Travel

You may travel freely within the U.S. at any time.
You may leave the U.S. at any time. Note, however, that you may need a visa to enter other countries. Please check with the relevant embassy to determine entry requirements for any country you are planning to visit during your travels.
If you re-enter the U.S., you must have all necessary documents with you.
We recommend that you carry your I-20 or DS-2019 and passport with you when you travel.
If you are subject to special registration you need to follow the instructions given by Immigration concerning departure from the U.S.

Please note that the requirements below apply to dependents as well.

Passport (must be valid for six months beyond the date of re-entry)
Valid U.S. Visa for your current visa status
- Exception: A valid visa is not necessary when returning from Canada, Mexico, and most Caribbean islands if you have been gone for less than 30 days.
- This exception does NOT apply to students from North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Sudan, Iraq, Iran, and Libya.
I-20 or DS-2019 signed for travel
- We recommend that travel signatures be no older than 6 months old at the time you re-enter the U.S.
- Travel signatures are technically valid for one year.
- Before the end of every semester, ISSS has walk-in times for travel signatures.
- If you are transferring to a new school, you must re-enter the U.S. on your new school's I-20 or DS-2019. Contact your new school for instructions.
Financial document (e.g., bank statement, assistantship letter) to prove that you can afford to live in the U.S.

What happens to my I-94 card when I leave and re-enter the U.S.?

When you leave the U.S., you will give this document to border officers or airline officials.
- Exception: When traveling to Canada, Mexico, and most Caribbean islands, you may be allowed to keep your I-94 if you will be out of the U.S. for less than 30 days.
When you return to the U.S., you will receive a new I-94.

What happens when I cross the border into the U.S.?

Have your passport, visa, and I-20 or DS-2019 ready for the Immigration officer.
The Immigration officer will put a stamp on your:
- I-20 or DS-2019 (if there is not a stamp on page one of the document)
- I-94 (unless you are returning with the same I-94)
The stamp will list your immigration status and "D/S" (Duration of Status).
You will have your fingerprints taken and possibly have your photo taken.

What should I do if I have problems at the border?

Nights & Weekends: Call ISSS and the phone will transfer to the MU Police Department. Tell the police that you need to speak with an ISSS advisor.

Ask the border officer for an I-515 which is a document that allows you into the U.S. for 30 days.
If you receive an I-515, please make an appointment with ISSS immediately.

How do I make sure my passport is valid?

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 more months at the time you re-enter the U.S.
Some countries have passport agreements with the U.S. which would allow you to enter with less than six months remaining on your passport. Contact ISSS for more information.
Contact your country's embassy or consulate for instructions for renewing your passport.

How do I make sure my visa is valid?

It should list your current visa status.
It should not have expired.
You should have additional entries remaining.
- "M" means that you can enter multiple times in that visa status.

How do I renew my visa?

If your visa has expired or you have used all of the entries, you must have it renewed at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
You may go to a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country or another country.
If you renew your visa in a country other than your home country, please make an appointment to discuss your plans with an ISSS advisor.
Instructions for renewing your visa can be found at: http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/index.html.

How do I make sure my I-20 or DS-2019 is valid for re-entry?

Your document should be up-to-date with current information. Please review your I-20 or DS-2019 before you travel. If an update is needed, contact ISSS so that you may receive a new document before leaving the U.S.
We recommend that travel signatures be no older than 6 months old at the time you re-enter the U.S.
Travel signatures are technically valid for one year.
If you are transferring to a new school, you must re-enter the U.S. on your new school's I-20 or DS-2019. Contact your new school for instructions.

Last Modified: May 8, 2008