Savanna Hoffman
International students are a rapidly growing migrant group, with their numbers almost doubling in the last decade in OECD countries. The United States currently hosts more than 20% of all international students, followed by the United Kingdom (11%), Germany (7%), France (7%), and Australia (6%). For international students in the United States, staying outside the country for an extended period, such as six months, can have significant implications for their legal status and ability to re-enter the country. In this paragraph, we will explore the consequences of an international student remaining outside the United States for six months and the necessary steps to maintain their student status.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Maximum time outside the US | 5 months |
| Who to consult before travelling | Designated School Official (DSO) |
| Documents required | Form I-20, passport, visa, financial information |
| Passport validity | 6 months after the date of re-entry |
| Visa validity | Depends on the number of entries allowed |
| Renewal of visa | At a US Consulate/Embassy Office in the home country |
| Form I-20 | Endorsed for travel by DSO |
| Form I-539 | Allows travel outside the US |
| SEVP | Can be contacted for assistance by F and M students |
| OPT | Allows work and training in the US for up to 12 months |
| STEM OPT extension | Allows students with STEM degrees to stay and work in the US for 24 months |
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What You'll Learn
- International students must consult their Designated School Official (DSO) before travelling
- A valid passport is required for re-entry
- Students need to maintain their F or M student status
- Students must re-apply to the university if they are gone for more than five months
- Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) have a six-month SEVIS Form I-20 endorsement
International students must consult their Designated School Official (DSO) before travelling
International students in the United States must consult their Designated School Official (DSO) before travelling outside the country. This applies to both F-1 and M-1 students who plan to be away from the US for five months or less. The DSO usually works in the international student office.
Students must ensure that their DSO has signed their Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", within the last year. The DSO needs to be able to verify that the student's SEVIS record is accurate and up-to-date. The DSO will sign the Form I-20, endorsing it for travel. Each signature is valid for one year after the date of signing, except for students on Optional Practical Training (OPT), where it is valid for six months.
Students must also ensure they have the DSO's most up-to-date contact information, including daytime and 24-hour emergency phone numbers. If students have a pending practical training application, it is not recommended that they leave the US. USCIS may send a request for evidence while the student is travelling, and they will be expected to respond.
If an international student remains outside the US for more than five months, they may need to apply for a new visa at a US Consulate or Embassy Office before re-entering the country. They may also need to renew their F-1 visa if it has expired.
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A valid passport is required for re-entry
International students in the United States on an F or M visa must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months after the date of their re-entry into the country. This is a mandatory requirement for re-entry into the United States. Students should also consult their Designated School Official (DSO) before travelling internationally to ensure that their record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is up-to-date and in Active status. The DSO will be able to verify that the student's SEVIS record is accurate and endorse their Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", for travel.
It is important to note that international students on an F or M visa are allowed to travel outside the United States for up to five months without affecting their student status. However, if a student plans to be outside the country for more than five months, they will need to re-apply to the university and enter the US as a new student on an initial SEVIS record. This means that they will need a new I-20 issued, pay a new I-901 fee, and acquire a new visa. Additionally, they will not be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for another year.
For M-1 students, it is recommended to bring their most recent Form I-94, "Arrival/Departure Record", when travelling internationally. This form provides information about their arrival in and departure from the United States. It is also important to note that international students should not leave the country for more than 5 months without consulting their DSO and ensuring that their records are up-to-date.
In some cases, international students may need to apply for an official Leave of Absence from their university if they plan to be away for an extended period. This can be done through the university's registration system, and the specific option selected ("Planned Professional Leave" or "Personal Leave") may depend on the reason for the leave. It is crucial for international students to carefully plan their departure and return trips to ensure compliance with visa and SEVIS record requirements.
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Students need to maintain their F or M student status
International students with an F or M visa studying in the United States must maintain their student status. This means fulfilling the purpose for which the Department of State issued the visa and following the associated regulations. F and M students must enter the US no more than 30 days before their program of study begins and must contact their Designated School Official (DSO) upon arrival. While studying, they must attend all classes, maintain academic progress, and maintain a full course load. If they are unable to study full-time, they must contact their DSO.
