Travel Advice

Entering the United States

A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States.  A visa only allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States.

After you present your passport, visa, and Form I-20 at the port-of-entry, a CBP official will make this decision.  Upon admission, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.

Learn about procedures for students with F visas entering the United States on the CBP website under Arrival Procedures for Students or Exchange Visitors.  Learn about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website

Required Documents:

All F-1 Simmons students must carry the following documents when re-entering the U.S.

• A passport (valid for at least six months from the date you return to the U.S.)

• A valid F-1 visa (not a requirement for Canadian citizens)

• Your most recent form I-20 with a valid travel signature

CGE also recommends students carry the following supplemental documents:

• A print out of your most recent I-94 record, available to download here

• Evidence of current enrollment as a full-time student at Simmons

  • You can request an Enrollment Verification form from the Registrar’s Office or print a copy of your Fall 25 course registration

• Evidence of financial support, such as a copy of your most recent scholarship letter, bank statement, or tuition payment receipt

Students on Post-Completion OPT and STEM Extension must also carry the following documents:

• A Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

• Proof of Employment (for example, your employment offer letter)

Travel Signatures

For current F-1 students, an I-20 travel signature is valid for 12 months (or until the I-20’s expiration date, whichever is sooner) Travel signatures can only be signed by a DSO (Designated School Official) located in the Center for Global Education.

For those on F-1 Post-Completion OPT/STEM Extension you are required to get a new travel signature every 6 months.

The travel signature is on page 2 of your I-20, if you need a new travel signature, email cge@simmons.edu. You can schedule a time to visit the CGE to have your I-20 signed or email us your current I-20 form for an e-signature.

Renewing your visa

Depending on the length of your academic program and duration of your visa, the F-1 visa in your passport may expire during your program of study at Simmons.  An expired visa has no impact on your legal status in the U.S. and is not required to complete your Simmons degree.  However, if you leave the United States, you must apply for a new F-1 visas before returning to the United States.  Students must apply in their country of citizenship at an American consulate or embassy.  Visa renewal is discretionary and carries the risk of delay or denial.

The process to renew your F-1 visa is very similar to the process you completed to request your initial visa. Full instructions are available from the State Department here.

In summary, you must:

• Complete the Online Visa Application Form DS-160 

• Schedule an Interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of citizenship

• Gather required documentation

• Attend your visa interview-please note that there are new vetting procedures in place. The Embassy may request that you set your social media profiles to public

Electronic Device Searches at U.S. Ports of Entry: What You Need to Know

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the authority to search electronic devices, including phones, laptops, tablets and other electronic devices of anyone entering the U.S., including U.S. citizens and non-citizens.  These searches can happen at U.S. land crossings and airports.  These searches can occur without warrant or suspicion.

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