An F-1 or M-1 student who already has a visa can travel to the United States on that visa (if otherwise eligible) under a blanket national interest exception without needing to first visit a U.S. consulate, and a national interest exception will be given almost automatically to an F-1 or M-1 visa applicant who needs a visa.
Can a student with an F-1 visa enter the US?
If you are a student holding an F-1 visa and you plan to travel abroad or to your home country, in order to be readmitted to the U.S. you need to present to the Immigration Officer, at the port of entry, the following documents: Valid Passport. It must be valid for at least 6 months when you enter the U.S. Valid American (United States) F-1 Visa.
Can I stay in the US with an expired F-1 visa?
Yes, as long as you are maintaining your status, you may legally remain in the United States with an expired F-1 or M-1 visa. Can I renew my student visa while in the United States?
What is the difference between F-1 and J-1 visa?
The J-1 visa holders have sponsors who pay for their stay in the US, while the F1 students should prove that they have sufficient funds in their bank accounts to cover the expenses of studying and living in the US. This does not mean that F1 students are not eligible for scholarships.
How to protect your F-1 status when traveling abroad?
to participate in a study abroad program. But, before you pack your luggage, there are some steps you need to take to protect your F-1 status. Before you leave the country, make sure you have a valid travel signature from an OIA advisor on page 3 of your I-20.
Can non-U.S. citizens travel to the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic?
If you are a non-U.S. citizen who is a nonimmigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa), you will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before you travel by air to the United States from a foreign country.
What are the requirements for a noncitizen, nonimmigrant, to travel to the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Noncitizens who are nonimmigrants and seeking to enter the United States by air are required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States from a foreign country.
Is there an extension for immigration requests during the COVID-19 pandemic?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is extending certain flexibilities through July 25, 2022, to assist applicants, petitioners, and requestors. We anticipate this may be the final extension of these flexibilities.
What documents do I need to enter the US if I am a sea crew member with a C-1 and D nonimmigrant visa during COVID-19?
What documentation do I need if I am a sea crew member traveling with a C-1 and D nonimmigrant visa? You will need to show Your C-1 and D visa; AND An official letter from your employer (paper or digital) indicating your entry to or transit through the United States is required for the purpose of operating a vessel or return travel after disembarking the vessel consistent with your visa and official letter.
Do I need to get a proof of being "fully vaccinated" against COVID-19 before I travel by air to the US from a foreign country?
If you are a non-U.S. citizen who is a nonimmigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa), you will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before you travel by air to the United States from a foreign country.
Is it mandatory to get a COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the US during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines.
What are the symptoms of Omicron Subvariants BA.4 and BA.5?
Experts said that, in general, these subvariants do not have markedly divergent symptoms from earlier versions of Omicron. People infected with BA.4 and BA.5 may develop a cough, runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, headaches and muscle pains.
What are some of the symptoms of BA 4 & BA 5?
The U.K., where BA.4 and BA.5 infections also account for the majority of recent COVID cases, reported runny nose, sore throat, headache, persistent cough and fatigue as its most common symptoms last week.
How long can you test positive for COVID-19 after having it?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some people who contract COVID-19 can have detectable virus for up to three months, but that doesn't mean they are contagious. When it comes to testing, the PCR tests are more likely to continue picking up the virus following infection.
Does a non-U.S. citizen need to be vaccinated to enter the US during the COVID-19 pandemic?
If you are a non-U.S. citizen who is a nonimmigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa), you will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before you travel by air to the United States from a foreign country.
What can I use as proof of COVID-19 vaccine?
You can use your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination card or a copy of your vaccination record (digital or paper) as proof of vaccination in the United States.
What is the difference between SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19?
In 2019, a new coronavirus was identified as the cause of a disease outbreak that originated in China. The virus is now known as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease it causes is called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Where can I apply for the humanitarian or emergency exception to travel to the United States?
Individuals who fit the exception criteria described in the Presidential Proclamation and CDCs Amended Order may contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in or nearest the country from which they are departing for the United States. The embassy will then transmit the information to the CDC for consideration.
Do I qualify for an exception or can I apply for an exception to the COVID-19 vaccine requirement?
See full answerCategories of noncitizen, nonimmigrants that meet the criteria for an exception under the proclamation and CDC’s order include: Persons on diplomatic or official foreign government travel Children under 18 years of age Persons with documented medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine Participants in certain COVID-19 vaccine trials Persons issued a humanitarian or emergency exception Persons with valid visas [excluding B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visas] who are citizens of a foreign country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their spouses or children (under 18 years of age). Sea crew members traveling pursuant to a C-1 and D nonimmigrant visa Persons whose entry would be in the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State, Secretary of Transportation, or Secretary of Homeland Security (or their designees)
Can I travel if I am not up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines and was exposed to COVID-19?
Do not travel until a full 5 days after your last close contact with the person with COVID-19. It is best to avoid travel for a full 10 days after your last exposure.
What can I use as proof of COVID-19 vaccine?
You can use your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination card or a copy of your vaccination record (digital or paper) as proof of vaccination in the United States.
When will the US ban travel to India?
