Re-Entry for F-Non-Immigrant Students Outside the USA for Five Months or Fewer
Students are responsible for maintaining their immigration status and for exiting and entering the USA correctly.
(Canadian students -- please see important entry information HERE.)
Please see the ICE SEVP F-1 Student Travel website: Re-entry for F-1 Non-immigrants Travelling Outside the United States for Five Months or Fewer.
Re-entering the USA: A student in F-1 immigration status should have the following documents to re-enter the USA:
- A SEVIS Form I-20, endorsed with signature for travel within the past year (every 6 months when on post-completion OPT). Please note that although it is now permissable to transmit signed I-20's electronically, you must have a current, properly endorsed, and printed-out I-20 document to enter the USA.
- A current passport valid for at least six months after the date of your re-entry.
- An F visa—current and valid. Sticker in passport. If you are traveling to Canada, Mexico or other contiguous or adjacent countries for less than a 30-day period, then you MAY be able to re-enter on an expired visa—please if if you have questions well before your planned travel date. (Canadian citizens do not need a visa; they get their visa status at the port-of-entry.)
- Your newest I-94 Record--always print out your I-94 record after entering the USA.
- Customs Declaration. Please be aware of the requirements on the importation of cash and other monetary instruments. From the DHS CBP web site: "if you transport or cause to be transported (including by mail or other means) more than $10,000 in negotiable monetary instruments on any occasion into or out of the United States or if you receive more than $10,000, you must file a Report of International Transportation of International Currency or Monetary Instruments (FinCen 105) with U.S. Customs and Border Protection... Failure to comply can result in civil and criminal penalties, including seizure of the currency or monetary instruments. Monetary instruments include U.S. or foreign coin, currency, travelers' checks, money orders, and negotiable instruments or investment securities in bearer form."
- Additionally, you should carry with you and be prepared to present the following if asked:
- (1) Your SEVIS fee receipt (Form I-901).
- (2) Updated financial information showing proof of necessary funds to cover tuition and living expenses. Thus, please make sure that you have a copy of your scholarship letter and an updated Declaration and Certification of Finances form with bank statement(s).
- (3) Proof of enrollment. Screen shots of your course registration for the next semester and of your current transcript should do.
- (4) Employment Authorization Card, if you have been issued one.
- (5) If on OPT, job offer letter or other proof of employment.
- Please note that when you cross a border to enter the USA your person, all of your baggage and all electronic equipment is subject to search. You may be asked to log-in to personal accounts and social media. See Know your Rights.
The Following is excerpted from the DHS, Customs and Border Protection website:
Arrival Procedures for Students or Exchange Visitors – Advance Preparation Prior to Entry
Careful planning and preparation by students and exchange visitors can ensure that there will not be an unnecessary delay at a port-of-entry. If you are a non-immigrant student, here are some things you should do:
- Before leaving your country, confirm that your passport and non-immigrant visa are still valid for entry into the United States. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected stay.
- Check to see that your visa accurately reflects your correct visa classification. If the visa states the name of the institution you will attend or identifies the exchange program in which you are participating, verify that this information is accurate as well. If your review indicates any discrepancies or potential problems, visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to obtain a new visa.
- Students entering the United States for the first time under their respective non-immigrant visa classification may only be admitted up to 30-days prior to the program start date.
- When you travel, you should carry documents on your person. Do not check them in your baggage. If your baggage is lost or delayed, you will not be able to show the documents to the CBP Officer and, as a result, may not be able to enter the United States.
Documents You Should Carry on Your Person
- Passport with non-immigrant visa;
- SEVIS Form I-20, updated, current;
- Visa exempt nationals presenting a SEVIS Form I-20 issued on or after September 1, 2004, who are entering the United States for the first time should have a Form I-797, Receipt Notice or Internet Receipt verifying SEVIS Fee (I-901) payment.
- Evidence of financial resources;
- In addition, it is recommended that you also carry the following documents:
- 1. Evidence of student status (recent tuition receipts, transcripts);
- 2. Name and contact information for Designated School Official (DSO) at your intended school or program;
- 3. Pen or pencil.
Upon arrival at the port-of- entry, proceed to the lane of travel or terminal area for arriving passengers for inspection.
Like all entering visitors, you will be asked to state the reason you wish to enter the United States. You will also be asked to provide information about your final destination. It is important that you tell the CBP Officer that you will be a student.
Once your inspection is complete, the inspecting officer will:
- Normally, but less frequently now, stamp your passport for duration of status ("D/S") for F and J visa holders
- Return the SEVIS Form.
Secondary Inspection Requirements
If the inspector cannot automatically verify your information or you do not have all of the required documentation, you may be escorted to an interview area know as "secondary inspection." Secondary inspection allows inspectors to conduct additional research in order to verify information. Verifications are done apart from the primary inspection lines so that an individual case will not cause delays for other arriving passengers.
It is recommended that you have readily available the name and phone number of the international student advisor at your school…in case your admission/participation needs to be verified. In the event you arrive during non-business hours (evenings, weekends, holidays), you should have a phone number where this individual can be reached during non-business hours. (OWU cell +1-614-579-5398.)
Failure to provide proper documentation and to comply with entry/exit procedures is cause to refuse the student or exchange visitor admission into the United States.
In limited circumstances, if a student or exchange visitor is mostly, but not fully in compliance, he/she may be issued a Form I-515A, Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor. This form authorizes temporary admission for 30 days into the United States and requires the student or exchange visitor to take immediate action to submit proper documentation. Noncompliance with the directions contained on these forms can result in future adverse action.
Continuing Students
Continuing students who are going to travel outside of the United States must see their international student advisor and obtain an endorsement from the DSO. The endorsement will be made on page 2 of the SEVIS Form I-20. When returning to the United States, a continuing student/exchange visitor must present a valid SEVIS Form I-20 with the DSO signature showing that the student is active and in good standing with the school or program.
