Travel Info: F-1 Students
As Thanksgiving and winter break approaches, we are writing to provide reminders regarding international travel.
When you return to the U.S., you will present the following documents to the CBP Officer:
- Valid passport
- Printed out Form I-20 with travel signature*
- Valid F-1 entry visa** (Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require an F-1 entry visa)
- Valid EAD card and job offer letter (if you have one)– ONLY for students on OPT / STEM OPT
If there are changes to US re-entry policies which may possibly occur during a change in administration, we will provide updates as needed. To avoid any unexpected issues, we advise returning prior to the presidential inauguration on 1/20/2025.
It is also possible that your electronic devices may be searched at the US Border. Any compromising information may be used as a reason to deny entry.
BEFORE you travel, confirm the following:
*Do you have a valid travel signature from ISSS on your Form I-20 (page 2)?
- Travel signatures are valid for 12 months from the date they were issued.
- 6 months for students on OPT or STEM OPT
- To request an updated signature, submit the travel signature eForm in iPenn
- ISSS will email the signed document to you.
- You will print this form to present when you re-enter the U.S. Make sure to sign it on page one.
- Special note: Most students new to Penn this Fall can log into iPenn and download the signed I-20 issued upon approval of the student arrival eForm.
**Will your F-1 Visa be valid upon re-entry? If you need to apply for a new visa to return to the U.S.:
- If your only reason for traveling during these breaks is to renew your visa, it is not required since you still have a valid reason as a student (OPT/STEM OPT inclusive) to remain within the US.
- We recommend you secure an appointment prior to traveling to avoid delays.
- Unforeseen issues with the visa appointment and/or issuance may impact your timely return to the U.S.
- We advise caution and to consult with your ISSS Advisor.
In addition, please be aware of potential scams targeting the international community and review these safety guidelines from Penn’s Division of Public Safety.
If you have any questions or concerns after reading, please consulate our travel page or contact your ISSS Advisor by email (see iPenn for your advisor’s name and contact information).