missing, the I-901 SEVIS fee hasn't been paid, or there is a SEVIS status issue.
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Frequently asked questions
Photo identification issued by the state should be sufficient for travel inside the US. However, it is recommended that you carry your passport and immigration documents, especially if you will be visiting US cities that border other countries.
You should carry your passport, valid F or J visa, I-20 or DS-2019, and I-94. If you are in H-1B or O-1 status, you will also need an I-797 approval notice. If you are on F-1 OPT or STEM OPT, you will need an EAD card.
The TSA has a procedure for identifying travellers without identification documents. They will ask you questions based on your credit report, so it is a good idea to carry your bank cards with you.
Yes, you should check in with your Designated School Official (DSO) and ensure your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is up-to-date and in Active status.
