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School-Sponsored Immigration Documents

  •  F-1 (Degree Seeking): Form I-20
  • 飩� J-1 (Exchange): Form DS-2019

The Form I-20 and Form DS-2019 are a U.S. government documents completed and issued  authorized officials at approved U.S. educational institutions. These are your school-sponsored immigration documents required and are required when applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa.

Your I-20 or DS-2019 documents your F-1 or J-1 status and is an important part of maintaining your lawful immigration status in the United States. You must follow the requirements associated with your status and keep your document accurate and up to date throughout your time in the U.S.

Please keep ALL copies of every I-20 and DS-2019 you are issued. You may need to reference these documents in the future when applying for additional immigration benefits, changing or extending your immigration status, traveling internationally, or for other immigration - related purposes.

Passports

All international students should maintain a valid passport throughout their stay in the U.S.

Plan to renew your passport at least 6 months before it expires whenever possible.

Expired passports result in loss of student status and deportation.

Do not wait until your passport is close to expiring to renew it. Contact your embassy or consulate for information about renewing your passport.

F-1 & J-1 Visas

visaMost, but not all, visas are issued for 鈥渕ultiple鈥� entries, which means you may enter the U.S. multiple times during the visa鈥檚 validity period, as long as you have all required documents and are otherwise eligible for admission.

A visa is an entry document only. An expired visa does not automatically mean you are no longer legally in the U.S. You may remain in the U.S. after your visa expires as long as you are maintaining your immigration status. However, you cannot use an expired visa to enter the U.S.

If you leave the U.S. after your visa has expired, you will generally need to apply for a new visa before returning. Visa applications are typically made at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country, although certain exceptions may apply.

If you are in this situation or are planning international travel, please speak with your DSO/ARO before making travel arrangements.

I-94 & Admit Until Date (AUD)

When you enter the U.S. as a nonimmigrant, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will review your passport, visa, and school-sponsored immigration documents.

When an F-1 or J-1 student/scholar is admitted to the U.S., they will receive a fixed admission period known as the Admit Until Date (AUD), which can be found on their Form I-94.

Your Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, provides important information about your entry into the U.S., including the date and place of entry, your immigration status, and the terms of your admission.

It is important to check your I-94 after every entry into the U.S. Make sure your immigration status and admission notation are correct. If you notice an error, contact your DSO as soon as possible.

It is recommended that all students download and keep a copy of their I-94 for their records. You can access your I-94 online through the CBP website.

I-94 Website: 

Every I-94 record has an admission number. A new I-94 number is generally issued each time you enter the United States.

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International Travel

All F-1 and J-1 students must have a valid travel signature from their DSO/ARO before leaving the U.S. The travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 should be dated within 12 months of your intended re-entry to the U.S.

Without a valid travel signature, you may experience difficulties or be denied re-entry into the U.S.

Before traveling internationally, check the visa and entry requirements for your destination country. For example, Canada may have separate entry requirements for your nationality.

For re-entry to the U.S., you must have a valid passport, valid U.S. visa (if required), and your most recent I-20 or DS-2019 with a valid travel signature.

It is also recommended that you carry supporting documentation, such as:

  • Current or upcoming course registration
  • Proof of housing
  • Current transcript
  • Verification of enrollment or attendance, if applicable

Domestic Travel

Travel signatures are not required for travel within the U.S.

For domestic air travel, you may use a valid REAL ID-compliant driver鈥檚 license or your passport as identification.

It is recommended that you carry your most recent, original I-20 or DS-2019 when traveling domestically.

Final Departure

Grace Period

F-1 & J-1 students have 30 days to depart the U.S. after the completion of their program or to start a new program or OPT.