Traveling

International Student and Scholar Services offer Travel Advisory Information Sessions to all students every semester.

All students are required to attend a Travel Advisory Information Session before they depart the United States to obtain a travel signature on their Form I-20/DS-2019.

After attending a Travel Advisory Session, submit a Travel Signature request through Terra Dotta Login > Start New Request > Travel Signature.

An email notification will be sent once the updated I-20 with a travel signature is ready for download.

Note: If a student does not attend a scheduled MANDATORY Travel Advisory Session, their travel signature request will be processed at a later date based on the Designated School Officials (DSO) availability.

When you are traveling in the U.S, we recommend that you carry a copy of your passport and Form I-20 or DS-2019 with you. These documents are required to show proof of lawful legal presence in the United States. This is equally necessary (original copies), if you will be flying to another State within the United States.

For more information about the required documents for air travel please visit U.S Homeland Security - Transportation Security Administration.

Students traveling to Canada should check with the Canadian Embassy for Canadian visa requirement.

Students traveling to Mexico should check with the Mexican Embassy for Mexican visa requirement.

Adjacent Islands are:

Saint Pierre
Miquelon
The Dominican Republic
Haiti
Bermuda
The Bahamas
Barbados
Jamaica
The Windward and Leeward Island
Trinidad
Martinique
Other British, French, and Netherlands territory or possessions in or bordering on the Caribbean Sea

Automatic Revalidation of Visa

If your F-1 or J-1 visa has expired and you are planning to travel to Canada or Mexico or the adjacent Islands for less than 30 days, you may be eligible for automatic visa revalidation. You will be allowed to re-enter the U.S with your valid Form I-20 or DS-2019 (endorsed by the Immigration Specialist for travel), without applying for a new visa. Provided that:

You did not apply for a new visa while in Canada,
You did not apply for a new visa which was denied,
You do not have a terminated I-20 or DS-2019
You have been out of the country for less than 30 days
You are not a citizen of the following countries:
- Cuba
- Iran
- North Korea
- Sudan
- Syria
- Myanmar

All international students who plan to travel outside the U.S. must have a valid passport, current I-20 or DS-2019, a valid U.S. visa and a travel signature. The passport must be valid at least six (6) months into the future. An expired passport can be renewed at your Home Country’s Embassy/Consulate within the United States.

A valid American visa is required to re-enter the United States. Renewal of visas can only be carried out at U.S. Embassies and Consulates outside the United States. Visa renewal is never possible in the United States.

A travel signature is also required on page two (2) your I-20 or page one (1) of your DS-2019. This signature is valid for six (6) months only.

Note: In the event that a student does not attend the scheduled MANDATORY travel Advisory sessions, and needs to sign Form I-20 for travel when the Designated School Officials are not available, the Form I-20 will be mailed to the student’s home country address by DHL and the charges placed on the student’s Banner account.

Note: Please be aware that this list of required and suggested documentation does not guarantee admission to the U.S. With increased security checks, you may have time delays, opened luggage, restrictions on carry-on baggage, or additional questions.

Type of Visa	Re-Entry with a Valid Visa	Visa Renewal
F-1 Student	A valid passport at least 6 months into the future. A valid visa. Current valid I-20 form with recent travel signature. All previous I-20 forms (to show your history).	A valid passport at least 6 months into the future. Current valid I-20 form with recent travel signature. All previous I-20 forms (to show your history). Official transcript from Central (Registrar's Office). Proof of course registration for upcoming semester. Current Affidavit of Support and/or a copy of your tuition bill showing a zero balance. Request a letter of good standing from ISSS at least 2 weeks prior to your expected travel date. Be prepared to talk about your educational goals here in the US, your intent to return to your home country and your plans once you do return home. Maintain a respectful attitude.
F-1 OPT	A valid passport at least 6 months into the future. A valid visa. Current valid I-20 form with recent travel signature. All previous I-20 forms (to show your history). A valid Employment Authorization Card. A letter from your employer	A valid passport at least 6 months into the future. Current valid I-20 form with recent travel signature. All previous I-20 forms (to show your history). A valid Employment Authorization Card. A letter from your employer. Be prepared to talk about your intent to return to your home country. Maintain a respectful attitude.
J-1 Student	A valid passport at least 6 months into the future. A valid visa. Current valid DS-2019 form with recent travel signature. All previous DS-2019 (to show your history).	A valid passport at least 6 months into the future. Current valid DS-2019 form with recent travel signature. All previous DS-2019 forms (to show your history). Proof of course registration for upcoming semester. Current Affidavit of Support and/or a copy of your tuition bill showing a zero balance. Request a letter of good standing from ISSS at least 2 weeks prior to your expected travel date.
J-1 Scholar	A valid passport at least 6 months into the future. A valid visa. Current valid DS-2019 form with recent travel signature. All previous DS-2019 (to show your history).	A valid passport at least 6 months into the future. Current valid DS-2019 form with recent travel signature. All previous DS-2019 forms (to show your history). Letter of research activity from Department Chair.

We Are Central

Travel Advisory Schedule

Travel Resources

Office Hours

Walk In Hours

Traveling

Automatic Revalidation of Visa

We Are Central

Travel Advisory Schedule

Travel Resources

Office Hours

Walk In Hours

Traveling

Travel in the U.S.

Travel to Canada, Mexico, and Adjacent Islands

Automatic Revalidation of Visa

Traveling Outside the U.S.