Documents for F-1 Travel

F-1 students who leave the United States temporarily must have the following documents to attempt to re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status:

• A valid passport or travel document valid for at least 6 months after the date of reentry.
• A valid F-1 visa, unless exempt from visa requirement.
• Page 2 of your I-20 signed by an MCC Designated School Official (DSO). 

• Financial documents, such as a bank statement or a letter from a bank or sponsor dated within 6 months.
• Evidence of student status, such as recent tuition receipts, transcripts.
• Copies of your current and/or future class schedule.
• A letter of explanation from ISS if you were on a reduced course load for medical reasons.
• Name and contact information for a DSO.
• I-901 SEVIS Fee payment receipt. 

• Provide your I-20 for a travel signature before you leave the U.S..
• Pay for insurance and any outstanding bills and register for the next quarter.
• Your current I-20 and F-1 visa will become invalid if you are out of the U.S. for more than 5 months. 
• Provide ISS with your new I-94 upon return and any renewed passport or visa.

For additional information visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement travel page and Department of Homeland Security travel page.