Travel outside the U.S.

Reentry Into the U.S.

F and J international students generally are able to travel outside of the U.S. during their studies. However, you should prepare ahead of time to ensure a smooth return to the U.S. and prevent any interruptions to your studies.

Required Documents

1. I-20 (F-1 Students) or DS-2019 (J-1 Students) With Valid Travel Signature

   • Your I-20 must have a valid travel signature signed by an International Student Services advisor.
   • This signature is valid for one year (12 months) after the signature date and can be used for multiple entries.
   • If you are on OPT, you must obtain a travel signature every 6 months.
   • You can request an updated travel signature through your MyISSS portal. Please plan for processing time (2-3 weeks).

2. Valid Passport

   Your passport must be valid for at least six months when seeking admission or readmission to the United States, unless your country has an agreement with the United States. For a list of countries under this agreement, review the list on the Immigration Customs Enforcement website. Your passport should remain valid throughout your stay in the U.S.

3. Valid U.S. Visa

   You must present a valid, unexpired visa in the category for which admission is being sought each time you enter the U.S. (Canadian citizens are generally exempt from the visa requirement.) If your visa expires while you are in the U.S., the next time you travel abroad you must obtain a new visa in the proper category in order to be readmitted to the United States. Apply for the visa in your home country, unless circumstances or travel plans make this impossible. If you apply for a visa at a U.S. consulate in another country, your application may be reviewed more critically than if you applied at home. You are encouraged to check with your local U.S. embassy or consulate for updated visa wait times and schedule your appointment as early as possible. 

   An exception to the rule requiring a valid, unexpired visa exists for students in F-1 and J-1 status who travel for less than 30 days solely to Canada or Mexico or islands in the Caribbean except for Cuba. You can read more about “automatic visa revalidation.” Note that if you apply for a new visa while in Canada, Mexico, and islands in the Caribbean, you will not be able to return to the U.S. unless the visa is granted. Also, citizens of some countries are not eligible for automatic visa revalidation.

4. Current Class Schedule or Unofficial UW Transcript (recommended)

   Print a copy of your current/next quarter class schedule as proof of your enrollment. Or you can download and print a copy of your UW unofficial transcript from your MyUW account. 

5. SEVIS I-901 Fee Receipt (recommended)

   If you do not have a copy of your SEVIS fee receipt, visit the SEVIS I-901 fee processing website to request a copy of your receipt. Students with I-20s or DS-2019s issued prior to 9/1/2004, did not pay the SEVIS fee.

Be Prepared for U.S. Customs & Border Screening

Everyone arriving in the U.S. passes through U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) at either an air or land port of entry. CBP officers screen all travelers to determine whether they are “admissible” for entry to the U.S. Having a valid visa and all required documents is essential, but it does not guarantee admission to the U.S. Be prepared to answer CBP questions truthfully to avoid delays or denial of entry.

• CBP officers may ask you questions about the purpose, length, destination, and activities you participated in during your travel outside the U.S.
• CBP officers could request to inspect your personal belongings and possibly search your electronic devices
• CBP officers could also request access to your social media accounts or copy data from electronic devices
• You could be asked about your classes, your major, when you plan to graduate, plans after graduation, or how you are paying for college

Problems Entering the U.S.?

If you encounter issues entering the U.S., you may be directed to secondary inspection. This is a routine process where immigration officials review your documents in more detail. Stay calm and ensure you have your passport, valid visa, I-20 or DS-2019, and any supporting documentation easily accessible. If you experience delays or further complications, request that the border official contact International Student Services. They have our direct phone number and can contact us easily.