Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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 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 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.
What is the 12-month bar, and how is it different from the 24-month bar?
Understand the difference between the J-1 12-month and 24-month bars, who each rule applies to, and how they affect future exchange programs.
When can I invest $800,000 instead of $1,050,000 for EB-5?
See when the reduced $800,000 EB-5 investment applies, which projects qualify, and how targeted areas can offer visa set-aside benefits.
How can I apply for a drivers license?
Learn how international students can apply for a U.S. driver's license, what documents to bring, and how REAL ID rules may affect you.
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.
What documents will I receive after being accepted by an SEVP-certified school?
Learn which documents you'll receive after acceptance to an SEVP-certified school, including your Form I-20, and what you need before it's issued.
How do I pay the I-901 SEVIS fee?
Learn the most common reasons U.S. visa applications are denied, including INA 214(b), 221(g), financial proof, documents, and home-country ties.
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.
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.
Can I extend my J-1 program?
Learn how to extend your J-1 program, eligibility requirements, funding and documentation needed, deadlines, and how to avoid falling out of status.