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Travel While In Status

F-1 and J-1 visa holders and their dependents wishing to travel outside the United States must make an appointment with OISS before leaving the country.

In order to re-enter the country successfully F-1 and and J-1 visa holders need the following:

  • A valid I-20/DS-2019 with current travel signature from OISS;
  • A valid passport and visa.  
  • F-1 Students on post-completion OPT must also have their Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Visits To Mexico and Canada

Before leaving the US to travel to Mexico or Canada determine that you have the proper documents to travel in those countries, and the proper documents to return to the US. Necessary documents include a valid passport, I-94 form with D/S, and a SEVIS I-20 or SEVIS DS-2019 recently signed for travel.

To determine if persons from your country need a visa to visit Mexico or Canada, check with the Mexican or Canadian Consulates in Los Angeles.

Automatic Visa Revalidation

Generally, it is not necessary to have a valid US visa for re-entry to the US if your stay in Mexico or Canada is 30 days or less. The visa is considered automatically revalidated, if all required papers are in order. Border Officials at the San Diego-Tijuana border now require students to have a valid visa if their SEVIS I-20 or SEVIS DS-2019 is not stamped with the red entry stamp. Students whose SEVIS I-20 or SEVIS DS-2019 does not have the red entry stamp should consult with OISS before visiting Mexico.

Please note that the Automatic Visa Revalidation does not apply to the following persons:

  • all persons traveling on passports issued by Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea and Cuba
  • all persons who visit a US consulate in Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands and submit an application there for a new nonimmigrant visa

Please note that under this second provision, if you travel to Canada, for example, with an expired visa stamp in your passport and apply for a new visa at a US consulate you will only be able to return to the United States if your new visa is granted.  If your visa application is denied you will not be able to return to the United States.  In the event of visa denial in Canada (or in Mexico or the adjacent islands) you will have to travel to another US embassy or consulate, probably one in your home country, to apply for a new visa there.

Note: Students and Scholars subject to Special Registration MUST unregister with U.S.C.I.S. prior to departing the United States or re-entry could be denied.

Students and Scholars requesting a travel signature must complete and submit a Travel Signature Request Form. This form is available online and must be accompanied by verification of enrollment from Prowl.