Are You Traveling?

To re-enter the U.S. you will need:

  1. valid passport
  2. valid visa1
  3. valid I-20 or DS-2019 with a recent travel signature2
  4. proof of finances (this is required by law; although it is rarely requested)

We recommend that you also take proof of full time enrollment by means of one of the following forms:

  1. official transcript (from Registrar’s Office, $3.00), OR
  2. certificate of enrollment3 (free from Registrar’s Office), OR

In addition, it is recommended that you take in case you are asked questions:

1VISAS If you do not have a valid visa, you will need to apply for one while outside the U.S. Please take careful consideration before deciding to travel if you will need a new visa. All visa applications require a security check that could delay the application. If you decide to travel, we suggest applying for a visa as soon as possible after arriving at your destination. For the most current procedures for non-immigrant visa applications, review the website for the appropriate consular office. Most are listed at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/embassies/embassies_1214.html

Exception: If you are traveling to Canada, Mexico or an adjacent island for 30 days or less, you may be able to re-enter the U.S. with an expired visa. See handout titled “Automatic Revalidation of Visa”, available in ISS.

2TRAVEL SIGNATURES You can get a travel signature from a DSO in the Registrar’s Office.

3CERTIFICATES OF ENROLLMENT. Be sure to request verification of full-time enrollment for every semester you’ve been enrolled. It is also possible to request proof of full-time pre-registration for next semester, if you have pre-registered.

Do not be alarmed if you are pulled aside at the port of entry for further questioning. It is routine procedure for all students; however, it may take several hours. Please take this into consideration when arranging connecting flights.