International Student Services

Travel

There is always a risk when traveling. If you’re entering the US, make sure you carry the documents we list below and have the ISS phone number (425-352-3876) on hand. If available to you, we always recommend flights that land during regular office ours (M – F, 9am – 4pm). CBP can call ISS if they need confirmation of your student or F-1 status.

We do not recommend travel if your GPA is below 2.0 at the undergraduate level, or below 3.0 at the graduate level.

Note that U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers can ask for your social media account information when you apply for a F-1 visa and/or travel through US ports of entry. We advise all students to be smart about your online presence and always be compliant with federal laws and regulations.

Request a travel endorsement for your I-20 on the international student portal.

What documents do I need?

Currently Enrolled Students:

Always carry

  • Your valid Passport
    • Ensure you will have at least six months remaining on your passport from the time of arrival.
  • Your valid F-1 Visa
    • Except for exempt students from Canada & Bermuda
  • Your most recent I-20
    • Check that it has not expired and shows your current major
    • NOTE: If you only have a PDF of your I-20, you must print it and carry it with you. You can not present your I-20 via phone/laptop/tablet at the port of entry. You must present a printed version of the I-20 when you enter the US.
  • A valid Travel Endorsement on your I-20. Request a travel endorsement here.
    • The travel endorsement on your I-20 is valid for 1 year. Make sure that the date of the travel endorsement was signed within 1 year from the date you plan to re-enter the U.S.

Recommended (you can be asked for these)

OPT / STEM OPT Students:

While on OPT/STEM OPT work authorization, you are still on your F-1 visa. When you re-enter the United States, you must always have the following items with you:

  • Your valid Passport
  • Your valid F-1 Visa
    • Except for exempt students from Canada & Bermuda
  • Your most recent I-20
    • You can request an updated I-20 with your employment information if your current I-20 does not have it on page 2. Remember to update your employment first before requesting the updated I-20.
  • A valid Travel Endorsement on Your I-20
    • The travel endorsement is valid for 6 months when on Post-completion OPT, so please make sure that you receive a new travel endorsement before you depart the US.
  • Your EAD Card
  • Any documentation that shows proof that you are employed, such as paystubs, letter from your supervisor, etc.

Can I Re-Enter the U.S. with an Expired F-1 Visa After Visiting Canada?

Yes. If you are in good immigration status, you are eligible to use your expired F-1 visa to re-enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico or the Adjacent Islands. This is called Automatic Revalidation of visa. This is allowed only if the trip does not exceed 30 days, you have a valid passport, and a valid I-20.

However, the following individuals are not eligible for the automatic revalidation:

  • An F-1 student who applies for a new visa in Canada, Mexico or Adjacent Islands; AND
  • Citizens of “state sponsors of terrorism” designated by the US Dept. of State.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Canada?