Traveling While at BU

Review Travel Advisory

Traveling internationally, whether to visit home or for a vacation abroad, is common for students during their program of study. 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

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 one year before re-entry. One valid signature can cover multiple trips.

If renewing your visa during travel, ISSO recommends a signature dated within six months.

Request an I-20 or DS-2019 Travel Signature

In-Person

ISSOPortal

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 1 year)
Valid passport
Valid F‑1 visa

You may also be asked for:

I‑901 SEVIS fee receipt
Financial documentation
Transcript
Course schedule for current term

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, 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
If you are delayed in returning for any reason, you will need to work with your academic department and ISSO advisor to reassess your academic plan and immigration status

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

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.