Lori Meadows
International students in the US have a lot to consider when it comes to travel outside of the country. Students must be cautious and proactive about their travel plans, as US immigration policies can change suddenly, and there is a risk of visa revocation. Students should consult with their DSO and ensure their SEVIS record is up-to-date, and they have the necessary documents, such as a valid visa, passport, and any required signatures. Students on F-1 visas should also be aware of OPT requirements and ensure they have the proper employment authorization before travelling. While international travel is allowed, it is important to comply with immigration regulations to maintain student status and re-entry into the US.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa requirements for international students | Students must have a valid F, J, or M visa to enter the US. |
| Visa application process | Consular interview, digital fingerprint scans, possible administrative processing, possible visa issuance fee. |
| Visa validity | Visas are valid until their expiration date, unless canceled or revoked. |
| Travel recommendations | Students advised to exercise caution and consult with DSO/lawyer before traveling. |
| Travel restrictions | Visa issuance suspended for individuals from specific countries. |
| Re-entry requirements | Valid visa, passport, Form I-20, EAD (if applicable), and other documents. |
| Automatic Revalidation | Applicable for travel to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands for less than 30 days with specific documents. |
| OPT/STEM OPT travel | Allowed but not encouraged, especially when close to maximum unemployment days. |
| Practical training application | USCIS approval required before travel, EAD needed to re-enter. |
| Pending SEVIS transfer | Schedule appointment with ISS advisor to discuss eligibility, deadlines, and documents. |
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What You'll Learn
International students with an F-1 visa can travel outside the US
International students with an F-1 visa can travel to Canada, Mexico, and adjacent islands for fewer than 30 days with an expired F-1 visa. However, they will not be able to automatically revalidate their visa if they have applied for a new one, or if they are a citizen of Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria. Students should also be aware that their electronic devices and social media may be reviewed upon re-entry to the US.
To re-enter the US, F-1 visa holders must present their passport, which must be valid for at least six months after the date of re-entry. They may also need their most recent Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record.” If their practical training application has been approved, they must have their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in hand.
It is important to note that US immigration policies can change rapidly and without notice. The Trump administration, for example, has issued proclamations restricting entry to the US from certain countries and suspending visa issuance for specific visa categories. International students should be cautious when travelling and consider the possibility of sudden changes to travel restrictions.
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Check visa requirements for the country you are travelling to
International students holding an F-1 visa are allowed to travel outside the US. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when travelling as an international student. Firstly, check with your Designated School Official (DSO) before travelling. Your DSO will be able to verify that your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record is accurate and up-to-date. Make sure 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. It is also important to have your DSO's most recent contact information, including a daytime phone number and a 24-hour emergency phone number.
If you are travelling to Canada, you may need a temporary resident visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Be sure to check the requirements for the country you are visiting, as some countries will require a visa, and you may need a transit visa for countries where you have a connecting flight. For example, if you are travelling to Canada, you will need to complete your application electronically or in person at a visa application centre. The application process can take up to 30 business days, so be sure to apply in advance.
If you have a pending practical training application, it is not recommended that you leave the US. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may request additional documents while you are travelling, and you will be expected to provide them. If your practical training application is approved, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to your US address. You will need to present this when re-entering the US, along with your valid passport and visa.
To re-enter the US, you will need to present your documents to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. They will determine whether you are admissible to the US based on the facts and circumstances presented at the time of your application. If you are returning from Mexico, Canada, or one of the adjacent islands for fewer than 30 days, you may enter the US with an expired F-1 visa. However, this is not possible if you are a citizen of Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria.
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Ensure your documents are in order before travelling
International students travelling outside the US need to ensure that they have the proper documentation to re-enter the country. Before travelling, it is important to check in with your Designated School Official (DSO) to ensure your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is up to date and in Active status. Your DSO should also sign your Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", within the last year, and you should not be leaving the country for more than five months. It is also important to have your DSO's most up-to-date contact information, including daytime telephone and 24-hour emergency phone numbers.
If you have a pending practical training application, it is not recommended that you leave the US, as you may be required to submit additional documents while travelling. If your application is approved, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which you will need to re-enter the US. If you are travelling outside the US on OPT, you will need to present the same documents as current students, as well as additional documentation depending on whether your OPT application is pending or has been approved. If your application is pending, you must bring the original Notice of Action issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration office. If your application has been approved, you must bring your EAD card and a letter from your employer confirming your employment, including contact information, a brief job description, and the duration of employment.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of your re-entry to the US. If you are an M-1 student, it is recommended that you bring your most recent Form I-94, "Arrival/Departure Record". If you have an F-1 visa, you may be able to enter the US with an expired visa if you are returning from Canada, Mexico, or one of the adjacent islands for fewer than 30 days. However, this is not guaranteed, and you should review the information on the US Department of State's website. If you have completed one academic program and plan to start another the following semester, you may travel without getting a travel signature on the I-20 or DS-2019 for your new program. If you are travelling with family members who have F-2 or J-2 visas, they will also need to carry the same documents as you.
