Traveling After Completing your Program

Review Travel Advisory

Traveling internationally, whether to visit home or for a vacation abroad, is common for students participating in post completion practical training (OPT,STEM, AT). For these students there are special considerations and instructions. If you choose to travel, ensure you have the proper documents to re-enter the U.S. and be sure to review our Travel Advisory page before you book your travel.

Travel Advisory

Note: ISSO advises only on U.S. re-entry. For visas to other countries, contact the respective embassy or consulate for specific requirements.

Required U.S. Re-Entry Documents for F and J Status

Valid passport (expiration at least 6 months into the future)
Valid visa (except for Canadian citizens)
Valid I-20 (F-1 status) or DS-2019 (J-1 status) with a valid travel signature from the ISSO updated with your employment information and signed within 6 months

Travel Signature

You need a travel signature (an ISSO official’s signature) on page two of your I-20 or the right side of your DS-2019 for U.S. re-entry. This confirms you have maintained valid status and intend to continue studies at BU.

The signature must be valid on your return date and dated within 6 months before re-entry. One valid signature can cover multiple trips.

Request an I-20 or DS-2019 Travel Signature

In-Person
Visit the ISSO front desk during business hours with these documents for record review and a travel signature while you wait:

BUID
Passport with F-1 or J-1 visa
Most recent I-20 or DS-2019
Printed copy of your latest I-94 arrival record from the U.S.CBP I-94 arrival record website

ISSOPortal

You only need the travel signature when re-entering the U.S., not to leave.

Log into the ISSOPortal, go to Request Center, and select Add Travel Signature
Complete the questionnaire, upload documents, and submit
Monitor your request status in the ISSOPortal
An ISSO Advisor will review and update your request within 10 business days
You’ll receive an email when the updated document is in the Document Center
Download, print, and sign the new I-20 or DS-2019. Present it in paper form to consular officers if you need a visa and to U.S. Customs when returning

We recommend that you request a travel signature from the ISSO at least two weeks in advance of departing the U.S

Traveling Near The End of Study

If you are nearing the end of your program, consult ISSO before traveling—especially if you plan to travel after classes end but before graduation.

If you plan to apply for OPT, start a new degree at BU, or transfer schools, you may need to take steps before leaving the U.S. Your Form I 20 must reflect your next activity (e.g., continued study or OPT) when you reenter the U.S.

Traveling Outside of U.S After Completion of Studies

Your program completion date affects your ability to reenter the U.S. If you travel after this date, you may be denied reentry in F 1 status unless you are approved for OPT and have a job offer in your field.

To reenter the U.S., you must have:

Valid OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
I 20 with a travel signature (within 6 months)
Valid passport
Valid F 1 visa

You may also be asked for:

Proof of employment in your field
I 901 SEVIS fee receipt

Applying for a New F 1 Visa While Traveling

Your F 1 visa allows you to enter the U.S., but you can remain in the U.S. after it expires if you maintain valid F 1 status, a valid passport, and a valid I 20.

If your visa expires while participating in post completion practical training, you must apply for a new one in your home country during your next trip abroad to reenter the U.S.

Before traveling:

Remember you must apply at a consular location in your country of citizenship
Be aware that security checks may delay visa processing

Special cases- You may reenter from Canada, Mexico, or nearby islands with an expired visa if eligible for automatic visa validation (see below)

If issued Form I 515A at entry

You receive temporary entry (usually 30 days)
Submit required documents before your I 94 expires
Contact ISSO immediately
Failure to respond on time will endanger your F 1 status and SEVIS record

Returning from Canada, Mexico, or Adjacent Islands with an Expired U.S. Visa

F and J nonimmigrants traveling to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands (except Cuba) may re-enter the U.S. with an expired visa under Automatic Visa Revalidation. Travelers must have previously entered the U.S. on a valid nonimmigrant visa and maintain valid status. More details are available on the Department of State and Customs and Border Protection websites.

This rule does not apply to other visa categories, which require a valid U.S. visa to re-enter.

If you plan to use Automatic Visa Revalidation, consult ISSO before leaving Boston.

For a full list of adjacent islands, see the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.

Exceptions to the Automatic Visa Revalidation Rule

Visa Stamp Applicants: If you apply for a new nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in Canada, Mexico, or nearby islands, you cannot use Automatic Visa Revalidation to return to the U.S. You must wait for visa approval and re-enter on the new visa. If denied, you must apply again from another country, usually your home country.
Ineligible Countries: Citizens of countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism by the Department of State—currently Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, and Cuba—cannot use Automatic Visa Revalidation. This list may change; check the Department of State website for updates.
Citizens of Mexico and Adjacent Islands: Eligibility for Automatic Visa Revalidation when traveling home varies by individual. However, these citizens may use it for travel to Canada.

Maintaining Status during Cruise Trips

If you plan to take a cruise that crosses international borders, carry the same original immigration documents noted above for re-entry. While some cruise lines accept copies, U.S. immigration requires original documents.