US Travel Ban from India will come into effect from May 4, 2021 till further notice. However, it has given exemption to certain category of students, academicians, journalists to travel if they are qualified.
Is India under the US travel ban?
According to the State Department , the US Travel Ban exemption for India is in line with a similar exemption that the US has granted to some categories of travellers from Brazil, China, Iran and or South Africa. Keep a check here for any future updates on US Travel Ban and exemption categories.
What is an F1 visa?
The F1 visa is a student visa that is given to international students who want to attend educational institutions in the United States. It covers levels from elementary school to university and graduate school, including other degrees. If one of these institutions accepts you, then you apply for the F1 visa.
How much does it cost to get a student visa?
The application fee for the student visa is $160. You must pay this fee and get the receipt, which you will need later for your interview documents. You might have to pay additional fees based on your country of origin and the US Embassy you are applying from.
Can I Stay Longer Than My Visa Allows?
After your visa expires, you have a 60 day grace period to prepare for your departure to your home country. If your visa doesn’t cover the whole time that you will be in school in the US, you will have to apply for renewal or extensions. The extensions are approved only if you can prove you will be completing your degree in the US and you intend to return as soon as it is over.
Can I Work as an International Student in the United States?
You may work as an F1 student but only for short periods of time since your visa is a student and not a work visa. You are allowed to work part-time on campus while school is in session and full time during breaks. If you want to work outside of campus, you have two options.
Can F1 Students Apply for Permanent Residence?
Even though you have proved that you have strong ties to your home country, if you want to apply for a Green Card, you are allowed to do so on an F1 visa. It is a complicated procedure, though. You must either self-petition as a person with extraordinary abilities, get married in the US or prove that you will invest $500,000 in the US economy.
How much does it cost to get a SEVIS I-901?
To have full registration, there is a SEVIS I-901 fee. For the F1 visa, this fee is $200.
What to do after filing DS-160?
After filing the DS-160 form and paying the fees, you will need to schedule your interview. The F1 Visa interview is a mandatory step before you get your student visa. Try to schedule it as early as possible, since there might be delays due to the heavy workload of the US Embassy. When you schedule it, you will receive an interview appointment letter which you will need later on in the application process.
What is the I-765 form?
The I-765 form to apply for Optional Practical Training instructs you to submit the form within the United States. We recommend that you follow the instructions on the form. If you follow different instructions, we cannot provide guidance on how USCIS will respond or whether they will accept your application.
How long does it take to get an expired travel signature?
If your travel signature is expired, complete the Online Travel Signature request form. Allow up to 10 business days for processing. Once processed, you will receive a digital I-20 with an e-signature sent to your official UW email account.
When is the next school year for nonimmigrant students?
The March 2020 guidance applies to nonimmigrant students who were actively enrolled at a U.S. school on March 9, 2020, and are otherwise complying with the terms of their nonimmigrant status, whether from inside the United States or abroad. A summary of the March 2020 guidance is available below.
How long is a student travel signature valid?
It is helpful to review the Travel and Visas information and check the travel signature expiration date on page 2 of the I-20s. Travel signatures are valid for one year for continuing students.
Is there a quarantine for international travelers?
There are currently no mandatory quarantines for international travelers. UW Housing & Food Services has provided additional cornonavirus information for residents living on-campus. There is currently no requirement to self-isolate when after moving into on-campus housing.
Do consulates still provide visa services?
The U.S. Department of State announced consulates and embassies around the world would continue to resume visa services on a post by post basis as conditions and staffing allows. Embassies and consulates are providing emergency and mission-critical visa services as a priority.
Does special student relief require a Federal Register?
Special Student Relief work authorization requires a Federal Register announcement from the U.S. government for Special Student Relief; there has not been such an announcement currently.
How far in advance can you get a student visa?
New Students – Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.
What is an EAD for F-1?
Students who are authorized Optional Practical Training (OPT) must have a Form I-20 endorsed for OPT, and apply to USCIS for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). When authorized, OPT is temporary employment that is directly related to the eligible F-1 student's area of study.
What happens after a visa interview?
After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing. The consular officer will inform you if this is required.
How long does a passport need to be valid for a visa interview?
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview: Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).
What is a B visa?
After you are admitted to the United States by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in visitor (B) visa status, you must separately apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status to student (For M) status prior to the start of your program.
What happens if you fail to leave the US on time?
Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being out of status. Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ). Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States.
What documents do consular officers need to interview you for a student visa?
A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualifications for a student visa, and may request additional documents, such as evidence of: Your academic preparation, such as: Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended; and. Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school;
What if my F-1 student visa has expired?
You can stay in the United States on an expired F-1 visa as long as you maintain your student status. However, if you are returning home or traveling to a country where automatic revalidation does not apply, you must have a valid visa to return to the United States.
What is automatic visa revalidation?
Automatic visa revalidation allows most F-1 students to take a trip of less than 30 days to countries contiguous to the United States and reenter on an expired visa provided you have proper documentation and have not applied for a new visa during the visit. This process revalidates your visa (making it eligible for the single trip), but does not renew it.
Do dependents have to travel with the primary?