It is also recommended that you have evidence of your financial ability, such as a copy of your most recent scholarship letter, bank statement, or tuition payment receipt, as well as evidence of your current enrolment as a full-time student. If you are not currently employed, it is not recommended that you travel outside the US, as re-entry is granted at the discretion of Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
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Consult with your DSO and a lawyer before travelling
International students in the United States are advised to consult with their Designated School Official (DSO) and a lawyer before travelling outside the country. This is to ensure that they are compliant with US immigration regulations and have the necessary documentation for re-entry.
Firstly, students should check that 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, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status" within the last year, and that they are not leaving the country for more than five months. It is also important to have the DSO's most recent contact information, including daytime and emergency phone numbers.
If a student has a pending practical training application, it is not recommended that they leave the US, as they may be required to submit additional evidence during their trip. If their application is approved, they will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which is required to re-enter the US.
Students should also be aware of any visa requirements for their destination. For example, travel to Canada requires a temporary resident visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Students should also be aware of any visa requirements for re-entering the US. While an F-1 visa holder may be able to re-enter the US with an expired visa if they have been in Canada, Mexico, or an adjacent island for less than 30 days, this is not guaranteed.
In addition, students should be aware of any travel advisories or restrictions in place. For example, the Trump administration has issued a proclamation suspending visa issuance for individuals from certain countries, and the US Department of State has resumed visa interviews for F-1 and J-1 student visa applicants.
By consulting with their DSO and a lawyer, international students can ensure that they have the most up-to-date information and documentation required for their travel plans.
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Be aware of travel warnings and restrictions
International students in the US should be aware of travel warnings and restrictions and take proactive measures to ensure safe travel. Here are some key considerations:
Travel Documents
Ensure that your records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) are up-to-date, and your Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", is signed and valid for the upcoming year. If you have a pending practical training application, it is advisable to refrain from travelling as you may receive a request for evidence while abroad. If your application is approved, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which is required for re-entry into the US. Additionally, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your planned re-entry date.
Visa Considerations
Review the latest visa requirements and restrictions for your destination country. The US Department of State may have specific visa procedures and interviews for F-1 and J-1 student visa applicants. Be cautious if you hold an Advanced Parole re-entry document instead of a valid visa, as this may impact your ability to travel abroad. Check if your country of citizenship has been subject to travel bans in the past, as this may affect your travel plans.
Travel Advisories
Refer to the international travel advisory map and resources provided by the US Department of State for safety and security information. The advisory levels are regularly reviewed and updated, reflecting any changes in conditions, including security concerns or staffing levels at US embassies or consulates in the destination country. Be aware of potential risks such as kidnapping, hostage-taking, or wrongful detention, and exercise normal precautions when travelling internationally.
Planning and Preparedness
Be proactive and plan your travel well in advance. Register your travel with your home country's embassy and develop a contingency plan that includes emergency contacts. Make two copies of all your travel documents, leaving one set with a trusted contact. Be prepared for potential searches of your electronic devices at ports of entry. Stay informed about any changes by subscribing to updates from official sources.
Timing and Duration
Consider the timing of your travel to minimise potential disruptions to your studies. Aim to return to the US before the start of a new academic term to avoid possible restrictions. If you plan to travel for an extended period, ensure you do not remain outside the country for more than five months, as this may affect your student status.
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Frequently asked questions
International students holding an F-1 visa are allowed to travel internationally outside the US. However, they must comply with US immigration regulations to maintain their student status. Students must also have their Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", signed by their DSO within the last year.
Students need to present the same documents as current students to a CBP officer at the port of entry. If your OPT application is pending, you must provide the original Notice of Action. If your OPT application has been approved, you must bring your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card and an employer confirmation letter.
Students may need a temporary resident visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. Applications must be completed electronically or submitted in person and will take at least 30 business days to process.
Visa revocations and changes in policy can impact international students' ability to travel outside the US. Students should exercise caution and consult official resources and legal advisors before making travel plans.
Students should not leave the country for more than 5 months at a time. Additionally, when returning from Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands, students can re-enter the US with an expired F-1 visa if their stay was less than 30 days.
