Travel Information

All F-1 students should carry the following documents for US entry:

• I-20 (returning students need a travel endorsement signature from OIA)
• Passport (valid at least 6 months after your entry date)
• Valid F-1 Visa
  
  • If your visa has expired, you will need to apply for a new visa while abroad. Ensure you have enough time to complete the DS-160 visa application and interview process while abroad.
  • If your visa is in an expired passport, you’ll need to carry both passports.
  • See additional information below about traveling with an expired visa.

New F-1 students (optional for returning students)

• University Acceptance Letter
• Proof of Financial Support and any Sponsorship Letters
• SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
• Scholarship Letters (if applicable)
• Graduate Assistant Offer Letter (if applicable)

NOTES: If a student will be traveling to or transiting in a country where they are not a Citizen or Permanent Resident/Immigrant of that country, other than the U.S., they must verify the requirements needed to enter/transit through that country(s). Students should plan ahead and check the country(s)' specific Consulate General website for immigration/entry requirements and application procedures.

Upon re-entry to the United States, you must give the International Affairs a copy of any new passport or F-1 visa information. Also, give a copy of your latest Form I-94. If your I-94 does not have “D/S (Duration of Stay)” and/or you receive Form I-515A from the CBP officer upon arrival to the USA, or there are any incorrect items on your I-94, contact the International Affairs office immediately to discuss how to resolve this issue.

Returning or Continuing Students

• I-94 
• Most recent transcripts from A&M-SA
• Class schedule for the upcoming semester
• Resume

To return to the USA during OPT or STEM OPT, you also need:

• EAD Card
• Signed employment offer letter with employment start date
• I-797 receipt approval notice (if in your initial OPT EAD dates)
• Travel is not recommended if you have applied for OPT or STEM OPT but have not yet received your Employment Authorization Card (EAD) from USCIS. Wait until you have the EAD card in hand before traveling abroad.

To return to the USA after filing a change of status (e.g. F-2 to F-1 or H-4 to F-1), you also need

• I-797A approval receipt notice
• If your change of status has been approved while you are in the USA, you will need a new visa to re-enter the USA.
• Travel is not recommended if you have not yet received a change of status approval in the form of an I-797A. If you leave the country during processing, your application will be cancelled.
• For more info, visit uscis.gov or https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/complete/change-of-status.

Travel Within the United States

You are generally allowed to travel within the United States, including to Hawaii, Alaska, or any U.S. territory, even if your F-1 visa in your passport has expired. There are no restrictions on domestic travel within the U.S., and no special documents are required for this internal travel.

Documents to Carry While Traveling Domestically:

• Locally (San Antonio region): Carry a copy of your passport, visa, I-94, I-20, and proof of health insurance.
• Outside San Antonio Metro Area: Carry the original documents (passport, visa, I-94, I-20, health insurance card) plus a copy of evidence of funding.
• Driver's License: If you have a driver’s license, you must always carry the original.

International Travel and Visa Renewal

If your F-1 visa in your passport IS EXPIRED and you plan to travel outside the United States, you will need to apply for a new F-1 visa at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy abroad to re-enter the U.S.

Documents to Bring for F-1 Visa Application/Renewal (Abroad):

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months past the date of intended arrival in the U.S.
• Valid Form I-20: Be prepared to show the consulate all of your previous I-20s to confirm your valid initial and continuous stay in the U.S. Ensure your current I-20 has a travel signature on the bottom of page two, signed by an Immigration Advisor in International Affairs within the last 6 months.
• Verification Letter from Your Department: This letter should state in general terms a description of your studies and confirm that you are in good standing.
• Current Proof of Financial Support.
• Copies of Transcripts/Study Lists: For every quarter/semester that you have been enrolled, including the current semester.

Important Considerations for International Travel

• Visa Renewal Location: Students are encouraged to travel to their home country for any visa renewal.
• Check Wait Times: Before making travel plans, you should check the visa appointment wait times and other visa renewal criteria to determine if you have enough time to renew a visa while abroad.
• Risk of Denial: If you travel abroad and your visa is denied, you would not be able to return to the U.S.
• Travel is at your own risk and discretion.

Additional Resources

• Visa vs. I-94 Status: To learn more about the difference between your visa and your I-94 status, visit: Student Visa vs. Student Status: What's the Difference? (Study in the States)
• Traveling as an International Student: For more information on traveling as an international student, visit: Traveling as an International Student (Study in the States)

Seeking Legal Advice

International Affairs can only advise you on the rules of F-1 status. For detailed discussions about your specific visa situation, better understanding of any USCIS processes, and how your full immigration record may be impacted, please meet with an immigration attorney.

Disclaimer: This information was last updated in March 2025. We recommend that all students consult with International Affairs, U.S. Embassies/Consulates, and official government websites (USCIS, Study in the States, ICE) to ensure they have the most up-to-date and accurate information for their specific travel plans.

Travel within the U.S.

F-1 students are allowed to travel within the United States as they wish. There are no restrictions on travel within the United States (including travel to Hawaii, Alaska, or any U.S. territory), and no special documents are required. 

However, it is important that you and your dependents carry your passport and visa documents with you when traveling in the U.S. in case you need to present them to law enforcement officials. This is essential if you are traveling near the border between Canada and Mexico.

You should bring the following:

• Passport with visa stamp (if your visa is in an old passport, bring both passports)
• I-20
• I-94 card
• Proof of health insurance
• Documentary evidence of funding
• Driver's License (if you have one)

When traveling locally in the San Antonio region, you should bring a copy of your passport, visa, I-94, and I-20 documents. 

When traveling outside of the San Antonio metro area, you should carry the original documents (passport, visa, I-94, and I-20) plus a copy of these documents. If you have a driver’s license, you must always carry the original. Photo identification (driver's license or passport) is required for all air travel. 

*Note: If your travel connects or stops over in a foreign country, such as a stopover in Vancouver (Canada) on your way to Alaska, you are traveling internationally and should follow the rules for travel outside the USA.