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Travel Documents

Reminder: Summer 2025 Travel Guidance can be found on the Spring 2025 FAQs website. 

To be re-admitted to the U.S. as an F-1 student, you must present the following documents:
 
  1. Your passport, which must be valid for at least six months on the day that you re-enter the U.S. 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. 
  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. 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 get an official enrollment letter, please follow these steps: 
In the Wheaton Gateway, you search for “Classic Portal,” open this and find the Banner Self Service menu. Then use “Student Services” and “NEW: Student Records” to get to your Banner student Profile. On the left menu there is an Enrollment Verification Certificate option which leads to a page that automatically issues you the enrollment certificate. Please print and have this ready when you travel.
 
  • If you are on OPT/STEM OPT, you can carry with you a letter from your employer showing proof of your current/future employment.


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.