Travel

What visa documents should I bring with me when I travel outside of the US?

For F-1 visa holders you must have the following documents to ensure your re-entry:

1. A valid passport
   
2. A valid U.S. visa (the visa stamp in your passport should be valid beyond the date you return to the US and should have multiple entries) If your visa is expired, you will need to apply for a new visa at a U.S. embassy overseas. The embassy will require similar documents to those presented for your first F-1 visa, such as your I-20, valid passport, proof of finances, intent to return home, transcripts indicating you maintained full-time student status. Make sure you allow enough time to obtain all of these documents before you leave. If you do need a new visa, also request an enrollment verification letter from the International Programs' Office.
3. I-94 card
4. A valid Form I-20 (check the expiration date item 5 on your I-20 and check the back of your I-20 for endorsement by the International Student Advisor). Bring your I-20 to the International Programs' Office along with a completed travel request form at least five working days before your planned departure. Your endorsed I-20 will be availale for pick up after 3-4 working days. If you have a change of major, a change of funds, an added dependent, or if all re-entry lines are filled, you must request a new I-20.

In addition, we suggest you carry:

• Official Texas Wesleyan transcript (obtained from the Registrar's Office)
• Letter of Good Standing from the Office of International Programs
• Proof of financial support (a personal or sponsor's bank statement and letter)

NOTE: If you plan to travel for a period greater than 5 months, please come to the International Programs Office and speak with the International Adviser.

If my dependents want to travel separately, do they need to obtain a new I-20 or IAP-66 Form ?
F-2 and minor children who are not accompanied by the F-1 student must have all of the above documents, as well. You can obtain a separate Form I-20 for your F-2 dependents from the International Programs' Office. If the dependents have never been indicated on the I-20, then you must first see the International Student Advisor.

Do I still need the visa documents to travel to Canada if I am a Canadian citizen or a landed immigrant of Canada?
If you are a Canadian citizen, you do not need a passport or a U.S. visa to enter or re-enter the U.S. from Canada; however, you do need to have the endorsed I-20 and valid I-94. For landed immigrants of Canada, please check this list to see if you need a valid US visa. How often should I have my I-20 endorsed by the International Student Adviser? Each semester is recommended.

Travel Warning: If you have completed your studies and have applied for OPT, it is not advisable and is very risky to leave the United States without first obtaining your Employment Authorization Card.  Re-entry into the U.S. without your EAD OPT card may lead to denial of reentry into the U.S. and forfeiture of your eligibility for OPT.
If you anticipate travel outside the United States while on OPT, you may also request a travel endorsement for your I-20 at the same time. By itself, the Employment Authorization Card is not valid for travel purposes. To travel during OPT you must have a travel endorsement on the back of your I-20, a valid passport, and an unexpired F-1 visa. A letter proving employment may also be required, especially if you must renew your F-1 visa while abroad.