International Student Travel

As an international student, every time you travel to the United States, you are issued an electronic Form I-94 or "Arrival/Departure Record," at the port of entry. The I-94 is an important document which records the date and purpose of your entry to the US, and how long you are allowed to stay. 

Retrieve a copy of your I-94 online by following the steps below:

1. Select the "Get Most Recent I-94" button. Agree to the terms of service listed on the pop-up page by clicking on "I Acknowledge and Agree"
2. You will then be directed to the Form I-94 Traveler Info page. Enter your name as listed on your passport, date of birth, and passport information to retrieve your Form I-94.
3. Print or save your most recent I-94 as a PDF. A copy of this will be needed by the Office of International Education.

If you are planning to travel within the United States, it is essential you travel with documentation. Take your passport and visa documents with you. Strict Department of Homeland Security immigration enforcement initiatives require non-US citizens to carry proof of their status. Non-immigrants who are unable to show evidence of lawful immigration status in the US can potentially face expedited removal from the US without a hearing.

• F-! students should carry passports, I-20, printed copies of I-94, and EADs (where applicable)
• J-1 students should carry passports, DS-2019, and printed copies of I-94
• Faculty/staff using temporary visas should carry passports, I-797 approval notices, and printed copies of I-94

Non-contiguous US states and territories: If you are already legally in the US, you do not need a visa to visit Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands unless your travel plans include entry to another country en route to these destinations.

Driving in the US

Driving in the US requires a valid US driver's license and sufficient driver's insurance. Insurance requirements vary by state. Your insurance must meet the requirements for the state in which you reside. If you own a vehicle, there are additional requirements.

To obtain a Wisconsin driver's license you will take written and driving exams and show proof of insurance.

NOTE: F-1 student whose Optional Practical Training (OPT) Employment Authorization Document (EAD) has expired but are pending approval of either a 24-month OPT extension or H-1B Cap-Gap relief will be unable to renew their license until the new status is approved.

International students who plan to travel to Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands for a short visit (less than 30 days) must be in possession of:

• Valid passport, valid for at least 6 months when you reenter the US
• Valid I-94 with D/S notation
• Valid I-20 (for F-1 students): A new I-20 or a current I-20 which has been signed by a DSO on page 2 within the last 6 months
• Valid DS-2019 (for J-1 students): A new DS-2019 or your current DS-2019 which has been signed for travel in the lower right-hand corner within the last 6 months by your sponsor. If UWRF is your sponsor, you will need the signature of an RO/ARO in the Office of International Education in Rodli 287, otherwise you will need to contact your visa sponsor.
• Valid visa to the country to which you are traveling, if citizens from your home country need one. Please note each country has its own immigration regulations. Please consult the country's Embassy/Consulate website in the US for details (i.e., the Canadian Consulate website if you are traveling to Canada).
• Proof of financial support other than your I-20 or DS-2019 (i.e. original financial certification form and supporting documents).
• Documentation of UWRF enrollment (i.e. letter from department, unofficial transcript, UWRF ID card, etc.)
• Form I-901 (SEVIS Fee) receipt

Please be advised that entry into the US is at the sole discretion of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) Office at the US Port of Entry.

All students are required to have valid travel endorsement signatures on their immigration documents.

• F-1 students: Check page 2 of your current I-20, which should be dated at least within 6 months of the day you plan to re-enter the US
• J-1 students: Check the lower right-hand corner of your current DS-2019, which should be dated at least within 6 months of the day you plan to reenter the US

To request an updated travel signature, schedule a meeting or visit the Office of International Education (287 Rodli Hall) during walk-in hours with your most current I-20 or DS-2019. 

If you are a student holding an F-1 visa and you plan to travel abroad or to your home country, you will need to present the following documents to the Immigration Officer at the port of entry to be readmitted to the US:

• Valid Passport. It must be valid for at least 6 months when you enter the US.
• Valid American (United States) F-1 Visa. A valid F-1 visa stamped in your passport. If you need to apply for a new visa, bring proof of financial support and your I-20 form to the American (U.S.) Consulate or Embassy. A current photograph will also be necessary when applying for a visa.
• Valid I-20. A new Form I-20 or a current Form I-20 which has been signed by a DSO/PDSO  on page 2 of your Form I-20 within the last 12 months.
• Documentation of Financial Support (award letters, letters from departments, bank letters, or letters and bank statements from private/family sponsors, etc.)
• Documentation of UWRF enrollment (admission letter, letter from department, unofficial transcript, UWRF ID card, etc.)
• Form I-901 (SEVIS Fee) Receipt

Please be advised that entry into the US is at the sole discretion of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the US port of entry. Also, please be aware that since the passage of the Immigration Act of 1996 it has become very difficult to receive a new US visa in a third country.

