Traveling

Office of International Programs

Documentation

F and J visa holders are allowed to travel within the U.S. and out of the U.S. Make sure you have the appropriate documentation with you when you travel. When traveling, carry documents with you in carry-on luggage, NOT in your checked baggage! You need access to your visa documents at all times during transit. 

Passport

Your passport must be valid at least six months into the future at all times, especially upon initial entry or re-entry to the United States. If yours will expire soon, contact your home country's embassy in the United States.

Visa

Your visa can be expired while you are in the U.S. You can travel within the U.S. with an expired visa. However, if you travel outside of the U.S. you will not be able to enter on an expired visa. The visa will need to be renewed to re-enter.

If you have an old, expired passport with a valid U.S. entry visa, you do not need to get a new visa stamp in your new passport as long as you carry both passports when you enter the United States.

I-20 or DS-2019

Have an up-to-date I-20 or DS-2019 with you when you travel. Make sure you have a valid travel endorsement or travel signature on the document.

 

Other Considerations

Traveling on OPT

If you have applied for OPT but have not received approval or the EAD card, have your receipt notice and I-20 with OPT request information with you when you travel.

If you have received approval and the EAD card, have your EAD card with you when you travel.

Whenever you receive your employment offer letter, bring that with your travel documents as well.

COVID-19 Requirements

Check with your airlines or other transportation organization for their current COVID-19 travel procedures and requirements.