F-1 and J-1 Travel

Students and scholars wishing to reenter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status after travel abroad will require all of the following:

1. Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 that was travel-endorsed by the ISO during the semester that the international travel occurs.

2. A valid visa stamp (see exceptions in the visa section).

3. A valid passport (see the Department of State's website for exceptions).

Additionally, students returning to the U.S. after filing for or obtaining post-completion optional practical training employment authorization should be prepared to present evidence of their OPT and a job offer letter.

Dependents wishing to return to the U.S. in F-2 or J-2 status must comply with the same conditions including a travel endorsement on their I-20 or DS-2019.

Students and scholars in F-1 or J-1 status should visit the ISO during advising hours to obtain a travel endorsement on Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 approximately two weeks before any planned travel abroad. When applying for a travel endorsement, you must submit all of the following:

1. Your current Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 (and forms of any traveling family members)
2. Travel Request Form
3. Evidence of medical insurance (also for any traveling family members)
4. Passport (and passports of any traveling family members)