F-1 Students and Travel Outside of the United States

F-1 students who wish to travel outside of the United States must be prepared to present the following items at the time they seek to reenter the country:

A valid passport that is valid for at least six months after the date of reentry
A valid F-1 visa. Check to make sure that your visa contains an “M” under ENTRIES section of visa. The “M” stands for Multiple; it allows for multiple entries into the U.S. If “1” is annotated under ENTRIES section, it means the visa is only valid for a single entry into the United States, and you will not be able to use it to reenter the country.
Form I-20 with travel endorsement made and signed by the school’s DSO

In addition, it is recommended that you have in possession the following documents:

School transcript or certificate of enrollment
Evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses

F-1 students who are on the 60-day “grace” period after they have completed their study programs or OPT will not be readmitted into the United States. The 60-day “grace” period is for students to prepare to leave the country.

F-1 students who have applied for Optional Practical Training (OPT) but have yet to receive a job offer is discouraged from traveling outside of the United States. If you seek to enter the United States and you are not enrolled in school and do not have a job offer waiting for you, you may be refused entry because you cannot establish that you will be engaged in a valid F-1 activity.

If you have been offered a job, but have yet to receive the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS, you will need to bring with you the USCIS Receipt Notice of your EAD Application (Form I-765 Receipt Notice) and a letter from your prospective employer in addition to the items listed above. The letter should state that you will be employed in the position that relates to your field of study for the validity of your EAD upon your return to the U.S.

F-1 students who have begun working on OPT should carry with them an employment verification letter, the original Employment Authorization Document, and four most recent pay statements, as well as all items listed above.

Remember that a valid F-1 visa does not guarantee admission into the United States. Every time you seek to enter the United States, CBP officers at the airport has the authority to review your application for admission into the country. You should be prepared to answer questions on your reason to seek entry to the United States and provide documents to evidence it.

The Law Office of Jing Yeophantong, PLLC presents this information as a service to members of the general public. Use of this information does not constitute, in any manner, an attorney-client relationship between The Law Office of Jing Yeophantong, PLLC and the user. While the information is about legal issues, it is not intended as legal advice or as a substitute for the particularized advice of your own counsel. Anyone seeking specific legal advice or assistance should retain an attorney.

The information is provided as is without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.

Testimonials

“Our company hired Jing last year after meeting with her for the first time. Right away we felt comfortable and confident that our company would be in good hands with Jing as our immigration attorney. She gave very clear instructions and the process was smooth. She always answers emails and phone calls. Now we already have our case approved. I highly recommend Jing for your legal needs.”

CTM, Fairfax, VA

“I was greatly impressed by the efficiency of Attorney Jing. She handled my case in a professional, honest manner. She stayed in touch and communicated with me and my employer to keep us informed of how things were progressing. She is a very knowledgeable attorney, which is important as immigration laws are constantly changing. I highly recommend Jing to anyone looking for an immigration attorney.”

P. Hasegawa, Peoria, AZ

“Even though it has been a few weeks I’m still finding it hard to believe that I actually have my Green Card. There were definitely times in the last few years when I thought it was never going to happen. Words cannot really describe how relieved I am to be successfully DONE with this process. I feel lighter every day and so much less stressed about my future. Thank you for everything. I will be forever grateful.”

Alex, Harrisonburg, VA

“I would definitely recommend Jing for assistance regarding personal immigration matters. When I first met with her, I could tell right away that she is very knowledgeable and experienced, which made me feel I would be comfortable working with her. Throughout the entire process, she was incredibly helpful by answering questions I had and was easy to get in touch with when I needed her. With her attention to detail and familiarity with the immigration process, I felt more than prepared for my interview. The immigration procedure can be complex and confusing. With Jing assisting me, I always felt confident that I would be successful. She made a scary process very simple and comfortable for me. Thank you, Jing, for the the help and support you provided to get me through this.”

N. Bakondi, Vienna, VA

“I first met with Jing when my wife’s case was with another lawyer. We went to her for a second opinion. And after that she became a lawyer on my case. Time and time again, Jing has shown me that she is very detailed-oriented, has strong knowledge, and always keeps up-to-date with the laws. I have learned from my wife’s case that one little change in regulation can change your case from black to white. My wife’s lawyer did not do a good job with keeping himself updated with the laws, and he almost ruined our lives. Thanks to Jing, she not only helped my wife’s case but also helped another client of my wife’s lawyer. I still remember how excited my wife’s lawyer was when he called another client of his (right in front of me) to tell that person he won’t have to leave the country because the law has changed. The most important thing which I like the most about Jing is her HONESTY. Many immigration lawyers say yes to give you a day dream so they can make money from you while trying not to mention unhappy facts to you. Jing is different. She will tell you upfront what you will have to face and what you have to live with, both the bright side and the dark side. She has proven to me that I can trust her. Therefore, I believe her when she ends all emails with “Your truly”.”

Peter T., Sterling, VA

Request Consultation