International Student Services

[All information is subject to change without notice.]

If you plan to travel outside the U.S. and return in F-1 status, you must have the following documents upon re-entry:

• Valid F-1 visa. Visit the F-1 Visa page for more information.
• Valid passport which will not expire within six months of your entry to the U.S.
• I-20 endorsed by an ISS Office international student advisor. Allow 24 hours to process. This is also required for students participating in OPT and CPT.
• EAD card and letter of employment for students on Optional Practical Training.

  *New guidance from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program indicates that a student who has an EAD issued, but who is not employed, and who does not have a job offer, is ineligible for readmission to the U.S. under F-1 status. Consult with an advisor prior to departing the U.S. if you have questions.

Application Process for I-20 Travel Endorsement

• Complete a travel endorsement form and submit it with your I-20 to the ISS Office
• If you have recently changed your major, funds, or dependent status, or if all re-entry lines are filled, request a new I-20. New I-20 requests will require additional documents and require a processing time of five to seven days.
• Twenty-four hours later, come to the ISS Office to pick up your I-20 with the travel endorsement on the back. 

Automatic Visa Revalidation

If you plan to travel to either Canada or Mexico for less than 30 days and will not apply for a visa renewal, you are eligible for Automatic Visa Revalidation.

Travel Greater than Five Months

If you plan to travel outside the U.S. for a period greater than five months you must re-enter on an initial attendance I-20 and must obtain a new visa, even if your current visa is expired. For details about this process, please come to the International Student Services Office and speak with an International Student Adviser.