ISSS

Travel

Re-Entry to the U.S.

In order to return to the U.S. following a short trip, you must be prepared to present the following documents:

  • An unexpired passport valid least six months into the future
  • An unexpired F1 visa
  • An unexpired I-20 with a travel signature no more than one year old on the date of your return. If you are on Optional Practical Training (OPT) your travel signature will only be valid for 6 months from the date of signature.
  • Recommended:
    • Evidence of full-time enrollment such as a copy of your transcript or class registration
    • copy of your I-901 SEVIS fee payment
    • financial documents such as bank statements or scholarship letters

*Canadian citizens are not required to have a visa to enter the U.S., but must present all of the other documents listed above to request F-1 status when entering the U.S.

You can request a travel signature from any ISSS advisor [link to Contact ISSS https://www.cwu.edu/international-programs/contact-isss]

Travel to and from Mexico, Canada & Adjacent US Islands

You may travel to Canada, Mexico, and Adjacent Islands and re-enter the U.S. on an expired F1 visa if the trip does not exceed 30 days and the purpose of the trip is not to apply for a new F1 visa. This ability to travel on an expired visa is referred to as automatic revalidation. In order to benefit from automatic visa revalidation, you must carry the documents indicated above as well as your latest I-94 admission record.

A visitor's visa may be required to enter Mexico, Canada & Adjacent Islands, depending on your country of citizenship. If you are planning a trip to Canada or Mexico, you should contact a consulate from one of those countries to determine whether a visa is required prior to your trip. Please plan ahead as it may take some time to obtain a visitor visa to one of these countries.

Travel to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and U.S. territories and possessions

Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and certain other U.S. territories and possessions are part of the U.S, so you do not need a visa to travel to those locations from within the U.S. You should carry the documents indicated above as well as your latest I-94 admission record.

Renewing your F1

If your F1 visa has expired or will expire in the near future, you don't need to renew your visa unless you are planning to travel home or leave the U.S. While you are in the U.S., your expired visa does not affect your status. Please review the website of the U.S. consulate in your home country or country of destination for information about how to renew your visa. In most cases, it is recommended that renew your visa in your home country.​

Travel within the U.S.

While traveling within the U.S., you are strongly recommended to carry original identity documents (passport, I-20, and latest I-94 admission record), even if you do not have to go through immigration inspection for domestic travel.

Travel while on OPT

We do not recommend traveling outside of the U.S. while USCIS is processing your OPT application. Once your OPT is approved and you have received your EAD card, you may travel outside the U.S., but will need the following documents to re-enter the U.S.:

  • I-20
  • Valid Travel Signature. Travel Signatures are valid for only 6 months from the date of signature while you are on OPT.
  • Passport
  • F1 visa
  • EAD (OPT) card
  • (Supplemental) Job offer letter from current employer

Travel during the 60-day Grace Period

Once you have completed your program of study and if you do not intend to continue studies either at CWU or at another U.S. institution, you may travel within the U.S. during the 60-day grace period. You must depart the U.S. by the end of this 60-day period.

However, if you travel outside the U.S. during your grace period, and have no pending (OPT or change of status) applications submitted to USCIS, once you leave the U.S. you forfeit the remainder of your grace period.

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Office of International Studies and Programs

Hebeler Hall 102