Travel and Re-Entry

Traveling Outside of the U.S. (With Exit and Reentry)

If you plan to travel outside the U.S., you will need to request a travel signature on your Form I-20/DS-2019 and be aware of important immigration and security regulations to ensure that you can leave and re-enter the U.S.

When you re-enter the United States after traveling, you should expect thorough screening procedures at airports and other ports of entry. You may be delayed by a “secondary inspection” if you do not have proper documents, had some previous immigration problem or error, or if you simply fall under certain criteria or circumstances.

Visa Validity:

Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the date of entry. There are come countries that have an agreement with the U.S. allowing entry with a passport until the date of expiration; a full list can be found here. If the visa is not valid for travel, you will be required to renew your visa before you re-enter the U.S. To re-enter to the U.S. you will need to present the following:

• A valid passport
• A valid visa 
• Your current Form I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel signature

Traveling Within the U.S. (Without Exit and Reentry)

An immigration regulation exists which says that international visitors to the U.S. must carry their “registration document” with them. The “registration document” for F-1 students and J-1 students and scholars is the Form I-94. 

Traveling in the Kutztown and Pennsylvania area: Store your passport and Form I-20/DS-2019 in a safe and secure location to avoid loss or theft. You should keep with you a printed most recent Form I-94.

Traveling in the U.S. far from Pennsylvania, we recommend bring the following original documents on your trip:

• Passport
• Form I-20 or DS-2019
• Printed most recent Form I-94