Travel
International travel requires advance planning and careful attention to details. Most importantly, make certain you have all the required documents with you in order to re-enter the United States.
Please note that a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry (airport or land crossing) has the authority to decide whether or not you are admissible to the U.S.
This decision is based upon facts and circumstances presented at the time you apply to enter. Learn more about what to expect at the U.S. Port of Entry on the Study in the States website and under "Entering the United States". Davidson College does not determine readmission and cannot guarantee that you will be admitted or readmitted to the U.S.
Passport
In order to return to the U.S. you will need an unexpired passport. If your passport has expired or will expire while you are outside of the U.S., you should plan to obtain a new one. As a general rule, passports must be valid for six months beyond the date the traveler will enter/exit the U.S.
Valid U.S. F-1 Visa
In order to return to the U.S. after a departure, you will need an unexpired F-1 student visa. (Canadian and Bermudan citizens are not required to have an F-1 visa.) If your F-1 visa has expired or will expire while you are outside of the U.S., you should plan to obtain a new one. Note that effective September 6, 2025, you must apply for a visa in your country of residence, or a from a designated embassy or consulate if you are from a country where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations. Please visit the U.S. Department of State announcement for more information and plan accordingly.
You may stay in the United States beyond the expiration date of your F-1 visa stamp as long as your I-20 remains valid. However, if it expires and you choose to travel internationally, it will be necessary to apply for a new visa stamp in order to reenter the United States. One exception exists: A valid visa stamp is not necessary when returning from Canada, Mexico and most islands adjacent to the United States if you have been gone for less than 30 days (Automatic Visa Revalidation). This exception does not apply to students from certain countries.
I-20 Signed for Travel
If you do not have a travel signature on page 2 of your I-20, or if the travel signature is older than 12 months (or 6 months if you are on OPT/STEM), you will need a new travel signature. You can request a travel signature on your I-20 by scheduling an appointment with an ISE team member or by submitting the I-20 Travel Signature and Reprint Request in WildcatSync.
Note: You cannot reenter the U.S. after the program end date, even if your 60-day grace period has not ended.
Financial Documents
You will need financial documents to prove that you have funding to cover your educational and personal expenses in the United States. Documents may be in the form of a bank statement, bank letter, or scholarship letter. If the financial documentation has someone else's name you must also include the International Student Affidavit of Financial Support. Learn more about this requirement at StudyInTheStates.gov.
Course Schedule
We recommend having a copy of your course schedule demonstrating continued enrollment. You can print your current and upcoming class enrollment from DegreeWorks.
Study Abroad
Students with an F-1 visa are permitted to study abroad in a third country. ISE recommends checking the website of each country that you must travel through for transit visa requirements. Some countries (including the U.S.) require an entry or transit visa, even if you are only changing planes and resuming your travels after a brief time. Before purchasing your ticket, make certain you are aware of any travel requirements or restrictions.
Personal Leave
In order to return after an approved personal leave of 5 months or more, you will be required to request a new SEVIS immigration record and I-20 and provide new financial documentation. If you need to take a personal leave, please contact International Student Engagement to discuss the immigration implications of your decision.
Alumni on OPT or STEM Extension
Alumni maintaining F-1 status through OPT or STEM Extension must verify that their employment information is correct in the SEVP portal and travel with an I-20 signed within the past 6 months. Other documents that may be requested at the port of entry include your current EAD and/or I-766 receipt notice and a job verification letter.