The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State (DOS) have amended certain policies, procedures and practices in conjunction with implementing the international student tracking system (SEVIS). The following is an advisory for students planning to travel within the U.S. or abroad. Information was derived from the DHS, DOS and other relevant sources and is subject to change. For further clarification, contact the Office of International Programs in Grand Center, Room 103 or call (813) 258-7433.
When Entering the United States
Students must submit a Travel Signature request in their ISSS portal Profile if the one in the second page of their I-20 will expire before the planned date of reentry. Please allow two business day to have your I-20 signed.
DHS Immigration Processing - Port Of Entry (POE) Inspections
Required documents for inspections:
- Valid passport – must be valid for at least six months beyond arrival date.
- Original SEVIS I-20 (or 2019 document for J visas). Returning students' I-20's must have a travel signature dated within the last 12 months.
- Valid F-1 or J-1 visa stamp in your passport, as applicable.
It is also highly recommended to have the following documents with you:
- Student copy of transcript or proof of current enrollment
- Copies of financial certification documents, especially if re-entering on a new or renewed I-20 or visa
- Receipt for SEVIS Fee payment, if applicable
- If dependents travel with you, proof of relationship to dependents (i.e., marriage or birth certificate in English). Each dependent should have an individual SEVIS I-20.
If you are selected for Secondary Inspection (sent to a private examination/interview room for additional questioning):
- Do NOT panic!
- Be consistent and truthful with your answers
- Remain calm and avoid being confrontational
- At their discretion, an immigration officer may contact the school for further verification.
SEVIS I-20 Processing
- Notification of any student entering on an initial entry SEVIS I-20 is now being sent electronically to SEVIS. All students entering the U.S. via land borders will be routed to secondary inspections where their entry information will be updated in SEVIS.
- Students should be aware that processing at land, air and seaports may take more time, and should allow for that when making connecting flights.
- In all cases, initial student entry information is being entered by the inspector and updated electronically in SEVIS.
I-94 Numbers
Students will be given a new admission number (I-94 number) each time they enter the U.S. As of April 2013, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) began implementation of the electronic version of the I-94. Travelers will no longer receive a paper copy of the I-94 when entering the U.S. at all air and seaports. CBP will no more stamp date of entry, admission category and duration of status in passports. Travelers then must print out a paper copy of their I-94 card by accessing their record online at www.cbp.gov/i94 .
Obtaining a Visa
State Department – Visa Applications
Expect longer processing times as consulates are now conducting a more thorough background check on all applicants and interviews for most applicants are required. In some cases, students have been experiencing delays of more than 30 days of processing. It is a good idea for you or a family member at home to check with the local consulate or embassy for the current processing time and schedule an appointment, if possible.
Unpredictable closing and Policy/Procedural Changes:
- Check www.state.gov for bulletins on embassy/consulate closings and changes.
- Follow up with a phone call to the embassy or consulate where you intend to apply for the visa. Check USEmbassy.gov for contact information.
Required Supporting Documents for Student Visa Applications:
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least six months)
- Official Acceptance Letter.
- Original or new I-20 (or DS-2019 for J's) with recent signature
- Recent (no more than 6 months old) original financial documents (bank letters, sponsor statements, scholarship letters)
- SEVIS fee receipt, if applicable
Though not required, you may be asked for the following supporting documents:
- Official or student copy of a transcript or proof of current or subsequent term enrollment
- Dependents must have proof of relationship to principal visa holder, such as marriage or birth certificates in English.
Travel Tips
Automatic Revalidation of Visa
Under certain circumstances, an F-1 student with an expired visa may re-enter the U.S. if traveling to Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands (contiguous territory) other than Cuba after an absence of fewer than 30 days. The student must have a valid passport, a properly endorsed I-20. In this particular situation students should check with the International Programs Office before making travel plans.
This benefit is NOT available for citizens of Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria. It is also not available if you have applied for a new visa and it has not been issued, or if you applied for a new visa and were denied, if you have a terminated SEVIS record indicating that you are out of status, or if you have been out the United States for more than 30 days.