Travel

International Students in F-1 and J-1 visa status must ensure that they have adequate documentation in order to re-enter the U.S. and continue studies.

According to U.S. law, a student in F-1 or J-1 visa status may be readmitted to the U.S. after an absence of five months or less, provided that s/he has maintained lawful full-time F-1 or J-1 status during his/her stay in the U.S.

Documents Required

In order to apply for re-entry into the U.S. after travel abroad, an international student must present the following documents to the U.S. Port of Entry inspector upon returning to a U.S. airport or other Port of Entry:

• Valid Passport
• Valid U.S. Entry Visa Stamp in Passport
• Valid SEVIS I-20 (F-1 / F-2) or Valid SEVIS DS-2019 (J-1 / J-2)
• Valid travel signature from your Designated School Official (DSO) or Responsible Officer (RO) on your SEVIS I-20 (F-1 / F-2) or SEVIS DS-2019 (J-1 / J-2)
• I-901 SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt
• A letter from the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) verifying your lawful F-l / F-2 or J-1 / J-2 visa status

The OISS also recommends that you take with you the following documents: proof of adequate financial support for your educational and living expenses; an official transcript (a historical record of your course work and grades) which may be obtained from the Office of Student Records; a DePaul University student identification card.

Important note: Please remember to submit a copy of your new I-94 card to OISS after each time you travel outside of the United States.

For more information regarding re-entry to the U.S. after traveling abroad, read the OISS Travel Abroad Checklist. 

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) also provides useful information on their website for F-1 Non-immigrant students.  For more information, visit the ICE website.

You may also call the OISS at 312-362-8376 for additional information, questions and/or advice.