If F and M students wish to travel outside the US, they must consult their DSO beforehand. They must ensure their record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is up-to-date and in Active status, and their DSO has signed their Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," within the last year. Students must also ensure they have a current passport valid for at least six months after their date of re-entry and a valid visa.
If F or M students will be outside the US for more than five months, they will need to obtain a new Form I-20 and pay a new SEVIS fee. They will no longer be admissible as a "continuing student" and will be considered a new student on an initial SEVIS record. They may also need to re-apply to the university and submit an online application, selecting "Re-applicant."
Upon returning to the US, students cannot enter more than 30 days before classes begin, even if their visa is still valid. They must also ensure they have all the required signed documents and have paid the SEVIS I-901 fee on their Form I-20. If they do not have the required documentation, a CBP officer may issue a Form I-515A, admitting them to the US for 30 days while they obtain the proper documentation.
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Students must re-apply to the university if they are gone for more than five months
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are permitted to travel outside the country temporarily, as long as they do not stay outside for more than five months. If students plan to be away for more than five months, they are advised to consult with their Designated School Official (DSO) before travelling, as they will need to re-apply for their visa upon their return. The DSO will be able to advise on the necessary steps to take and ensure that the student's SEVIS record is accurate and up-to-date.
Students will need to ensure that their DSO has signed their Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", within the last year. The DSO will also need to endorse the form for travel and verify the student's SEVIS record. In addition to this, students will need to present a current passport valid for at least six months after their date of re-entry, a valid visa, and financial information showing proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
If an international student has been outside the US for more than five months, they will need to apply for a new visa at a US Consulate or Embassy Office before re-entering the country. This process can vary depending on the country, and it is recommended that students apply for renewal in their home country. Students should be aware that there is a risk involved if they apply for renewal in a third country, as they will need to return directly to their home country if their application is denied.
It is important to note that students with pending practical training applications are advised not to leave the US, as they may receive requests for evidence from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) while travelling. USCIS will only send these requests to the student's US address, and if the training application is approved, the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) will also be sent to the US address. Therefore, students planning to travel for more than five months should carefully consider the potential impact on their practical training application and visa status.
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Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) have a six-month SEVIS Form I-20 endorsement
Students on F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) visas are required to have a six-month SEVIS Form I-20 endorsement if they wish to travel outside the United States for five months or less. This form is also known as the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status".
Before travelling, students must consult their Designated School Official (DSO), who will be based in the International Student Office. The DSO will ensure that the student's SEVIS record is accurate and up-to-date, and will sign the Form I-20. Students should also ensure they have the DSO's most up-to-date contact information, including a daytime telephone number and a 24-hour emergency phone number.
In addition to the Form I-20, students will need to present a valid passport (valid for at least six months after the date of re-entry), a valid visa, and financial information showing proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
It is important to note that students on OPT visas must maintain their F-1 status by fulfilling the purpose for which the visa was issued. This includes not taking any action that detracts from the primary purpose of studying in the United States. Working in the United States without authorization, for example, can result in serious consequences, including removal from the country.
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Frequently asked questions
You will be required to get a new I-20 prior to returning to the US. You will need to reapply to the university and may need to submit official transcripts of any coursework completed during your time away.
You will need to consult the designated school official (DSO) before travelling. You must have a current Form I-20, endorsed for travel, and your DSO must be able to verify that your SEVIS record is accurate and up-to-date.
You will need a valid visa, a current passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of your re-entry, and financial information showing proof of necessary funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
It is not recommended to leave the US if you have a pending practical training application. USCIS will send requests for evidence to your US address, and you are expected to send in the requested documents.
If your visa expires while you are outside the US, and your travel does not qualify for Automatic Visa Revalidation, you must apply for a new visa at a US Consulate/Embassy Office before re-entering the US.
