LEAVING AND ENTERING THE U.S.

Last updated: May 7, 2003

F-1 / J-1 Visa Holders

International students and exchange visitors who leave the United States must have the following documents with them to insure their re-entry:

Valid Passport (except Canadian citizens). Must be valid at all times.

Valid United States Visa Stamp in Passport (except Canadian citizens). Instructions on how to revalidate a visa later in this document.

NOTE: Persons holding expired visa stamp may re-enter the United States without having to secure a revalidation of the visa after an absence not exceeding 30 days solely in contiguous territory, (Canada or Mexico) or adjacent islands, other than Cuba. Persons remaining out of the United States for more than 30 days will be required to present a valid visa stamp for re-entry.

Valid Form I-94

Current Form I-20 (for those in F-1 status) with a valid signature on pages 3 Requests for the signature should be made at the ISSS Office, at least one week before leaving. After initial use of an I-20, (page 3 may be endorsed by the ISSS Office and used throughout that current academic year).

OR

Current Form DS-2019 (for those in J-1 Exchange visitor status) The form (check and make sure ending date is valid, it should be endorsed once a year) is sufficient if the visa stamp in your passport will still be valid at the time of your return.

Dependents

F-2 & J-2 spouses and minor children must also meet the above passport and visa requirements for re-entry to the United States. Each family member MUST have his/her own I-20 or DS-2019 to enter the United States.

Extension of U.S. Visa Stamp

Student visas cannot be extended within the United States. (Do not confuse extension of your visa stamp with a request for extending your authorized stay in the U.S.) Students who need to extend their visa stamp must apply in person to a U.S. Consulate or Embassy; these offices are only located outside of the United States. Applicants are normally required to submit the following documentation:

Valid passport.
Current Passport-size photographs
Valid Form I-20 or DS-2019
Proof of financial support
Transcript

If you go to Canada or Mexico to apply for a new visa stamp, you cannot re-enter the United States if you do not have a valid visa stamp.