Whenever F-1 students wish to leave the United States temporarily and return to continue studies at the institution in which they are enrolled, they must secure the necessary documents to permit re-entry to the United States.

In order to reenter the United States after a temporary absence of 5 months or less, an F-1 student should have the following documents:

• A valid passport or travel document, unless exempt from the passport requirement.
• A valid F-1 visa (except Canadian students)
• A Form I-20 properly endorsed for travel by the DSO

Customs Border Protection also recommends that students have with them:

• Evidence of financial resources
• Evidence of student status (recent tuition receipts, transcripts)
• Name and contact information for the school's Designated School Official (DSO)

Click below to download the form.

travel-q&a-form.pdf