Summer Break Travel – Guidance for F-1 Students
As summer break approaches, we want to share this important information & reminders regarding international travel for F-1 students.
General Reminders
- Stay informed by reading all emails from ISSS.
- Stay updated on immigration policy changes affecting international travel by visiting our Immigration Policy Updates & Resources website (PennKey protected)
- Prepare for international travel by:
- Visiting our dedicated Travel webpage
- Reviewing our tips for navigating ports of entry (POE) and secondary inspection
Before You Travel
Confirm you can answer ‘YES’ to all of the following questions:
- Do you have a valid travel signature from ISSS on your Form I-20 (Check on Page 2)?
- The I-20 is required upon entry to the U.S., not while departing.
- Travel signatures are valid for 12 months from the date they were issued, or 6 months for students on OPT or STEM OPT.
- To request an updated signature
- Submit the travel signature eForm in iPenn.
- Allow 5 business days for ISSS to email you the signed form I-20.
- Print the returned I-20 and sign page one in the designated space.
- To request an updated signature
Note:
If you are new to Penn this Fall or Spring, you likely already have a signed I-20. Log into iPenn to download it and check it make sure the signature is still valid.
- Will your F-1 Visa be valid upon re-entry to the U.S.?
- If the answer is ‘NO,’ be sure to consult with your ISSS Advisor as soon as possible.
- Visa issues could prevent or delay your return to the U.S. to resume your program.
- Note: Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require an F-1 entry visa.
- If your F-1 entry visa has expired, you will need to apply for a new visa to return to the U.S.
- If the answer is ‘NO,’ be sure to consult with your ISSS Advisor as soon as possible.
Note:
Some non-immigrants with expired US entry visas may re-enter the US after visits of 30 days or less to “contiguous territories” of Canada or Mexico without having to obtain a new visa prior to re-entry. F and J status holders may also travel to the adjacent islands, except Cuba, and re-enter the US with an expired visa.
- Are you completing your program this spring and plan to or have already applied for OPT?
- If you’re not applying for OPT:
- You have a 60-day grace period after your program ends to remain in the U.S.
- If you leave the U.S. during this period, you cannot return on your current I-20.
- If you’re not applying for OPT:
Special guidance for OPT I-20:
We advise against traveling during your grace period while your OPT application is still pending.
- If your OPT has been approved:
- Present your OPT I-20, you will present this latest form upon entry.
- Present your EAD card and letter of employment (if applicable).
- When you return to the U.S.:
- You will present the following essential documents to the CBP Officer:
- Passport (valid for at least six months into the future)
- Valid Printed Form I-20 with travel signature
- Valid F-1 entry visa (except for citizens of Canada or Bermuda)
- ONLY for students on OPT / STEM OPT: Valid EAD card and job offer letter (if available)
- You will present the following essential documents to the CBP Officer:
Note:
Additional required and recommended travel documents for your immigration status are noted on our Travel webpage
Please Note
Electronic devices may be searched at the U.S. border, and certain content could impact entry decisions.
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your ISSS Advisor by email.
Log into iPenn for your advisor’s name and contact information.