If you are a current F-1 student planning to travel abroad, be sure to carry the following documentation with you when you request reentry into the United States.

• A valid passport, with at least 6 months of validity* remaining*
  • *Exception: Countries listed on the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Travel page have an agreement with the U.S. that allows citizens to enter on a current passport up to the actual date of expiration.
• A valid F-1 visa*
  • *Exception: If you are a Canadian citizen, you will not have a visa stamp in your passport.
• A current I-20 with a travel signature less than one year old
  • Note: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced that schools may sign and send I-20s electronically. After receiving your I-20 via email, please be sure to print out your I-20 and sign the bottom of page 1. Carry the print-out of this I-20 when presenting it to U.S. officials.
• Recommended: A copy of your SEVIS I-901 fee receipt (printable from the I-901 fee website)
• Recommended: Proof of funding (i.e. financial aid award, original bank statements, etc.)
• Recommended: Proof of enrollment (i.e. admissions offer, letter from Registrar, etc.)

Failure to have the proper documentation with you can result in you being denied reentry into the U.S. or you being granted temporary, conditional entry with a I-515A.

Note: This list only applies to return travel to the U.S.; you must check to see if you need a visa to enter another country (including transit visas). Check on the website of the embassy of the country you want to visit.

Tip: Read more about travel and reentry for F-1 visa holders, including frequently asked questions on the Department of Homeland Security website.

Travel within the United States

In general, special permission is not required to travel within the U.S. We recommend that you carry your passport, I-94, and I-20 with you whenever you travel outside the Lewiston area.

Tip: It’s a good idea to have a scan of your passport identification page on your phone.

Travel to a Third Country

When traveling to a third country (a country other than the U.S. or your home country), you are responsible for knowing whether you need an entry visa for that country.

Extended Stays Outside the U.S.

If you leave the U.S. and do not register during the normal academic year for your program, your record in the SEVIS database will be closed for the duration of the leave. If you want to return, refer to the instructions on F-1 Leave of Absence  or Withdrawal.

If you are registered full-time while outside the U.S., contact the DSO to verify that your F-1 status will remain valid.