Travel and Reentry into the U.S.

There is a final rule on fixed period of stay and restrictions on program changes that is currently being litigated. These changes are on hold and may be implemented or revised on short notice. If these changes go into effect, students will see a fixed date instead of D/S on their I-94 Arrival Record after international travel. This date will be the authorized period of stay and an extension will be needed if additional time for study or practical training is needed. For additional information on these potential changes, refer to this webpage.

Travel Advisory: Given the increased vetting of international travelers at the port of entry and consulates, potential visa delays, and country-specific visa and travel restrictions, ISSS encourages all travelers to take precautions and assess their situation before making any travel plans. Please review our FAQ carefully for important reminders and considerations regarding international travel to assess your individual risk. If you have questions about your individual situation or international travel plans, please email us at isss@usfca.edu.

It is important to make sure you have all the information and documents you need before you depart the U.S. It is much harder to prepare for reentry from outside of the U.S. and while you are traveling. Read below for what is needed when traveling and contact ISSS with any additional questions.

Required Documents for Travel:

The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer looks at your documents carefully when you enter the U.S. so it is important to possess documents to verify your identity and student statusAll international students reentering the U.S. need to be in possession of the following documents: 

  • Returning students need a valid I-20/DS-2019 with current travel signature from within the last year. For students on OPT/STEM OPT, travel signatures are only valid for 6 months. You can submit a Travel Signature request via MyISSS. Note: New USF students with an initial I-20, do not need a travel signature the first time you enter.
  • Valid passport from your home country that is valid for at least 6 months into the future. It is recommended that you keep your passport valid for as long as possible.
  • Valid U.S. F-1 or J-1 visa stamp in your passport (except for Canadian nationals)
  • SEVIS I-901 fee receipt that matches your current I-20/DS-2019 SEVIS ID number; you can print a new one here if needed.
  • EAD card and letter confirming your employment if you are on post-completion OPT.
  • If you are arriving late for the semester you need department approval and confirmation that you will be able to maintain a full-course load prior to arrival.

Additional items to carry with you and present if requested: 

  • Transcripts showing you have been a full-time student and are enrolled for the current or next academic term. If you need to request updated transcripts, you may do so by visiting USF's Transcripts website to complete the process for ordering transcripts
  • Copy of your class schedule
  • Proof of finances, which can be a bank statement or letter showing that you have funds to cover your stay and tuition while in the U.S.
  • Enrollment verification requested from the USF One Stop Office.

After Re-Entering the U.S.:

It is important to obtain your I-94 Arrival Record from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website after international travel. This document confirms the status that you are holding in the U.S., and your authorized period of stay. Review the “Admission Class” for your admitted visa status and “Admit Until Date” (AUD) for your authorized period of stay. The AUD should be "D/S". This record can take up to ten days to be updated. Contact ISSS if you believe your I-94 is incorrect.

Custom and Border Protection (CBP) Search Procedures:

When you arrive in the U.S. from any international destination, you may encounter stricter inspection procedures. CBP is legally allowed to search any item you are bringing into the U.S. This includes turning on and asking you to log in to your email, social media, and other items on your laptops and personal devices. You can read more about these search procedures on the CBP website. Keep in mind that these searches can be unpleasant but it is always best to be polite and tell the truth when questioned. If you feel that your search was excessive and the officers mistreated you, please report these details to ISSS as soon as you enter.

Renewing your U.S. Student Visa:

If your student visa (or visa you are studying on) will expire before you plan to return to the US, you need to renew it. The visa renewal application is like the initial visa application and will require you to apply in person, sit for an interview, and undergo social media screening. Please check for visa processing times and book your appointment early.  Although you have been issued a visa before, the consulate officer will evaluate if you are still eligible for a nonimmigrant F-1 or J-1 visa. Visa denials for returning students are rare, but there are cases where returning students are denied a visa due to changes in their country’s conditions and/or personal and financial circumstances. Other information about the visa application process can be found here on the ISSS Visa Information page and on the US State Department website. ISSS will keep our resource page updated if government policies and procedures change. 

Study Abroad:

F or J students are eligible to study in other countries while enrolled at USF. However, there are important US visa and travel considerations to plan before applying for a study abroad program. Your SEVIS status will only remain active if you are studying abroad with a USF sponsored education abroad program or global immersion program, typically with the Center for Global Education (CGE). If you are studying abroad through an independent program, you cannot maintain your valid SEVIS status as a current USF student and need to take a Leave of Absence from USF. 

If you wish to study abroad, we encourage you to discuss your plans with your ISSS advisor about course enrollment requirements and how to maintain your SEVIS status. You need to make sure that you have all required travel documents listed above for re-entry into the U.S.