Travel & Re-Entry

When traveling within the United States, regardless of the mode of transportation, you should be prepared to present proof of your legal status if requested by law enforcement officers. To ensure compliance, all international students must carry the following documentation at all times:

• I-94 Arrival-Departure Record (printed copy) or proof of a pending application to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged I-94.

• Valid and current Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).

• Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if you are on Optional Practical Training (OPT).

• REAL ID-compliant identification (for more details, visit REAL ID | Homeland Security).                                                                                                                           

Carrying these documents ensures you are prepared for any verification requests and helps maintain compliance with U.S. immigration regulations. If you have any questions, please contact the international student services office.

Holiday breaks are an exciting time off from coursework, and possibly a chance to leave campus to travel. In order to travel outside of the the U.S., international students need a current* travel signature in their I-20. Also, we recommend that you carry an unofficial transcript or copy of your current course schedule as proof that you are currently enrolled and maintaining status. If you believe you do not have proper travel documents, email issd@sfbc.edu or call 954-637-2294.

*Please note that a current travel signature means received within the last 2 months for I-20. For OPT students, travel signatures are valid for 6 months.

To request a travel signature, please submit a Travel Signature Request eForm at least one week before the day of travelling. Students can drop off the original documents at the ISSD office during office hours. The ISSD will notify students when the endorsed documents are ready for pick up. Each travel signature will be valid for 12 months on the I-20.  

Be reminded about the following rules during travel:

1. While traveling, you should keep important documents with you and not in a checked suitcase. Important documents include: 

• A signed Form I-20 - make sure you bring this form for signature to the International Student Services Department minimum of 5 days before you travel to allow processing;

• A current passport, valid for at least six months to the future; 

• A valid student visa (if visa is expired,  you will need to renew it at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate before returning to the U.S.); 

• Proof of financial support;

• It is recommended that you bring proof of enrollment for continuing students (transcripts, letter from the Registrar)

• OPT students should have a valid EAD or official receipt notice if I-765 is pending for approval; while not prohibited, ISSD does not recommend traveling outside the US if the OPT is pending for approval.

2. If you are traveling outside the United States to a place that is not your home country, you should know that country’s visa requirements and plan accordingly. Please contact that country’s embassy or consulate for the necessary information.

3. If you (and/or your dependents) are traveling to Canada, Mexico or an adjacent island for less than 30 days on an expired visa, you may be permitted to re-enter the United States under the automatic visa revalidation. 

One final important reminder for students is to have fun and stay safe!

Paper I-94 cards are no longer issued at airports upon arrival in the U.S.  Your arrival/departure records are now electronically maintained. Upon returning from an international trip, go to  www.cbp.gov/I94 , download and save as a pdf (or screenshot from your phone) a copy of your I-94 record.

Please check your Populi profile and update the SEVIS local and SEVIS foreign addresses if necessary. Also, fill out the Change of Address Form and submit to International Student Services Dept. within 10 days from the date you move.