What should I do if my visa is revoked?
Find out what to do if your U.S. visa is revoked, how it may affect your immigration status, and the immediate steps to protect your options.
Can an arrest or criminal charge affect my status or visa?
Understand how an arrest or criminal charge can affect your visa, immigration status, SEVIS record, and future travel or work authorization.
Can I work or conduct research during my grace period?
Learn whether you can work or conduct research during your F-1 or J-1 grace period and what activities are allowed after your program ends.
What documents do I need to re-enter the U.S.?
Learn which documents F-1 and J-1 students need to re-enter the U.S., including passports, visas, travel signatures, and supporting records.
Can I travel during the school year?
Learn when F-1 and J-1 students can travel during the school year, required documents, and how to avoid problems with re-entry or immigration status.
What happens if I’m questioned at the airport?
Know what to expect if CBP delays or refuses your entry, including secondary inspection, Form I-515A, and the steps to protect your status.
How early can I enter the U.S. before my program begins?
Find out how early F-1 and J-1 students can enter the U.S., who the 30-day rule applies to, and what to do if you need to arrive earlier.
What should I expect at a U.S. Port of Entry?
Know what to expect at a U.S. port of entry, including CBP inspection, required documents, secondary inspection, and your I-94 admission.
Can I travel to the U.S. without my Form I-20 or DS-2019?
Don't travel without your original Form I-20 or DS-2019. Find out what to do if it's lost, delayed, or damaged before returning to the U.S.
What documents should I carry when I travel to the U.S. for the first time as an international student or scholar?
Prepare for your first trip to the U.S. by carrying the right immigration documents, financial records, and travel paperwork for CBP inspection.
What is a travel signature and why do I need one?
Learn what a travel signature is, why F-1 and J-1 students need one, how long it's valid, and how it affects re-entry to the U.S.
How long can I be outside the U.S. without affecting my status?
Learn how long F-1 and J-1 students can stay outside the U.S. without affecting SEVIS status and when a new record may be required.
What should I do if I’m delayed or refused entry by CBP?
Learn what to do if CBP delays or refuses your entry, what happens in secondary inspection, and how to respond to a Form I-515A or denial.
What if my visa expires while I’m abroad?
Learn what to do if your U.S. visa expires while you're abroad, when you need a new visa, and when Automatic Visa Revalidation may apply.
Can I visit Canada or Mexico without a valid visa stamp?
Learn when Automatic Visa Revalidation lets F-1 and J-1 students re-enter the U.S. from Canada or Mexico without a valid visa stamp.
What can I do during my grace period?
Learn what you can do during your F-1 or J-1 grace period, including travel, preparing to leave, and eligible post-program options like OPT or transfers.
What happens if I don’t leave the U.S. within my grace period?
Learn what happens if you overstay your F-1 or J-1 grace period, how it affects your immigration status, and when to seek legal guidance.
Can I travel to Canada or Mexico during my grace period and return to complete my departure?
Know how travel to Canada or Mexico affects your F-1 or J-1 grace period and why leaving the U.S. ends your ability to return in that status.
What is the grace period after my program ends?
Learn how the F-1 and J-1 grace periods work, how long you can stay after your program ends, and what you can do before departing the U.S.
What is the typical wait time for a visa appointment?
Find out typical U.S. visa appointment wait times, what affects them, when to apply, and how to check current wait times for your embassy or consulate.