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) '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.

Traveling with an Expired Visa

You are allowed to travel within the United States. 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.

If your F-1 visa in your passport IS EXPIRED, you will need to bring the following documents to the U.S. Consulate or Embassy as part of your F-1 visa application:
- 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.).
- Travel signature on the bottom of page two of the Form I-20 signed by an Immigration Advisor in the OIA within the last 6 months.
- Verification letter from your department stating in GENERAL terms a description of your studies and that you are in good standing.
- Current proof of financial support; and Copies of transcripts/study lists for every quarter that you have been enrolled, including the current semester

When traveling locally in the San Antonio region, you should carry a copy of your passport, visa, I-94, I-20, proof of health insurance. When traveling outside of San Antonio metro area, you should carry the original documents (passport, visa, I-94, I-20, health insurance card) plus a copy evidence of funding. If you have a driver’s license, you must always carry the original.

Students are encouraged to travel to their home country for any visa renewal. However, 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 before you make travel plans.

If you travel abroad and your visa is denied, you would not be able to return to the US. Travel is at your own risk and discretion.

• To learn more about your visa vs your I-94 status, visit https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/2016/01/student-visa-vs-student-status-what-difference.
• For more information on traveling as an international student, visit https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/study/traveling-as-an-international-student. 

International Affairs can only advise you on the rules of F-1 status. Please meet with an immigration attorney to discuss the details of your specific visa situation, better understand any USCIS processes, and understand how your full immigration record may be impacted.

Travel within the U.S.

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

It is important, however, 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.