Take these documents with you as paper copies to reenter the U.S.:

• Valid passport (at least 6 months into the future)

• Valid F-1 or J-1 visa (except Canadian citizens)

• SEVIS Fee receipt (I-901)

• Valid I-20 or DS-2019 with travel signature form. The travel signature form is valid for five months.

• Proof of financial support, copies of scholarship letters

• Transcript or enrollment verification

If you are not in good academic standing, there may be delays or additional requirements before a travel signature can be given.

Be aware that while unlikely, CBP has the authority to search your personal devices. Read more abut this below.

If you are traveling to a country other than your home country, check that country’s consular website for information about whether you will need a visa to enter their country or transit through. It often takes several weeks or months to process visa applications for other countries, so we recommend you plan ahead!

Students taking short trips of 30 days or less to a continuous country may be able to reenter the U.S. with an expired F-1 or J-1 visa. There are numerous conditions, so check out the U.S. Department of State page carefully before you leave! 

U.S. Department of State: Automatic Visa Revalidation

See the CBP Fact page here.

Students on cruises need to check that no stops in non-continuous countries will be made during the cruise, as this will invalidate this exception and require you to have a valid F-1 or J-1 visa for reentry.

Students crossing land borders must ensure you are admitted as an F-1 student and not a B-2 visitor. This may require you to exit your vehicle and go to a different check-in area.

Travel while awaiting the approval of an application to USCIS (such as OPT) can be risky and in some cases, cancels your application. Travel recommendations are based on your stage in the OPT process. Check with immigration advisor in the OISVS for the most current recommendations for your circumstances. 

You are required to have a passport that is valid for at least six months after the date you enter or re-enter..

See the DHS tips for international student travel here.

If you are traveling in the United States, make sure you carry the following documents with you at all times:

• Valid Passport

• I-94 

• Valid I-20 or DS-2019
   

Be aware that you may be required to show your documents at checkpoints near the Mexico border.

International students traveling on an ACU study abroad program are advised to:

1. Consider Your SEVIS Status: 

If you go on a semester-long ACU study abroad program, we can keep your SEVIS record active and you will be listed as studying abroad. That way you will be able to accrue months towards benefit eligibility while abroad. 

In order for this to occur, you will need to notify the OISVS of your plans.  

2. Consider whether you will be able to continue funding your education after you return from studying abroad. 

Financial sufficiency for each year of your program is one of the requirements to qualify for an ACU I-20, so careful planning is required.

Please be advised that ACU is not able to add to your current funding package unless specified by the Study Abroad or student financial services office.

3. Consider the time and cost to obtain required entry visas. 

-You will be responsible to obtain all visas needed for entry to each country where your program will go. Check consulate websites to see if a visa is required for citizens of your country.  

-Some countries require in-person applications, and it may take extra time to secure the necessary visas prior to departure.  

-Check your flight schedules to ensure there are no required transit visas if you stop over in a third country on the way. Even if you do not exit the plane, Canada, for example, requires transit visas for some nationals.

4. Be aware of the insurance costs:  

You will continue to be enrolled in the OISVS group plan for the duration of your study abroad period so that you will be covered in the U.S. before and after the semester, as well as to preserve your deductible and pre-existing condition coverage. 

You will also be enrolled in the study abroad group policy for the duration of your program outside the U.S. to cover illnesses and injuries while on the program.

5. Don’t forget: Reentry signatures are required for reentry to the U.S. 

You will need a travel signature on your I-20 for reentry to the U.S. You may also request a travel signature early if needed for overseas visa applications.

6. Upon return: Immigration check-in required. 

Be sure to check back in at the OISVS after you return so your records can be changed. Print out your I-94 to ensure your status is correct.

Feel free to talk to the immigration advisor at the OISVS office if you have any questions!