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International Student Services

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 and prevent 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 visa appointment wait times and contact the U.S. consulate as early as possible to schedule the a visa appointment.

    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

    You can print your current class schedule from your “MyUW” page. New Students for initial entry: bring a copy of proof of admission to the UW.

  5. SEVIS I-901 Fee Receipt

    If you cannot find your SEVIS fee receipt, visit the Student and Exchange Visitor Program SEVIS I-901 fee processing website to request a copy of your receipt. Students with I-20s or DS-2019s issued prior to September 1, 2004, did not pay the SEVIS fee.

Entry Into Another Country

Before you leave the United States, contact the consulate of the country to be visited to inquire about visa and travel procedures. If you plan to visit Canada, contact the Canadian Consulate to determine if you need a visa to enter Canada.

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.