F-1 Student Travel
As an international student, it’s necessary to carry specific documentation with you during various types of travel. The type of documentation you will need depends on whether you are traveling inside or outside of the United States and the method of transportation you plan to use.
Travel Inside of the U.S.
Students traveling within the U.S. are generally advised to carry copies of their passports and I-20 forms, or to keep a copy on their phones. These can be used for identification purposes, if needed.
The method of transportation you plan to use can also factor into what type of documentation you need.
Airplane
If you are boarding a flight in the U.S., you will need to present either a U.S. driver’s license or a foreign passport.
Puerto Rico is part of the U.S., and if you are flying there directly you do not need to have a valid U.S. visa stamp to enter.
Bus or Train
If traveling via bus or train, you will need to research any documentation requirements with the specific bus or train company.
Car
If you will be driving, you must have a valid driver's license with you while operating a vehicle.
Travel Outside of the United States
If you are traveling outside the U.S. you will need the following documents to re-enter the U.S.:
- Valid Passport – Your passport must be valid 6 months into the future at all times.
- Valid F-1 Visa Stamp
- Canadian citizens are exempt from this requirement.
- I-20 Form – Your form must have a travel endorsement. Your travel endorsement is valid for 12 months from the date of signature. Your return date of travel must be prior to the expiration date of the travel endorsement.
- If you need a new travel signature on your I-20 form, please complete a "Travel Signature Request" e-form in iCats at least 2 weeks prior to your anticipated travel date.
- Students pursuing Optional Practical Training should review additional requirements on the OPT webpage.
Please note: Any entry to the United States is up to the discretion of the Customs and Border Patrol at the initial border entry point.
We recommend carrying an enrollment verification letter. You can request this through the Ohio University Registrar's Enrollment and Degree Verification webpage.
Renewing an F-1 Visa Stamp
- The process to renew a visa stamp is nearly the same as the process to get the initial F-1 visa stamp. Visas can only be obtained at U.S. embassies and consulates outside of the U.S.
- In addition to the documents you took for the original interview, we recommend that you obtain an enrollment verification form from the Registrar’s Office. You will be expected to present updated financial documentation.
- For additional tips about the interview process, read NAFSA's "10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Student Visa" article.
Travel to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean
Many students in valid status may travel to Canada, Mexico and many of the Caribbean islands without a valid U.S. visa if they qualify for a benefit called Automatic Visa Revalidation.
To qualify, students must have:
- A valid passport with an expired visa,
- A copy of their I-94 record
- A valid signed I-20
To learn if you will be eligible for this benefit, read the U.S. State Department's Automatic Revalidation page.
Does Everyone Qualify for Automatic Visa Revalidation?
No. Citizens of the following countries are not eligible to use Automatic Visa Revalidation: Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Sudan. In addition, any travel to Cuba invalidates this option.
Transit Visas
If your travels will take you to or through a third country, be sure to find out if you will need a visitor or transit visa for that country. Some countries require transit visas even for airport transfers.
ISSS is not able to provide information about foreign visas. However, most details can be found by searching for that country's embassy online.