Taking a Trip Outside the US while Attending EMU

F-1 and J-1 students need:

• Updated I-20 or validated DS-2019 with OIS travel signature within the past 6 months. To obtain a travel signature you must be registered full time. Bring your most recent I-20 to OIS, no appointment needed. Please allow 2-4 business days for your I-20 to be processed. Although you present the I-20 with recent travel signature to the immigration officer, also carry all previous I-20s in case the officer would like to review your I-20 history.
• Passport valid for at least 6 months into the future.
• Visa stamp in your passport which is valid for re-entry on your anticipated return date.  See the next sections if your visa is expired or will expire before you will reenter the U.S.
• I-94: Make sure to surrender your I-94 card to the airline agents upon departure from the US, unless you are traveling to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands for less than 30 days.

It is your responsibility to determine if the country you plan to visit requires a valid visa for you to enter.

For additional information see the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, ICE FAQ for fF-nonimmigrants: Entry and Exit webpage.

Travel during OPT
Traveling during OPT can be risky; we suggest you email an OIS advisor prior to purchasing an airline ticket. If you travel, you will definitely need:

• I-20 which includes current employment information and an OIS travel signature dated within the past 6 months
• Passport, valid at least 6 months into the future
• Visa stamp that will be valid upon re-entering the U.S.; If your visa is expired please speak to an OIS advisor
• Valid EAD card
• Proof of employment. Carry copies of recent pay checks AND a letter from your employer indicating you will have a job upon your return

Applying for a New Visa

We recommend that you apply for a renewed visa at the U.S. consulate in your home country or the consulate with jurisdiction over your home residence. Keep in mind that depending on the time of year and your location, you may experience a significant delay in your new visa thereby resulting in a delayed return back to the U.S. to resume classes. Also, visa applications are never guaranteed and you may be denied.

Tips on applying for a visa:

• Be sure to read the consulate's website where you plan on applying for your new visa to learn about the procedures and necessary application documents.
• View the U.S. visa wait times (http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/wait_4638.html) to see the estimated time it will take for you to apply for and receive your visa (not including a potential background check).
• Apply for your visa as early as possible.
• Request documents to prove your student status. We recommend that you collect a:
  • Certificate of Enrollment (from you're my.emich account or SERVICE EMU) to confirm that you are enrolled full-time.
  • Transcript (official or print out from your my.emich account) to confirm your academic history.
  • Copy of class schedule for the next term.

Travel to Canada, Mexico, or considered contiguous islands on an Expired F-1 or J-1 Visa

If your F-1 or J-1 visa has expired, you may not be required to obtain a new visa if you are traveling to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands. This is called Automatic Visa Revalidation.
The following conditions apply:

• Your trip must be limited to Canada, Mexico or a considered contiguous island
• Your trip must be less than 30 days in length

For more information on the regulations and eligibility of the Automatic Visa Revalidation, please visit http://www.ice.gov/sevis/travel/faq_f2.htm#_Toc81222014.

Travel Tips for Students with Pending H1-B Application

Are you an F-1 student who is (or will soon be) the beneficiary of an H-1B peittion and a request to change status to H-1B for employment starting on October 1? If you are planning to travel abroad between now and....Read more