Travel Outside the U.S.

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TRAVEL RULES

Can I travel during the school year?

Yes, as an international student in F-1 or J-1 status, you may travel during the academic year as long as you remain enrolled full-time and continue making normal progress in your program. Travel is often easiest during scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter vacation.

Before you travel, be sure to:

  • Think about how long you will be away and confirm you can return before classes resume.

  • Check whether you will need a new visa and, if so, allow enough time for a visa. appointment and processing (often possible only during longer breaks).

  • Talk with your DSO (F-1) or ARO (J-1) before finalizing travel plans.

  • Check with your professors or advisor if you might miss classes or on-campus work.

Avoid traveling internationally if:

  • Your SEVIS record has been terminated (unless you are traveling specifically to fix your status with a new I-20 or DS-2019).

  • You are in the grace period after your program has ended.

  • You have a pending OPT or STEM OPT application. Talk to your DSO/ARO about your options first.

  • You are applying for a change of status (COS) or have a pending green card application. Consult an immigration attorney before making travel plans.

IMPORTANT: Always confirm your immigration status and travel documents with your international office before departing the U.S. This will help you avoid problems returning.

Reference: Travel Re-entry: F Visa (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

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How long can I be outside the U.S. without affecting my status?

Many international students travel home or abroad during school breaks, and short trips are usually fine. However, immigration rules limit how long you can be outside the U.S. without losing your status.

In general, you may remain outside the U.S. for up to 5 months during an authorized school break and still return on the same SEVIS record without affecting your F-1 or J-1 status.

If you are outside the U.S. for more than 5 months, or if your absence prevents you from staying enrolled full-time, it may result in:

  • Termination of your SEVIS record

  • The need for a new I-20 or DS-2019 to return, which would restart the one academic year requirement before you are eligible for CPT or OPT (F-1) or Academic Training (J-1)

IMPORTANT: If you think you may be outside the U.S. longer than 5 months, talk with your DSO (F-1) or ARO (J-1) before you leave. They can explain your options and help you avoid losing your status. 

Reference: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(4) (Code of Federal Regulations)

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DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO TRAVEL

What is a “travel signature” and why do I need one?

If you plan to leave the U.S. and return in F-1 or J-1 status, you must have a valid travel signature on your Form I-20 (F-1) or Form DS-2019 (J-1). This signature confirms that you are maintaining lawful student status and facilitates your admission to the U.S. by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Key things for you to know about travel signatures:

  • They are required for all international travel if you plan to return in F-1 or J-1 status.

  • They are typically valid for 12 months (or 6 months if you are on OPT) or until your program end date, whichever comes first.

  • You should request one well in advance of your travel. Most schools have a formal process for requesting travel signatures, and processing can take a few days (or longer if your school has peak requests).

IMPORTANT: If you forget to get a travel signature, CBP may still allow you to enter by issuing a Form I-515A, which grants temporary admission for 30 days. If this happens, contact your DSO/ARO immediately upon your return so they can help you submit the required documents within the deadline.

Reference: I-515A Fact Sheet on Study in the States

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What documents are required to re-enter the U.S.?

When you return to the U.S. after traveling abroad, you must be prepared to show proof that you are still a valid F-1 or J-1 student. Keep your required documents in your carry-on luggage so they are easy to present to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Required documents (always needed):

  • Valid passport (valid at least 6 months beyond your intended stay)

  • Valid F-1 or J-1 visa (see exceptions below)

  • Current I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) with a valid travel signature

Additional documents you may be asked for:

  • Proof of financial support (such as bank statements or letters of scholarship)

  • Academic records (such as enrollment verification or transcripts)

  • EAD card and evidence of employment if you are a student on Optional Practical Training

Visa exceptions:

  • Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not need a visa. Present a valid passport and endorsed I-20 or DS-2019 at the border.

  • Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR): If you travel to Canada, Mexico, or most adjacent U.S. islands for fewer than 30 days, you may re-enter with an expired visa.

    • Students from countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism are not eligible for AVR and must always have a valid visa.

IMPORTANT: Always make photocopies (or secure digital copies) of your official documents and leave them with family or a trusted contact when you travel. This will make replacement easier if your documents are lost or stolen.

References: 

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What if my visa expires while I am abroad?

Your visa is the stamp in your passport that allows you to present yourself for admission to the U.S. 

If you travel outside the U.S. and your F-1 or J-1 visa has expired, you must apply for and receive a new visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate before returning to the U.S.

NOTE: 

  • Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not need a U.S. visa to enter as F-1 or J-1 students.

  • Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR): If you travel to Canada, Mexico, or most adjacent U.S. islands for fewer than 30 days, and you have not applied for a new visa during your travel, you may re-enter with an expired visa (unless you are from a country designated as a state sponsor of terrorism).

IMPORTANT:

  • Check your visa expiration date well before you travel so you allow time to renew, if needed, while you are abroad.

    • Renewing a visa can take time, so plan your travel dates carefully to avoid delays returning to the U.S.

  • The U.S. Department of State may revoke visas, so confirm your visa status using the CEAC Visa Status Check before traveling.

  • You should apply for a new visa in your country of citizenship or residence.

    • If you are traveling in a third country, be prepared to return to your home country to secure your new visa.

References: 

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U.S. immigration regulations are rapidly changing. Immigration rules can change quickly, and what is accurate today may not be true tomorrow. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific immigration questions or complex situations, consult with a qualified immigration attorney.