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:
- Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 that was travel-endorsed by the ISO during the semester that the international travel occurs.
- A valid visa stamp (see exceptions in the visa section).
- 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:
- Your current Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 (and forms of any traveling family members)
- Travel Request Form
- Evidence of medical insurance (also for any traveling family members)
- Passport (and passports of any traveling family members)