In Progress
1) F-1 Student Path (Your Foundation)
Plan travel safely (don't get stuck outside)
Every time you leave the U.S., you're taking a risk. Your travel signature on your I-20 is valid for 1 year while enrolled, but only 6 months during OPT. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 more months at entry. The biggest mistake? Traveling in your final semester without filing your OPT application first. If your OPT is pending and you leave, you might not get back in. Before any international trip, visit your DSO and get a fresh travel signature. Print your I-20, EAD (if applicable), and job offer letter. Carry them in your carry-on, never checked luggage.
Never leave the U.S. without checking these three things:
- You should never leave the USA without a Travel Signature**.**You need a DSO signature on page 2 of your I-20.
- Enrolled Students: The signature is valid for 1 year.
- Students on OPT: The signature is only valid for 6 months.
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months into the future when you re-enter.
- If you graduate and leave the U.S. during your 60-day grace period, you cannot use that I-20 to re-enter as a student.
Free Resource: Travel for F-1 Students
Resources
Record your progress
Mark this subsection complete to track your progress.