Traveling as a F-1/J-1 Student? Check this out!

This page was created to assist F-1 or J-1 students who are currently studying at St. Edward’s University. If you are currently a F-1 visa holder who has an OPT application pending with USCIS or whose OPT has already been approved, please read this webpage instead.

Social Media and Travel: What to Keep in Mind

When re-entering the U.S., Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may review your social media profiles as part of the inspection process. In some cases, officers have asked travelers—including international students—for access to their devices, social media accounts, or passwords. While you have the right to refuse to provide passwords, doing so may lead to delays or denial of entry.

Tips for Social Media & Travel:

While you have rights protecting your speech and privacy in the U.S., the U.S. government may monitor publicly accessible online information—domestically or abroad—as part of security screenings. Be mindful and intentional with what you post, share, or engage (like) with on social media platforms, as this information could be reviewed and interpreted during immigration processes.
Know your rights. You can refuse to unlock your device or share passwords, but be prepared that this may lead to further questioning or delays at the port of entry.

What documents should you take with you as you travel abroad or domestically?

Travel within the United States: If you are traveling in the United States, we highly recommend that you carry copies of the documents listed below. If you are travelling within 100 miles of the Mexican or Canadian border, you should carry your original immigration documents with you as you may encounter an immigration checkpoint near the border.

Required Documents

Make sure your I-20 for F-1 Visa (see how to check for a valid signature here) or DS-2019 for J-1 visa (see how to check for a valid signature here) has a recent travel endorsement signature. This endorsement should be dated within 12 months of your re-entry (or 6 months if on OPT).
Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months when seeking admission or readmission to the United States, unless your country has an agreement with the United States. For a list of countries under this agreement, review the list on the Immigration Customs Enforcement website. Your passport should remain valid throughout your stay in the U.S.
F-1 or J-1 visa: If you have an F-1 or J-1 visa, you must show a valid, unexpired visa in the correct category each time you enter the U.S. (Canadian citizens do not need a visa, but most Canadian permanent residents do.) If your visa expires while you are in the U.S., you can stay as long as your status is valid, but you will need to get a new visa before returning to the U.S. after traveling abroad. It’s best to apply for a new visa in your home country. If you apply in another country, it may be more difficult and take longer. Most people will need an in-person interview, so contact the U.S. consulate early and expect possible delays.

There is one exception to the rule about needing a valid visa to re-enter the U.S.: F-1 and J-1 students can travel to Canada, Mexico, or certain Caribbean islands (except Cuba) for less than 30 days and return to the U.S. with an expired visa. This is called "automatic visa revalidation." Your visa is treated as if it’s still valid for that short trip.

Important notes:

If you apply for a new visa while in Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, you cannot return to the U.S. unless your visa is approved.
Citizens of Iran, Syria, and Sudan are not eligible for automatic visa revalidation.

What is a Travel Signature?

An advisor issues you a signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 after you enter the U.S. to begin your F-1 or J-1 status.
The travel signature is on page two of an I-20 or page one of a DS-2019.
The signature confirms that you have valid F-1 or J-1 status.
You must have a valid travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 to return to the U.S. after you travel abroad.
Each signature is valid for one year for current students. (Valid for 6 months for students in OPT)
The travel signature is required for returning to the U.S. It is not required for leaving the U.S.
If your current travel signature will expire before you will return to the U.S., you must request an updated travel signature.
Detailed instructions: I-20 for F-1 Visa (see how to check for a valid signature here) or DS-2019 for J-1 visa (see how to check for a valid signature here)
Students may request Electronic Travel Signatures by completing the I-20 Travel Signature Request Form on myHilltop (J-1 students can also use this form to request travel signatures in DS-2019). ISS will send a confirmation email notifying you that your travel signature has been processed.

Disclaimer: The ISS staff will provide regulatory and practice information related to F and J status, as it stands at the time of the consultation. Regulatory content is designed for SEU students and is not intended to constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for legal counsel.

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