What documents should I always carry (F-1)?

FAQ.

Answered by Robin Catmur-Smith, Managing Director of the International Student Resource Center

Last updated: July, 2026

What documents should I always carry (F-1)?

As an F-1 student you should be able to prove your status at any time. Carry a copy of your passport ID page, your I-94 arrival record, and your Form I-20. For daily life, copies are usually enough; carry originals when you travel.

What to have

• Passport identity page

• I-94 arrival record

• Form I-20

Practical tips

• Day-to-day in your city/state, carrying copies is usually fine — keep originals stored safely at home.

• Save digital images on your phone or secure cloud storage for quick access.

• When traveling outside your local area — and especially outside the U.S. — carry the originals.

• Be sure your I-20 form has a travel signature from your DSO no older than one year.