Lori Meadows
International students need to take several factors into account when planning travel, especially when it comes to re-entering their country of study. While the requirements vary depending on the country and student status, some common documents that may be needed include a valid passport, visa, and Form I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel endorsement signature. It is important for students to consult their Designated School Official (DSO) and ensure their records are up to date before travelling. Additionally, students should be aware of potential risks associated with international travel due to unpredictable immigration policies and strict vetting and enforcement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Travel endorsement required to leave the country | No |
| Travel endorsement required to re-enter the country | Yes |
| Travel endorsement validity | 12 months (6 months for F-1 OPT) |
| Documents required for re-entry | Passport, I-20, DS-2019, I-94, visa |
| Documents required for visa application | Form I-20, financial information, evidence of intention to return to home country |
| Other considerations | Check country requirements for travel/transit visas, consult DSO before travel |
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What You'll Learn
Travel endorsements are only required for re-entry into the US
International students studying in the United States may be able to travel during their studies. However, it is important to take the appropriate steps to ensure smooth re-entry into the US. Before travelling abroad, international students must check with their Designated School Official (DSO). The DSO generally works in the International Student Office.
A travel endorsement is only required for re-entry into the US. It is a signature from the DSO on the student's Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", or DS-2019. The signature confirms that the student is maintaining their F-1 or J-1 status. Each travel endorsement is valid for up to 12 months (6 months for F-1 OPT). The DSO must also ensure that the student's record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is up-to-date and in Active status.
Students should also make sure that their DSO has signed their Form I-20 within the last year and that they are not leaving the country for more than 5 months. Additionally, students should have their DSO's most up-to-date contact information, including daytime and 24-hour emergency phone numbers.
To obtain a travel endorsement, students can submit a “Travel Endorsement Request” e-form (for F-1 students) or a “Travel Validation Request" e-form (for J-1 students). The ISS will then issue a new I-20 or DS-2019 for travel, which will be sent to the student's email address. It is recommended to allow sufficient time for processing, usually around 5 business days.
It is important to note that the requirements for re-entry into the US may change, and students should always consult their DSO or embassy for the most up-to-date information.
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Students must consult their DSO before travelling
International students in the United States must consult their Designated School Official (DSO) before travelling internationally. The DSO typically works in the International Student Office. This is to ensure that the student's record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is up-to-date and in Active status. The DSO will sign the student's Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status”, which is required for re-entry into the US. Students should also ensure that their DSO has provided them with the most up-to-date contact information, including daytime phone numbers and 24-hour emergency phone numbers.
Students must also ensure that their Form I-20 or DS-2019 has a valid travel endorsement, which is a signature from their DSO. This signature confirms that the student is maintaining their F-1 or J-1 status and is required for re-entry into the US. Each travel endorsement is valid for up to 12 months (6 months for F-1 OPT). Students can request a new I-20 or DS-2019 with a new travel endorsement by submitting a “Travel Endorsement Request” e-form (for F-1 students) or a “Travel Validation Request" e-form (for J-1 students). The DSO will issue a new form with a valid travel signature, which will be sent to the student's email address.
In addition to the Form I-20 or DS-2019 with a valid travel endorsement, students must also have other important documents when travelling internationally. These include a valid passport, a current visa (if required by the country of destination), and financial information showing proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses. Students should also be aware of any specific requirements of the country they are visiting, such as visa requirements for connecting flights. For example, students travelling to the US must have a passport that is valid for at least six months after the date of re-entry.
It is important to note that students travelling abroad on university business, such as conferences or workshops, must obtain institutional authorization prior to departure. Students should also be cautious when considering international travel due to the unpredictable nature of US immigration policy and strict vetting and enforcement. Students should consult their DSO and review relevant sources for the most up-to-date information on travel requirements and restrictions.
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Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after re-entry
International students studying in the United States may be able to travel during their studies. However, they must take certain steps to ensure smooth re-entry into the country. One crucial requirement for re-entry is having a valid passport.
Passports must be valid for at least six months after the expected re-entry date. This rule applies to F-1 and J-1 students whose countries are not on the passport agreement list. Students with passports from these countries do not need to worry about this requirement. However, all students should still ensure their passports are valid on the date of their planned return to the United States.