No . However, your primary must be maintaining status. Consult the DSO from your primary’s school to ensure your primary is in status before traveling. You will need a valid passport. See Re-entry for F-1 Non-immigrants Travelling Outside the United States for Five Months or Fewer above
Are there any other requirements for dependents to travel outside the United States?
However, if you are not returning to your country of citizenship, you should check the requirements of the country you are visiting . Some countries will require a visa. You may also need a visa for countries where you are making a connecting flight. Be sure to check before you travel.
Do M-2 nonimmigrants have to travel with the primary (M-1)?
No. However, you must be able to show that your primary (M-1) has been admit ted and has maintain ed student status. We recommend that you consult with the DSO from your primary’s school to ensure the M-1 is in status before traveling. You will need the documents, which are listed in the “What documents do the spouse and minor children of a continuing M-1 student need to reenter to the United States after traveling abroad?” FAQ.
What if I have an expired passport or one that will expire in less than six months?
You must renew your passport before you re-enter the United States. Usually, to enter the United States, you must have a passport that is valid for at least six months after the date you enter or re-enter.
Do I need a valid visa to visit Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, or the Northern Mariana Islands?
No, unless your travel plans include entry to any other country en route to these U.S. territories. You will need a valid Form I-20 and a valid unexpired Form I-94. Be sure that you do not have a terminated SEVIS record indicating that you are out of status.
What to Do Before You Travel Abroad as an F1 Visa Holder?
When you are making plans for your travel, there are some documents you must verify that you have.
How long can I stay out of the US with an F1 visa?
If your form is close to expiring, apply for a new one and wait for processing until you travel. It is important to know that with an F1 visa, you can be out of the US for up to 5 months.
What if You are Travelling Somewhere Different From Your Home Country?
Travelling to your home country is easier. You already have a passport and they will allow you to enter the country. If you are travelling somewhere else, then you must meet the requirements to enter.
What if Your Passport Expires Less Than 6 Months After You Enter the US?
If your passport is not valid for at least 6 months after you return from your travel, the CPB officials might not let you in the US. But, there are a few countries which have an agreement with the US. This agreement allows citizens of foreign countries to enter the US until their passports have expired.
How long do you have to have a passport to return to the US?
A valid passport for at least 6 months after you return to the US; A valid F1 visa; A valid Form I-20; Documents to prove your financial position such as: bank statements; scholarship award letters; sponsor letters, etc.; Documents to prove your enrollment in a US university such as: admission letters;
What happens if you are out of the US for more than 5 months?
If you are out of the US for more than 5 months, your SEVIS will be on a Terminated status. This means that you will have to get a new Form I-20 once you return. The Form I-20 will reset and the time you spent in the US until will not count towards your Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Can you travel on an F1 visa?
Students who are on an F1 visa stay in the US to attend classes, but quite often they have to travel. They travel during university breaks or in case of emergencies. The travel can be to their own home countries or to other countries.
How to get a travel signature?
To get a travel signature, make a request through Atlas at least two weeks before you plan to travel, and bring your I-20 to OIA.
What happens if I-20 expires?
If it expires while you are outside the U.S., you will not be able to re-enter the U.S.
Does Canada require ETA?
Canada now requires Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for many citizens of visa-exempt countries who enter or transit through Canada. This means that you may need to apply for authorization even if you are only changing flights in Canada. Learn more on the Canadian Immigration & Citizenship website »
Do I need to update my financial documents to get an I-20 extension?
Updated financial documentation will be required to process your I-20 extension.
Do I need to get a new I-20?
If there have been any changes in your situation (for example, if you have changed your major, degree level, or source/s of financial support) that are not indicated on your current I-20, you will need to get a new one.
Do I need to request a travel signature for a change in degree?
For a change in degree level, you will need to complete the “New Program I-20” request in Atlas. However, you do not need to request a travel signature. When your new degree program request is approved, a new I-20 will be printed and signed for travel.
What is a U.S. Visa?
A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.
Find out what visa type is appropriate for you
The type of visa you must obtain is defined by U.S. immigration law, and relates to the purpose of your travel.
Visa Appointment Wait Time
A wait time listed as "999 calendar days" indicates that the Consular Section is only providing that service to emergency cases. Please check the Embassy or Consulate website for further information.
Inspection / Questioning at The U.S. Port-Of-Entry
- When entering the U.S. from abroad, every individual (including American Citizens), will be subject to questioning by USCBP officers. Primary Inspection will be where a USCBP Officer will ask you to present your visa documents and ask questions about where you are arriving from and the pu…
Request A Form I-20 with ISO Travel Signature
- Students should check page 2 of their current Form I-20 for an ISO advisor signed travel signature. This signature should be dated at least within 12 monthsof the day you plan to re-enter the U.S. Requesting a Travel Signature for Form I-20 or Form DS-2019: With the ISO working remotely, it is NOT possible to drop off/pick up your Form I-20 or DS-2019 to request a travel signature. Studen…
More Information
- Please see our page on Returning from Canada, Mexico, or Adjacent Islands for different guidelines on travel, if your situation applies. Also, see U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program guidelines on Travel Re-entry for F Visa.