How to Return to the United States in Valid F-1 Immigration Status after a Trip Abroad
Currently Enrolled F-1 Students
International students returning to the US from a trip abroad must be prepared to show the following documentation at the port of entry:
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Current I-20 (F-1) with a valid travel signature.
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Passport valid at least 6 months into the future
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Unexpired F-1 visa valid for future entries into the United States.
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Recent financial documents.
If you are in F-1 status and travel abroad, we recommend that your I-20 (F-1) be signed once each semester that you travel.
If you do not travel abroad, it is not necessary obtain a travel signature. You will need a new I-20 (F-1) form only if any of the information on the form has changed.
To be eligible for a travel signature, you must be registered as a full-time student and you must be in good standing with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the university.
Students Currently Completing OPT or STEM OPT
Travel Signature while completing OPT- Students completing OPT or 24 Month STEM Extension, must confirm employment using the Report Update/Change of OPT Employer Request to receive an I-20 with travel signature.
Obtaining a New Entry Visa
If travel outside the United States, you must have a valid F-1 visa in your passport to re-enter the U.S. If your visa is no longer valid, you must make an appointment at the nearest United States consulate or embassy in the country you are visiting to apply for a new visa and show the following documents:
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Valid passport
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Current I-20 (F-1) with recent travel signature
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Recent financial documents
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Status letter from International Student Programs
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Receipt to show payment of SEVIS fee
To be eligible for a status letter, you must be registered as a full-time student and you must be in good standing with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the university.
A Few Words of Advice:
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Never discard your old I-20s. You may need to show these documents at a visa interview, the port of entry, or when making applications to USCIS.
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If you are unsure about your status, please check with International Student Office via email: international@newpaltz.edu or call 845-257-3595.
