Travel Within the U.S.:
It is important that whenever you travel outside the Bay Area that you take your original passport and I-20 with you.
If you are traveling outside of the United States:
Check your visa in your passport to see if it has expired. If it has expired, you will have to apply at a US Embassy or Consulate in your home country to have it renewed before returning to the United States. Canadian citizens do not need a visa.
To renew your visa, check with the U.S. consulate in your home country regarding the procedures and length of time needed for the visa process. Some consulates have website information on the US Embassy website, although we recommend that you also call the consulate to make sure that the information is current.
Remember: due to security checks, visa renewals may take anywhere from one week to three months. Do not try to re-enter the U.S. without a valid F-1 visa.
If your F-1 visa in your passport IS EXPIRED, you will need to bring the following documents to the U.S. Consulate or Embassy as part of your F-1 visa application:
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least six months past the date of intended arrival in the U.S.);
- Valid Form I-20 (be prepared to show the consulate all of your previous I-20s to confirm your valid initial and continuous stay in the U.S.);
- Travel signature on the bottom of page three of the Form I-20 signed by an International Student Advisor in the ISSO within the last 12 months;
- Verification letter from your department stating in GENERAL terms a description of your studies and that you are in good standing;
- Current proof of financial support; and
- Copies of transcripts/study lists for every quarter that you have been enrolled including the current quarter.
If your F-1 visa in your passport has NOT EXPIRED, you will need to take the following documents to return to the U.S.:
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least six months past the date of intended arrival in the U.S.);
- Valid I-20;
- Travel signature on the bottom of page three of the Form I-20 signed by an International Student Advisor in the ISSO within the last 12 months; and
- Valid F-1 visa in your passport
*Although not required, it is also good to have the following documents with you:
- Current proof of financial support; and
- Copies of transcripts/study lists for every quarter that you have been enrolled at UCSF
Travel to Canada or Mexico:
If you are planning to travel to Canada or Mexico with an expired visa, please be sure to speak with an International Student Advisor first.
Travel on OPT:
Please speak to an ISSO advisor before you travel if you are currently participating in Optional Practical Training.
Upon re-entry to the United States, please give ISSO a copy of any new passport or F-1 visa information. Please also retreive a new I-94 number at www.cbp.gov/I94.