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Travel

This information is for F-1 and F-2 student visa holders.

Travel Inside the U.S.

The United States has open borders between states. To travel within the country, no special permission or documents are needed. However, because regulations state that non-citizens should always carry their documents, it is recommended that you carry your I-20 and passport with you when you make a trip, even if you are not leaving the United States. If you are afraid that you might lose them, you can carry a copy instead. However, remember a copy does not officially replace the original.

Travel to U.S. Border Countries

Our border countries, Canada and Mexico, have special agreements with the United States to make students’ travel easier. Even if your United States visa is expired, you will still be granted admission back to the United States, as long as you were gone no longer than 30 days. This is called “visa revalidation” and it is only true for students traveling to our border countries.

To travel to these countries, follow these steps:

Determine if you need a visa to enter Canada or Mexico. For example, Canadian visas are not required for Japanese citizens, but they are required of those from Thailand. If you need a visa, be sure to allot enough time to obtain it before your trip. Also be sure to budget for the cost of the visa.
For Canada please visit: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.html
For Mexico please visit: http://www.consulmexny.org/eng/visas_fmt.htm
Make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the present date. If not, contact the nearest consulate or embassy of your country for passport renewal.
Get a travel signature on page 3 of your I-20. The signature verifies that you are in status and eligible to return to the United States. Because an advisor must check your record to verify your status, you must bring your I-20 to the ISP office for signature at least 24 hours before you wish to travel. A week in advance is preferred. The signature is valid for unlimited trips for six months. If you have a signature, and it is older than six months, you must obtain a new one.
Present your I-20, passport, I-94 card, and a copy of your most recent class schedule to the border official. Be polite and truthful.

Travel to Other Countries

When traveling to a country other than Canada and Mexico, you must have a valid United States visa to return. If your visa has expired, you must plan for enough time to go to a United States embassy or consulate to obtain a new one before you return to the United States. Follow the same steps outlined above.

Canadian citizens are not required to obtain an F-1 visa before entering the United States in student status, but they must present a valid passport and I-20. Mexican citizens must have a valid F-1 visa in their passports to enter the United States from Mexico. Visa revalidation does not apply.