Travel & Re-Entry to the U.S.
Start here to learn how to travel outside of the U.S. while studying as an international student, and how to return legally without compromising your immigration status.
Featured Resources
Your first U.S. entry as a student has two parts: preparing the right documents, and clearing Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Port of Entry. Here's what to know.
You can travel abroad during your studies and return in F-1 or J-1 status if your documents are in order. Learn what to check before you go in this overview on travel outside the United States, and re-entry.
FAQs
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.
Understand how an arrest or criminal charge can affect your visa, immigration status, SEVIS record, and future travel or work authorization.
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.
Learn which documents F-1 and J-1 students need to re-enter the U.S., including passports, visas, travel signatures, and supporting records.
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.
Know what to expect if CBP delays or refuses your entry, including secondary inspection, Form I-515A, and the steps to protect your status.
Know what to expect at a U.S. port of entry, including CBP inspection, required documents, secondary inspection, and your I-94 admission.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Helpful Guides
Keeping J-1 status means meeting reporting obligations to your sponsor and handling program changes the right way. Learn about the landscape for scholars in this overview for maintaining J-1 Status and program changes.
Three separate J-1 rules are often confused: the 212(e) two-year home-country residency requirement, the 24-month bar, and the 12-month bar. This guide explains each and how they differ.
When your program ends normally, you get a short grace period in the U.S. to wrap up and prepare to leave. Learn more about how it works in this overview of grace periods and departures for international students.
Your first U.S. entry as a student has two parts: preparing the right documents, and clearing Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Port of Entry. Here's what to know.
You can travel abroad during your studies and return in F-1 or J-1 status if your documents are in order. Learn what to check before you go in this overview on travel outside the United States, and re-entry.
You can academically transfer to a new SEVP-certified school, but you must also transfer your SEVIS record in order to maintain your lawful status. You must meet all requirements and follow the steps.