Documents Required to Reenter the U.S. After Travel Abroad

If you will be departing the U.S. with intent to return, you will need all of the following documents:

• Valid (un-expired) F-1 visa unless you hold a Canadian passport (A very limited exception exist for travel of less than 30 days to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands. See the Automatic Revalidation of Visas Fact Sheet from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for more information.);
• Valid I-20 form with travel signature from your International Services Representative on the second page signed within the year prior to your expected date of reentry (If you are a former student currently in the U.S. on Optional Practical Training, the travel signature on the second page must be signed within the six months prior to your reentry date.);
• Current passport valid for at least six months after the program end date indicated on your I-20 form (If you are from one of the countries listed here you only need a passport that is current through the program end date on your I-20 form.  If your passport is not valid for six months beyond your reentry and you are not from one of the countries that is listed here, you will need to renew your passport before reentering the U.S.);
• Valid financial documents that match the financial information listed on the I-20 form; and
• Enrollment Verification Letter* (To request Enrollment Verification Letter, log into My Student Center, click “Verify Student Enrollment”, and a letter will automatically generate. If you have technical issues, please contact the Registrar’s Office.)
• Granted post completion optional practical training (OPT) by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card (if applicable)

*Per U.S. Department of Homeland Security guidance, all students should carry these documents with them, even if not renewing a visa, to ensure a safe and easy return to the U.S.