Traveling Outside the U.S.

Travel Checklist:

I-20 with Travel Signature

• Make sure your I-20 has been signed on the last page by the International Student Services Specialist or a Designated School Official, and is authorized for travel past the date that you will return to the U.S.
• Your travel signature is only valid one year from the date it was signed.

Valid Passport

• Make sure your passport has not expired AND that it will still be valid at least six months after the date you plan to re-enter the U.S. If you need to renew your passport, contact the consulate or embassy representing your home country in the U.S., or the appropriate authorities in your home country.

Valid Visa

• Make sure the visa in your passport will still be valid on the date you plan to re-enter the U.S., and check that it still has entries remaining (either “M” for multiple entries or at least “1” entry left). You cannot renew your visa while in the U.S. Visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement webpage for more information.

Visas for Other Countries

• You may need a visa if you plan to visit countries other than your own.  You should check with the consulate of the country you wish to visit before you make travel plans to see if you need a visa to enter that country.
• Canadian Visitor Visa

I-94: Electronic Admission Number

• This document can be printed from the US Customs and Boarder Protection website
• It is recommended to keep a printed copy of this document with your passport and visa.

Evidence of Financial Support

• Upon re-entering the U.S. you may be asked to show proof of your financial support, such as a recent bank statement from your sponsor.  This is especially important when crossing the border from Mexico or Canada.

Receipt of SEVIS fee

• When you paid your SEVIS fee you should have received a receipt.  Make a copy of this and keep it separate from the original.  The original should be kept with you and the copy should be kept in a safe place.

Also recommended:

• GCC Student ID Card.
• Transcript and/or Certification of Enrollment. You can print an unofficial transcript on myGCC or obtain a Certification of Enrollment from the Records Office.

Are you planning to travel to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean (“Adjacent Islands”) for less than 30 days? Some people in F and J status can re-enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean Islands with an expired visa if they meet all of the following circumstances:

• They are returning from a visit of less than 30 days
• They did not apply for a new visa while outside the U.S.
• They have with them all of the following: a valid passport, an unexpired I-94 (paper print out marked as “D/S”), appropriate financial documentation, and a valid I-20 signed for re-entry on the last page.

NOTE: This option is NOT available to:

• Citizens of Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, or other countries with travel restrictions.
• Canadian “landed immigrants” who have never had an F Visa.