EIU Office of International Students and Scholars

Essential Travel Documents for F-1 and J-1 Students

As an F-1 or J-1 student or visiting scholar, ensuring you have the correct documentation for travel is crucial for smooth re-entry into the United States. Whether you are traveling during semester breaks or need to leave the U.S. for personal reasons like medical treatment, a family emergency, or attending an academic conference, the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) at Eastern Illinois University is here to help. Before purchasing your airline tickets and leaving the country, please consult OISS to confirm that you have all the necessary documents.

General Travel Requirements for F-1 and J-1 Status

When planning to leave and re-enter the U.S., make sure to carry the following documents:

1. Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of re-entry to the U.S.

2. Valid U.S. Visa Stamp: Ensure you have an unexpired visa stamp in your passport. This requirement is waived for Canadian citizens. If your visa stamp has expired, contact OISS before traveling to discuss the process for renewing your visa.

3. Form I-20 (for F-1 Students): Your I-20 form must be signed for travel by a Designated School Official (DSO) within the past six months. The travel signature can be found on page 2 of the I-20.

• For more information on travel signatures for F-1 students, visit the USCIS Travel Information for F-1 Students

4. Form DS-2019 (for J-1 Students and Scholars): Ensure your DS-2019 form has a current travel signature from an authorized official on the lower right-hand side.

• For details about travel requirements for J-1 students, see the USCIS Travel Information for J-1 Students.

5. Evidence of Financial Support: Bring copies of documents that prove your financial ability to support your stay in the U.S., such as TA/RA funding letters or bank statements as listed on your I-20.

6. Proof of Enrollment: Carry a certificate of enrollment or a transcript. You can obtain a certificate of enrollment from OISS.

Traveling While on F-1 Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)

If you are on post-completion OPT, you must carry additional documents to re-enter the U.S.:

1. Valid Passport: It must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of re-entry.

2. Current Unexpired F-1 Visa Stamp: Required unless you are a Canadian citizen.

3. I-20 Form Signed for Travel: Ensure your I-20 has a travel signature from a DSO dated within the last six months.

4. Employment Authorization Document (EAD): Your OPT card is proof of your authorized practical training period.

5. Job Offer Letter or Proof of Employment: Carry a letter from your employer confirming your job offer or current employment status.

• For more details on travel while on OPT, visit the USCIS Travel While on OPT page.

Dependent Travel for F-2 and J-2 Visa Holders

Dependent Travel for F-2 and J-2 Visa Holders

F-2 or J-2 dependents (spouses and minor children) who travel without the primary F-1 or J-1 visa holder must have the following documents for re-entry into the U.S.:

1. Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of re-entry.

2. Valid U.S. Visa Stamp: Ensure you have an unexpired visa in your passport (Canadian citizens are exempt from this requirement).

3. Valid Separate Form I-20 or DS-2019: The form must be signed for travel/re-entry.

4. Evidence of Financial Support: Carry documents proving financial support for your stay in the U.S.

For further guidance on traveling and the documents needed, please visit the USCIS Travel Information for International Students and Scholars.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) at Eastern Illinois University before making any travel plans.