Holiday Travel Tips for F-1 Visa International Students
As the holiday season approaches, many students may be planning to travel outside the United States. If you plan to leave the U.S., please make sure you understand the requirements for re-entry.
Before you travel abroad, it is important to check in with your DSO. When you meet with your DSO, you should ensure that your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is up-to-date and in Active status.
Make sure that your DSO has signed your Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” within the last year, and that you are not leaving the country for more than 5 months. You should also make sure that you have your DSO’s most up-to-date contact information, including both a daytime telephone number at the school and a 24-hour emergency phone number, before you leave.
If you have a pending practical training application, it is not recommended that you leave the United States. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may send you a request for evidence while you are travelling, and you are expected to be able to send in the requested documents. USCIS will only send the requests to your U.S. address.
If USCIS approves your practical training application, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which USCIS will only send to your U.S. address. You are expected to have your EAD in hand to re-enter the United States. Visit the Travel page on ICE.gov/SEVP for more information about traveling with pending applications.
Prepare for the U.S. Port of Entry
Every time you enter the United States, you will arrive at a port of entry and meet with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers for primary and sometimes a secondary inspection. The CBP officer may ask questions about your reason for travel. They will inspect important documents, such as your passport, visa and Form 1-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status.” Hand-carry these items and do not put them in your checked luggage.
Essential Documents for Re-Entry
Passport – valid for at least six months beyond your return date
Student visa
Form I-20
M-1 students: most recent Form I-94 (“Arrival/Departure Record”)
Be sure to hand-carry all of these items and do not put them in your checked baggage.
You do not need to repay the I-901 SEVIS Fee to reenter the United States after travel.
Be Ready for Secondary Inspection
If the CBP officer cannot verify your information or you do not have all of the required documentation, you may be directed to an interview area known as secondary inspection. This allows CBP officers to do additional research to verify your information without causing delays for other passengers. In case a CBP officer needs to verify your information with the school, you should have your designated school official’s (DSO) contact information on hand, including a 24-hour emergency phone number.
What is Form I-515A?
If you arrive at a U.S. port of entry and do not have all your signed required documents, have not paid the I-901 SEVIS Fee on your current Form I-20 or have a SEVIS status issue, a CBP officer may issue you a Form I-515A, “Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor.” The Form I-515A admits you to the United States for 30 days while you obtain and submit the proper documentation to SEVP.
If you are issued a Form I-515A at a U.S. port of entry, visit the Form I-515A Overview page for instructions.
Final Thoughts
Traveling during the holidays can be exciting, but as an international student on an F-1 visa, careful preparation is essential for a smooth re-entry into the United States. Make sure your Form I-20 is properly signed, your SEVIS record is up-to-date, and you carry all required documents when returning to your F-1 visa school in NYC, including art schools. By planning ahead and staying informed, you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind and return to your studies without complications. Safe travels, and happy holidays!
Learn about our international art program below:
- Depth of Learning & Skill Mastery: Strengthen your portfolio and grow as a professional artist.
- Flexibility & Balanced Schedule: Manage your studies while adjusting to life in the U.S.
- F-1 Visa & OPT Opportunities: SEVP-certified program with eligibility to apply for Optional Practical Training.
- Longer Study Period = Fewer Transfers: Stay in the U.S. without the stress of constant F-1 reapplications.
- Honorary Certificate Awarded: Receive official recognition for your dedication and hard work.
