Winter break is quickly approaching meaning many F and J international students are preparing to travel outside the United States. Before you pack your bags, be sure to review what documents you’ll need to bring with you, understand what to expect when returning to the U.S., and know how to get immigration updates while you’re outside the country.
Documents to Bring with You
To return for the start of the winter quarter on January 5th, make sure you have the following items in order:
- Valid Passport and Visa: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months into the future and that your visa is not expired.
- I-20 or DS-2019 with Travel Signature: Check that your I-20 or DS-2019 has a valid travel signature. You can request a new travel signature through the MyISSS portal.
- Class Schedule: Keep a copy of your winter class schedule handy in case it’s requested at the Port of Entry/border.
- Contact Information: Save contact details for the ISS office in case you need assistance. If you have trouble at the Port of Entry, you can request the border official contact ISS directly.
Preparing to Return to Seattle
Most students enter without difficulty, but if an issue arises, here’s what to expect and what you can do:
- If an officer asks additional questions, stay calm and provide:
- Your I-20 or DS-2019 (Don’t pack it in your suitcase!)
- Enrollment or financial documents
- Honest answers to their questions
- If you are referred to Secondary Inspection…
This is common and not a sign of wrongdoing. Officers may need to verify your record before admitting you.
- If you receive Form I-515A…
This can happen if you are missing a travel signature or certain documents. You will be admitted to the U.S. for 30 days only. Contact ISS immediately so we can help you respond before the deadline.
- If the border or airline official is uncertain about your immigration status…
Have them reach out to ISS as soon as possible. CBP has a direct phone line to our office which they can use to contact us to verify information.
Staying Informed during the Break
As always, ISS will keep you informed of any changes in immigration policy through our regular newsletter and Government Updates posts. If you have questions or worries, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We’re here to help guide you through any challenges. Please keep in mind that ISS staff will work remotely December 22 – January 2, so please contact us via email or Live Chat if necessary.