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Travel Documents


To be re-admitted to the U.S. as an F-1 student, you must present the following documents:
 
  1. Your passport, which in most cases, must be valid for at least 6 months into the future on the day you return to the U.S. from a trip abroad. Countries listed in link here (see question 2) have agreements with the U.S. which enable students to enter the country up to the date of passport's expiration. If you recently renewed your passport, you may need to carry your old expired passport, too, if your F-1 visa is in your expired passport. Keep your passport valid at all times.
  2. A valid F-1 visa in your passport (except Canadians). In most situations, the F-1 visa must be valid on the day you will enter the U.S.  If your F-1 visa has expired, you will need to visit a US embassy and apply for a new F-1 visa stamp. 2025 notice: if your visa has expired, please make an appointment with your DSO to discuss international travel plans. 
  3. A valid I-20 document with a recent travel signature on page 2 of your I-20. The signature must be less than one year old on the day you will re-enter the U.S. If you are on OPT, the signature must be signed within the past 6 months. If you need to request a new travel signature, make an appointment with your DSO.
  4. Your most recent I-94. Find this here.
  5. If you are on approved OPT/STEM OPT, always travel with your valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
 
Recommended
  • Copies of financial documentation showing how you are covering the costs of studying and living in the U.S.
  • A copy of your student transcript (or upcoming semester's course schedule) to show proof of enrollment. To print an enrollment verification certificate, please follow these steps: 
In the Wheaton Gateway, search for Enrollment Verification Certificate, click on this, and select "current enrollment". This should enable you to print a copy of your current enrollment for the semester in which you are traveling. 
 
  • If you are on OPT/STEM OPT, you can carry with you a letter from your employer showing proof of your current/future employment.
  • Be prepared for extra questioning. (i.e. the purpose of your travel, your academic program, plans after graduation, how you are paying for your studies, proof that you are following F-1 visa requirements, and your current CPT/OPT/STEM OPT authorization (if applicable). 
  • Be aware that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the right to search electronic devices when you enter the U.S. 

Vacation Terms
If you are preparing for your annual vacation term (typically the summer for residential students), we encourage you to read these reminders from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) on how to maintain your status, what employment authorization you might need, and more!

You can access more detailed information on the Study in the States website for Traveling as an International Student.