Before traveling from the U.S.
Before you travel outside the U.S., be sure that you have the reviewed the following:
Necessary Travel Documents
Visa Application Info
Special Registration
U.S.-Visit Program
Canada Travel
Necessary Travel Documents
• I-20 or DS-2019: Be certain that your I-20 or DS2019 is properly endorsed by an International Student Advisor at ISSI. The advisor’s signature is required on page 3 of the I-20 or on page 1 of the DS-2019. The signature is technically valid for one year, except when you travel to Canada, Mexico or one of Caribbean Islands (except Cuba) or when you are engaged in Optional Practical Training. In these cases, your I-20 or DS-2019 must be signed within 6 months prior to your planned reentry date to the U.S.
• Original copies of previous I-20’s/DS-2019’s: You should carry all the original copies of I-20’s or DS-2019’s issued for you during your stay in the U.S.
• Valid passport
• Valid entry visa stamp: Be certain that your entry visa is still valid! You should check the expiration date of the U.S. visa stamp in your passport. Students from certain countries may have a single entry or limited numbers of entries allowed. If you obtained a new passport that does not contain a visa stamp, make sure that you carry both the new passport and the old passport which bears your U.S. entry visa stamp.
• Employment Authorization Document (“EAD Card”): If you are currently engaged in postcompletion Optional Practical Training, you need to present your EAD card at the port of entry along with your passport and I-20 or DS-2019 and proof of employment.
Visa Application Info
If your U.S. visa stamp has expired, you will need to apply for a new entry visa stamp at the U.S. embassy or consulate overseas, most likely in your home country. Be sure to contact the local U.S. consulate or embassy first to find out the necessary procedure and the approximate processing time. You must plan carefully and allow yourself ample time.
The following documents are required:
• Certificate of Attendance: May be requested by ISSI. It takes at least 5 business days to process. You may also request an Enrollment Verification Form at Registrar’s Office.
• Official Transcript - May be requested at the Registrar’s Office.
• Proof of funding - You must present proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and dependents, if any, for at least one academic year.
Special Registration
Special departure/exit procedures apply to students who are subject to "Special Registration” by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). You must appear in person before an inspecting officer at a designated port of departure and exit through a designated port when you travel outside the U.S. (including visits to Canada, Mexico, or one of adjacent islands). Obtain a list of designated ports of departure and the reporting instruction.
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U.S.-Visit Program
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced an additional security measure, called the "U.S.-VISIT" program. All visitors to the United States will have two fingerprints scanned by an inkless device and a digital photo taken by an immigration officer upon their arrival at a U.S. port of entry (airport or seaport). DHS will store the information and share it with selected law-enforcement agencies on a need-to-know basis. In the future, most visitors will be required to verify their departure as well. Click here for more information.
Canada Travel
Canada has special requirements for international travelers.