If you are a student holding a J-1 visa and you plan to travel abroad, you will need to present the following documents to the Immigration Office at the port of entry:

• Valid Passport. It must be valid for at least six months when you enter the US.
• Valid American J-1 Visa. A valid J-1 visa stamped in your passport
• Valid DS-2019. A new DS-2019 or your current DS-2019 Form which has been signed for travel in the lower right-hand corner within one year by your sponsor. If UWRF is your sponsor you will need the signature of a DSO in the International Students Office (287 Rodli Hall), otherwise you need to contact your visa sponsor.
• Documentation of Financial Support (award letters, letters from departments, bank letters, etc.)
• Documentation of UWRF enrollment (letter from department, unofficial transcript, UWRF ID card, etc.)
• Form I-901 (SEVIS Fee) Receipt

Please be advised that entry into the US is at the sole discretion of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) Officer at the US port of entry. Please be aware that since the passage of the Immigration Act of 1996 it has become difficult to receive a new US visa in a third country.

To be readmitted to the US, Canadian citizens must be in possession of:

• Valid passport, valid for at least 6 months when you reenter the US
• Valid I-94 with D/S notation
• Valid I-20 (for F-1 students): A new I-20 or a current I-20 which has been signed by a DSO on page 2 within the last 6 months
• Valid DS-2019 (for J-1 students): A new DS-2019 or your current DS-2019 which has been signed for travel in the lower right-hand corner within the last 6 months by your sponsor. If UWRF is your sponsor, you will need the signature of an RO/ARO in the Office of International Education in Rodli 287, otherwise you will need to contact your visa sponsor.
• Valid visa to the country to which you are traveling, if citizens from your home country need one. Please note each country has its own immigration regulations. Please consult the country's Embassy/Consulate website in the US for details (i.e., the Canadian Consulate website if you are traveling to Canada).
• Proof of financial support other than your I-20 or DS-2019 (i.e. original financial certification form and supporting documents).
• Documentation of UWRF enrollment (i.e. letter from department, unofficial transcript, UWRF ID card, etc.)
• Form I-901 (SEVIS Fee) receipt
• Please be advised that entry into the US is at the sole discretion of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) Office at the US Port of Entry.

Travel during OPT is possible, but there are some risks involved and precautions to take.

Travel while waiting for OPT approval

The Office of International Education recommends caution when traveling outside the US after you have graduated, while you are waiting for your OPT authorization. Your US immigration status is determined by your I-94 card, and because I-94 information is no longer available each time you depart from the US, establishing your F-1 status while outside the country will be difficulty if USCIS has questions about your application. If USCIS sends a request for additional information about an aspect of your application and it is not resolved in a timely fashion, your application will be denied.

Caution is also recommended if you need to renew your visa while abroad. Since OPT is optional, the consular office may not feel it is necessary for you to return to the US, especially if they feel you have any intention of immigrating.

If you do decide to travel outside the US while waiting for your OPT to be approved, make sure to carry:

• Your passport
• A signed I-20
• A valid F-1 visa stamp
• An I-797C (receipt notice from USCIS)

Travel during OPT

It can be very difficult to apply for an F-1 visa stamp while you are on OPT. If your visa stamp is expired, or will soon expire, keep this in mind. Please feel free to discuss your plans with the International Student Services Coordinator before you travel.

If you are traveling while on OPT, you are advised to carry the following:

• Your I-20, signed for travel (remember each travel signature is valid for only 6 months during the period of OPT)
• A valid F-1 visa stamp
• A passport valid for at least 6 months into the future from the date of reentry to the US
• A valid OPT (EAD) card
• A job offer or confirmation letter. If you are traveling for business or on a vacation from the job, ensure the letter clarifies this.
   

Individuals with a CAP-GAP extension

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) strongly recommends you do not travel during your cap-gap extension. USCIS may consider your application to change from F-1 to H-1B as abandoned and deny the change.

We cannot sign your I-20 or DS-2019 for travel during your post-graduation grace period and you cannot re-enter in your F-1/J-1 status if you depart the United States.