Documents Needed for F-1/J-1 Travel
We want to ensure you have all the documents when leaving and re-entering the U.S. Travel outside of the U.S. is permitted during semester breaks or during the semester (medical treatment for you, family emergency, or academic conference only), please contact OISS with any questions prior to purchasing airline tickets and leaving the country.
General Information About Travel: F-1 and J-1 students and visiting scholars who leave the United States must have the following documents with you to be eligible to re-enter the U.S. in F or J status:
- Valid passport
- Valid (unexpired) U.S. visa stamp in your passport (except for Canadian Citizens). If you need a new visa stamp, plan to speak to someone at OISS prior to traveling.
- Valid I-20 form for F-1 status, signed for travel on page 3 by a Designated School Official within the last six months
- Valid DS-2019 form for J-1 status with current travel signature on the lower right hand side
- Evidence of financial funding (bring a copy of funding listed on your I-20: TA/RA funding letter or bank statements for personal funds)
- Proof of enrollment (certificate of enrollment or transcript). You can obtain a certificate of enrollment from OISS.
Traveling While on F-1 Post-Completion OPT
The following documents will be needed for re entry to the U.S. while on post-completion OPT:
- Valid passport
- Current unexpired F-1 visa stamp (except for Canadians)
- I-20 signed within the last 6 months
- EAD (OPT card)
- Job offer letter or letter confirming current employment
Dependent Travel (F2 and J2)
F-2 or J-2 spouses and minor children who are not accompanied by the F-1 or J-1 student and visiting scholars must have the following documents for re entry to the U.S.:
- Valid passport
- Valid U.S. visa stamp (except for Canadian Citizens)
- Valid separate Form I-20 or DS-2019 (signed for travel/reentry)
- Evidence of financial funding