Travel within the 48 contiguous states does not require any special permit or documentation
; however, you should take your original travel documents (passport, visa, I-94, and I-20) and a separate photocopy (in case the originals are lost).
Can international student travel within U.S. without passport?
ID for International Students within America
For trips within USA (Domestic flights),
Drivers License is sufficient
. You don't have to carry the Passport with you. If you plan to travel to the U.S. Border cities, then take your Passport.
Can international students fly domestically?
International students and scholars should always carry their University ID card, current immigration documents, passport, and I-94 when traveling domestically
. This is especially important if you plan to use public transportation by airplane, train, or bus.
What do international students need to travel domestically?
International students and scholars should have their
passport, I-94 record, and appropriate visa document
(I-20, DS-2019, I-797, etc.) Although transportation lines and law enforcement officers do not ask for these documents 100% of the time, they do have the right to ask for them.
Can F-1 students cross the border?
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
ALL students MUST bring proper immigration and travel documents when entering the U.S.
: Valid, unexpired passport; F-1 or F-3 visa; Most recent I-20 with a valid Travel Endorsement signature on page 2 (signed by an OIP advisor within the last 6 months); and.
Can F1 visa travel to USA now?
At this time, international students must have the following documents in order to travel to the U.S. in F-1 status: Valid I-20 issued by the UW (valid travel signature required if you are returning to the U.S. to continue studies) Valid passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond your expected return to the U.S.
Can I stay in U.S. with expired f1 visa?
What if my F-1 student visa has expired?
You can stay in the United States on an expired F-1 visa as long as you maintain your student status
. However, if you are returning home or traveling to a country where automatic revalidation does not apply, you must have a valid visa to return to the United States.
Can I go to Mexico on f1 visa?
Automatic Revalidation: Most F-1 and J-1 students can travel to Canada, Mexico, and the adjacent Caribbean Islands and re-enter the United States on an expired (US) visa, but only if their stay is less than 30 days.
Can I go to Canada with U.S. f1 visa?
F-1 and J-1 student visa holders may need a visa, even for a one-day trip to Canada
. Although ISS cannot review or advise you on the specifics of the Canadian visa process, we can provide resources and general tips for travel.
Can F-1 student travel outside U.S. during semester?
It is important to know that with an F1 visa,
you can be out of the US for up to 5 months
. During those 5 months, your SEVIS record will reflect your absence. Once you return, your DSO will activate it.
Can I travel to Puerto Rico with expired F1 visa?
No, you do not need a valid F-1 visa to travel to Puerto Rico unless your travel plans include entry to any other country en route to Puerto Rico
. However, we recommend that you carry your valid passport, most recent valid I-20, and your F-1 visa with you in a safe place.
What is the five month rule?
The five-month rule refers to
the termination of your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) due to you being away from classes or not in status for five months
.
Do I need my I-20 for domestic flights?
Your passport is an acceptable ID for TSA security screening purposes (which doesn't have anything to do with immigration). However, to prepare for the very unlikely case you run into a CBP checkpoint or otherwise get checked by an immigration authority,
you should carry your I-20 with you
.
Where can I travel with F-1 visa?
Short trips to
Mexico, Canada, or islands adjacent to the United States
(such as the Bahamas) You may be eligible to return from Mexico, Canada and islands adjacent to the United States even if you have an expired visa. This is generally allowable for trips of 30 days or less.
Can an F-1 student work remotely for companies not in the US?
While on the F-1 student visa,
the student cannot work for an outside business unless there is specific work authorization from the foreign student adviser
. F-1 employment rules are quite strict – and there are very limited situations where this kind of work might be authorized.
Do you need a Covid test to fly inside the USA?
Make sure your test result is negative and you remain without symptoms before traveling.
If you had confirmed COVID-19 within the past 90 days, you do NOT need to get tested
, but you should still follow all other recommendations (including if you develop COVID-19 symptoms).
When can I enter the US with f1 visa?
You may enter the U.S. in initial F-1 or J-1 status (meaning you are a new international student, not a SEVIS transfer student)
up to 30 days before the program start date on your I-20 or DS-2019
.
Do I need a visa if I have a connecting flight in USA?
ESTA is required in all cases of entering the U.S.
Travelers must apply for and receive ESTA even when transiting in the U.S. to a third country without a visa. You must apply for ESTA in any of the following cases: transit, transfer, or stopover (layover).
How long can I stay in the US after my F-1 expires?
Yes. You may return to the US after an absence of
no more than five months
. You must have a new F1 visa if your original one has expired. Have your designated school official sign your I-20 before leaving the US.
Can I apply for green card while on F-1?
One option for students who are in the U.S. on F-1 visas and wish to become Green Card holders is to
apply for an EB-1 visa, also known as first-preference employment-based visas
.
Can I extend my F1 visa in USA?
If your student visa expires before your program is over,
you may be eligible for an F-1 visa renewal
. To renew your F-1 student visa you have to re-apply for the visa from your home country, or another country, at a US embassy or consulate (applying from your country is always preferable).
Can OPT student travel to Canada?
An F-1 student in OPT following completion of studies who travels to Canada temporarily (less than 30 days) can be admitted to resume employment for the remainder of the authorized training period, provided the student presents the endorsed I-20 and an unexpired EAD.
Can US students travel to Canada?
To be able to enter Canada as a student, you must meet 3 requirements:
You must qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller unless you're a minor student (under the age of 18 years)
. You must have a valid study permit or a letter of introduction that shows you were approved for a study permit, unless you don't need one.
Can international student go to Cancun?
Yes, but only if: You are presently in valid F-1 or J-1 student status
. You are in possession of Form I-94 card or a printout from your I-94 record on the US Customs and Border Protection web page.