If an international student's passport does not meet the six-month validity requirement, they must apply for a renewal at the U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country. This step is essential to avoid any issues upon re-entry. It is also important to keep the passport up-to-date and valid for the duration of their stay in the United States.
In addition to a valid passport, international students should ensure that their other documents are in order before travelling internationally. This includes checking the expiration date on their visa stamp and ensuring that their record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is active and up-to-date. Seeking guidance from their school's DSO (Designated School Official) is also recommended to ensure all necessary paperwork is in order.
For students on F-1 or J-1 visas, the I-20 or DS-2019 form is crucial. A valid travel endorsement on these forms is necessary for re-entry into the United States after international travel. Students should check the date of their most recent travel endorsement and ensure it is less than 12 months old (6 months for F-1 OPT). If an update is needed, they can request a new I-20 or DS-2019 with a new travel endorsement, which usually takes about 5 business days to process.
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Students may need a visa for connecting flights
International students studying in the United States may be able to travel during their studies. However, they must take the appropriate steps to ensure a smooth re-entry into the US. This includes checking in with their Designated School Official (DSO) to ensure their record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is up-to-date and in Active status. Additionally, international students need to ensure that their DSO has signed their Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", within the last year, and that they are not leaving the country for more than five months.
Now, when it comes to whether students need a visa for connecting flights, the answer depends on various factors. Firstly, it depends on the country of transit. Some countries do require a transit visa, even if the passenger is just passing through an airport and not leaving the transit area. The Schengen Area, for example, requires an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) for travellers passing through international transit areas of airports in Schengen countries. However, this may not be necessary if the traveller holds a valid visa or residence permit for certain countries like the US, Canada, or Japan.
Secondly, the duration of the layover can be a factor. Some countries' transit visas are only valid for a few hours or a couple of days, so a longer layover might necessitate a different type of visa. Additionally, if the layover is long enough that the traveller wishes to leave the airport and spend some time in the country, they will likely need a visa for that specific country.
Thirdly, it is important to check the specific entry requirements of each country the student will be stopping in, as some countries require transit passengers to obtain a visa or electronic authorisation, even if they do not plan to leave the airport. In most cases, if the connecting flight is booked as a single flight with only one booking reference, a visa is not required. However, for self-transfer flights, where the traveller has booked multiple consecutive flights, they may need to go through passport control and obtain a visa for each transit country.
Overall, while a transit visa is not always required for connecting flights, it is important for students to plan ahead and check the specific requirements of each country they will be transiting through to ensure a smooth journey.
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Students can stay in the US on an expired F-1 visa
International students on an F-1 visa can stay in the US even if their visa has expired, as long as they maintain their student status. This means that they are enrolled as full-time students and are making normal progress toward completing their degree. Students with an expired F-1 visa are also maintaining their status if they have been approved for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after they complete their program.
However, if students with an expired F-1 visa leave the US, they will need a valid visa to re-enter. They will need to apply for a new visa stamp before they can re-enter in F-1 status. This can be done at a US consulate in their home country. Students should also be aware that they cannot enter the US earlier than 30 days before the start date of their program on an F-1 visa. If they wish to enter earlier, they must apply for a visitor (B) visa.
To maintain their F-1 status, students must be enrolled full-time every long semester and avoid gaps of more than five months between terms. If a student leaves the US for more than five months, their F-1 status will end. To re-enter the US, they will need an initial attendance Form I-20 and a new visa.
Before travelling, students should check in with their Designated School Official (DSO) to ensure their record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is up-to-date and in Active status. They should also ensure that their DSO has signed their Form I-20 within the last year and that they have the DSO's most up-to-date contact information.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need a travel endorsement to leave the US.
Yes, you need a valid travel endorsement to re-enter the US. This is a signature from your Designated School Official (DSO) on your I-20 or DS-2019, confirming that you are maintaining F-1 or J-1 status.
You can get a travel endorsement by submitting a "Travel Endorsement Request" e-form (for F-1 students) or a "Travel Validation Request" e-form (for J-1 students). You can also request a travel endorsement in person at your school's international office.
