Office of International Student & Scholar Services

Visa and Travel Information

Visa and travelTraveling Outside the United States 

If you have plans to travel outside the U.S., make sure that your Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019) is endorsed for travel before you leave. Travel signatures on I-20s and DS-2019s are valid for one year, but it is recommended to submit the Travel Signature Pre-Approval request through the iRocket Portal anytime you travel outside of the U.S.  When you submit the request we are able to check your SEVIS record to make sure it is active and all of your information is up to date. 

Please submit the Travel Signature Pre-Approval request at least 2 weeks prior to traveling

Go to the iRocket Portal. 

 Traveling Inside the United States

It is recommended that you take your original documents when traveling inside the U.S. This includes your passport with visa, I-20/DS-2019 and I-94 card. 

We also suggest making copies of all documents when traveling and keep them in a safe place. 

Travel Information and Warnings

Go to Department of State's Travel Advisories page.

For Airline and airport security and regulations, visit the U.S. Travel Security Administration (TSA).

Learn about border security and immigration at Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Visa Information 

Apply for a Nonimmigrant Visa

Is this is your first time to the U.S. on an F-1 or J-1 visa? Learn how to prepare on our Nonimmigrant Visa Interview page.

Renew a Nonimmigrant Visa

Renewing a Nonimmigrant Visa? Have you been studying in the U.S. and will need to leave the country? If your F-1 visa has expired, you'll need to get a new one!  Find out how on our Continuing Visa page.

What is Automatic Visa Revalidation? 

 Automatic Revalidation of your expired F-1 or J-1 visa will occur if you travel to Canada or Mexico for less than 30 days. Learn more on our Automatic Visa Revalidation page.

Want to travel to Canada?   

Do you need a Canadian visitor visa? Do you need to know what to carry with you across the border?   Go to our Traveling to Canada page.

Last Updated: 3/22/23