The Office of International Affairs (OIA) has complied some information to assist you with travel, but entry to the U.S.
is never guaranteed.

Returning students: Before you leave the United States, check in with the OIA office at least 10 business days in advance to request
your I-20 travel endorsement signature and to ensure you have your travel documents ready. The I-20 signature is valid
for 1 year for F-1 students
and 6 months for students on OPT and STEM OPT.

All F-1 students should carry the following documents for US entry:

• I-20 (returning students need a travel endorsement signature from OIA)
• Passport (valid at least 6-months after your entry date)
• Valid F-1 Visa
  
  
  • If your visa has expired, you will need to apply for a new visa while abroad. Ensure you have enough time to complete the DS-160 visa application and interview process while abroad.
  • If your visa is in an expired passport, you’ll need to carry both passports.
  • See additional information below about traveling with an expired visa.

•  
• I-94 (returning students)
• Optional (returning students)
  • Resume
  • Most recent transcripts from TAMU-SA
  • Class schedule for upcoming semester

Additional Documents for New F-1 students (optional for returning students)

• University Acceptance Letter
• Proof of Financial Support and any Sponsorship Letters
• SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
• Scholarship Letters (if applicable)
• Graduate Assistant Offer Letter (if applicable)
• Note: New F-1 students may arrive in the USA up to 30 days prior to the program start date on their I-20.

To return to the USA during OPT or STEM OPT, you also need:

• EAD Card
• Signed employment offer letter with employment start date
• I-797 receipt approval notice (if in your initial OPT EAD dates)
• Travel is not recommended if you have applied for OPT or STEM OPT but have not yet received your Employment Authorization Card (EAD) from USCIS. Wait until you have the EAD card in hand before travelling abroad.

To return to the USA after filing a change of status (e.g. F-2 to F-1 or H-4 to F-1), you also need

• I-797A approval receipt notice
• If your change of status has been approved while you are in the USA, you will need a new visa to re-enter the USA.
• Travel is not recommended if you have not yet received a change of status approval in the form of an I-797A. If you leave the country during processing, your application will be cancelled.
• For more info, visit uscis.gov or https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/complete/change-of-status.

Traveling with an Expired Visa

Many students’ visas expire while studying in the USA. This is okay. You only need to renew your visa if you are planning to leave the country (for instance, to attend an academic conference, to play in a required sporting event, or to visit family or friends abroad).

If your visa expires while in the USA, you are not required to renew it. Your I-94 should state: “Admit until D/S” or “Duration of Status.” Your I-94 D/S is valid if you are progressing towards your degree (e.g. Your visa expires in June 2025, but your I-20 program end date is May 2026). International students are eligible for one year of OPT after graduating with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. STEM fields are eligible for an additional two years of STEM OPT. This means international students may legally remain in the USA with an expired visa if you are either a F-1 student or gain employment for OPT in your F-1 status.

F-1 students are discouraged from renewing their visas in Canada or anywhere other than their home country just for the purpose of visa renewal. If there is a valid reason for entering Canada (academic conference, required sporting event), visa renewal might be permitted.

Students are encouraged to travel to their home country for any visa renewal. However, you should check the visa appointment wait times and other visa renewal criteria to determine if you have enough time to renew a visa while abroad before you make travel plans.

If you travel abroad and your visa is denied, you would not be able to return to the US. Travel is at your own risk and discretion.

• To learn more about your visa vs your I-94 status, visit https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/2016/01/student-visa-vs-student-status-what-difference.
• For more information on traveling as an international student, visit https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/study/traveling-as-an-international-student. 

OIA can only advise you on the rules of the F-1 status. Please meet with an immigration attorney to share details of your specific visa situation, to better understand any USCIS processes, and to understand how your full immigration record may be impacted.

If you need assistance while abroad, contact OIA or Patricia Zibluk at 

• Email: international.affairs@tamusa.edu / patricia.zibluk@tamusa@edu.edu
• OIA Office Phone: +1-210-784-1309
• Patricia Zibluk’s Cell (emergencies only): +1-203-815-2514
• TAMU-SA Campus Police: +1-210-784-1911
• Address: Office of International Affairs, Central Academic Building (CAB) 434, One University Way San Antonio, Texas 78224