Increased vetting at U.S. consulates for visa applications and at U.S. ports of entry are resulting in unanticipated challenges and delays for returning F-1 students. As general advice, we recommend against nonessential travel and that any international travel should be undertaken after considering the totality of the circumstances around the trip, including the reason for the visit and the impact on U.S. studies and personal obligations should the return be delayed or denied.

All F-1 students who depart the U.S. must have a contingency plan in place should they not be able to return as planned, and have no expectation of continued attendance via studying remotely, or on a study abroad program outside the United States through Bates College if unable to return to the U.S.

Failure to complete an F-1 program of studies must be reported by Bates College to the Department of State. Any student whose studies are interrupted because of international travel and challenges in planned return must notify the Center for Global Education for SEVIS reporting obligations.

Bates College provides the following advisories to inform decisions around and, if undertaken, facilitate international travel:

1. Valid Documents Required for Re-entry: To return to the U.S., F-1 students must possess a valid passport with minimum 6 months of remaining validity, a valid F-1 visa stamp (unless exempt), a Form I-20 with a travel signature from a Bates College P/DSO within the last 12 months; and financial information showing proof of necessary funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
2. Visa Expiration: If an F-1 visa stamp has expired, F-1 students must apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate abroad, in accordance with applicable Department of State (DOS) guidance, in order to return. There is no guarantee that a new visa will be issued.
3. The 5-Month Rule: If F-1 students remain outside the U.S. for more than five (5) consecutive months and are not able to remain enrolled at the student’s SEVP-certified school (e.g., school-approved study abroad with continued Bates College enrollment), the F-1 SEVIS record may be terminated, and require students to obtain a new initial I-20 and to pay a new SEVIS fee to return.
4. Entry Restrictions: Travel restrictions or consular closures can change without notice, which may prevent F-1 student’s return.
5. CBP Discretion: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of entry have final discretion on admission to the U.S., even with valid documents.
6. F-1 visa denials and admission denials are not appealable. Recourse is often limited and involves a new application. Travel and legal related expenses incurred relating to seeking U.S. admission are the responsibility of the student.
7. Bates College does not have the ability to determine if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has information on file which it considers unfavorable, including but not limited to social media activity, background search results, etc. Bates College cannot determine ahead of travel if any individual’s visa has been revoked or cancelled.

Remember:

Traveling outside the United States as an F-1 student involves inherent risks to immigration status. Bates College cannot guarantee any student’s re-entry into the United States. Students who choose to travel do so voluntarily and accept all risks associated with that travel, including potential delays, termination of their SEVIS record, inability to complete their degree program, or ineligibility for CPT/OPT. If unable to re-enter the United States, Bates College will have limited ability to assist, financially or otherwise.