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Traveling as an International Student

Traveling as an International Student

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) has complied some information to assist you with travel, but entry to the U.S. is never guaranteed.

Returning students: Before you leave the United States, check in with the OIA office at least 10 business days in advance to request your I-20 travel endorsement signature and to ensure you have your travel documents ready. The I-20 signature is valid for 1 year for F-1 students and 6 months for students on OPT and STEM OPT.

NOTE: New F-1 students (and their F-2 dependents) may arrive in the USA up to 30 days prior to the program start date on their TAMUSA I-20.

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., then 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 Office of International Affairs (OIA) 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 Office of International Affairs (OIA) immediately to discuss how to resolve this issue.

Returning or Continuing Students

  • I-94 
  • Most recent transcripts from TAMU-SA
  • Class schedule for 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 travelling 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.

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 will be traveling near the border to Canada or Mexico.

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.

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

If you need assistance while abroad, contact OIA or Patricia Zibluk at 

  • Email: international.affairs@tamusa.edu / patricia.zibluk@tamusa@edu.edu
  • OIA Office Phone: +1-210-784-1309
  • Patricia Zibluk’s Cell (emergencies only): +1-203-815-2514
  • TAMU-SA Campus Police: +1-210-784-1911
  • Address: Office of International Affairs, Central Academic Building (CAB) 434, One University Way San Antonio, Texas 78224