Travel and Re-entry as an International Student

Steps you should take before you travel:

• Always determine if you will need a visa for countries other than your own BEFORE you travel.
• Make an appointment with the Director, OISS to discuss your travel plans. This is a crucial first step! She will ask questions to tailor the travel advice to your specific situation.
• Have the Director, OISS sign your Form I-20 or DS-2019 for travel (Page 2 of Form I-20, OR Page 1 of Form DS-2019).
• Assemble all the appropriate documentation for travel and re-entry:
  • A Valid Passport (at least 6 months into future unless your country has a treaty extension)
  • A Valid F-1/J-1 Visa - unless you are exempt - this applies to Canadians, Bahamians, and Bermudians
  • Valid Form I-94 (electronic printout)
  • Form I-20/Form DS-2019 (with valid travel endorsement)
  • OISS Contact Details
  • Champlain College ID Card
  • OPT/STEM OPT EAD Card (only if in authorized post-completion OPT/STEM OPT)
  • Letter of employment/job offer (only if in authorized post-completion OPT/STEM OPT)

Automatic Revalidation of Visa

"Automatic Revalidation of Visa" (or, Neighboring Country Provision) allows nationals of most countries in valid F-1 and J-1 status to travel to Canada, Mexico, or the adjacent islands of the Caribbean (other than Cuba) for 30 days or less and re-enter the United States without a valid F-1/J-1 visa. This procedure is not available to nationals of Iraq, Cuba, Sudan, Iran, Libya, Syria, or North Korea.

In order to take advantage of this benefit, the inspector at the border will verify your I-94 electronically to revalidate your expired visa if you meet the conditions of automatic revalidation. 

Important notes:

• While exiting and re-entering the U.S. under this provision, you must not apply to renew your visa in Canada. If you do, you will need a valid F-1/J-1 visa to return to the U.S.
• If you have violated your F-1/J-1 status and your SEVIS record is in "terminated" status, you are not eligible for this provision.

Travel Around VT and the Rest of the U.S.

Many students mistakenly feel that since they are not leaving the U.S., they do not need their documents when they travel around the U.S. Remember the U.S. is a large country comprised of individual states with very different law enforcement bodies. OISS strongly encourages you to carry proof of identity and immigration status when traveling in and outside of Burlington, VT. 

Recommended documents for travel within the U.S.:

• A valid passport
• A valid Form I-20/DS-2019 (endorsed for travel)
• Your I-94 Printout 
• Champlain College ID Card
• OISS contact details

Travel and OPT - F-1 Students

• While you are waiting for your post-completion OPT application to be processed, please do not travel outside the U.S.
• Only travel outside of the U.S. when you have received both your OPT EAD card and a letter of offer from your OPT employer. The regulations state that you are re-entering the U.S. to "resume employment" - this suggests that you should already have employment before traveling.
• Required Documents for travel on post-completion OPT:
  • Valid passport
  • Valid F-1 Visa
  • Form I-94 Printout 
  • Form I-20 endorsed on Page 2 (not older than 6 months)
  • EAD Card for OPT
  • Letter from employer (proof of job or job offer)
  • Financials
  • Transcripts

Renewal of your F-1/J-1 Visa

Entry visas can only be issued outside of the United States.

OISS recommends that you apply for your new visa in your home country. OISS also strongly encourages you to schedule an appointment in advance with the Director, OISS before you leave the U.S. and also double check the U.S. embassy/consulate website in your country to see if there are other documents that they will require of you.

If your visa is already expired or will expire during the College breaks while you are away from the US, you will need to renew your visa before re-entering the U.S. to resume your studies.

Please make an appointment with the Director, OISS immediately to start the process, get your documents, and discuss your renewal of your visa.

Standard documents necessary for renewal:

• Valid Passport (at least 6 months beyond the date you plan on re-entering)
• DS-160 On-line Non-Immigrant Visa Application
• Current Form I-20/DS-2019 (updated with new finances and endorsed for travel)
• All previous Forms I-20/DS-2019
• New proof of funding (dated within the last two months)
• Transcripts from Champlain College and any other previous institutions
• Proof of compelling ties to your home country
• Enrollment Verification Letter from OISS
• SEVIS I-901 receipt (from your first visa interview)
• Any previous immigration documents (old passports, etc).
• Any fees that might apply and receipt for them

Visa Renewal in Canada or Mexico: 

Many students and scholars wish to travel to Canada or Mexico to apply for a new visa because they are so close to the United States; however, if you are denied a visa in Canada or Mexico, you will not be able to re-enter the U.S.

If you decide to travel to Canada or Mexico you must be prepared to stay at least four (4) days before your visa application will be approved.

If you are a full-time student at Champlain College, and wish to visit Canada or Mexico to apply for a new F-1/J-1 visa, OISS recommends that you schedule your appointment with the US Consulate in Canada or Mexico before leaving Burlington and to double check on the rules and requirements. See list above for the standard documents to bring with you to the visa interview. Once you are granted a visa, you will be able to return to the U.S.