Traveling Outside of the United States
If you would like to travel outside of the United States during your studies, please read and follow the instructions below:
If you are traveling during the quarter and WILL miss class:
You MUST have a travel signature on your current I-20 that is less than one-year-old to re-enter the United States. [see “3) *IMPORTANT: above]
If you are traveling during break between quarters:
Important Information:
You must return to UCI Division of Continuing Education to continue your studies after you re-enter the U.S. If you will not continue your studies after you re-enter the United States, you may not travel outside of the United States and re-enter with your UCI Division of Continuing Education I-20. Your I-20 and travel signature will no longer be valid after your program has ended.
List of Documents Needed for Re-Entry to the United States:
1. Valid Passport
2. Valid F-1 Visa
3. Valid I-20 signed on page 1 & 2 by an International Student Advisor at UCI Division of
Continuing Education
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also recommends that you have the following:
1. Evidence of financial resources
2. Evidence of student status (i.e. recent tuition receipts, I-901 SEVIS fee receipt,
transcripts)
3. Name and contact information for the UCI Division of Continuing Education
International Student Advisor who signed your I-20
Will you be applying for a new visa?
If your visa expired or you changed visa status while the U.S., you must obtain a new visa prior to re-entry. It is recommended that you apply for a visa in your home country. Contact the U.S. Consulate where you will apply for a visa for information on visa appointments, document requirements, and application processing times. Citizens of Canada do not require a visa to enter the U.S., but must have appropriate visa documents.
When you return to UCI Division of Continuing Education:
Please check your CBP Admission Stamp in your passport to ensure that you were admitted in F-1 status. You should also check your I-94 record by visiting: cbp.gov/i94 and make sure your Class of Admission is F-1. If you entered the US in an incorrect status, please email ImmigrationOfficials@ce.uci.edu to request assistance.
Questions? Email ImmigrationOfficial@ce.uci.edu or visit an International Student Advisor during walk-in advising hours from 1 pm to 3 pm in CE1 (Cashier's Office – back lobby), Monday through Thursday.
Sample of I-20 Page 2 Travel Endorsement Section:
If you are traveling during the quarter and WILL miss class:
- You MUST contact your Academic Advisor for approval (at least 1 week before your trip) If you have an emergency trip, contact your Academic Advisor as soon as possible.
- After your travel plan has been approved you will receive a “TRAVEL APPROVED” email from an International Student advisor.
- *IMPORTANT: Make sure you have a travel signature on your current I-20 that is less than one-year-old.
- You MUST check page 2 of your I-20 for the date next to your travel signature.
- If you DO NOT have a travel signature or your travel signature is expired, you MUST visit an International Student Advisor during walk-in advising hours from 1 pm to 3 pm in CE1, Monday through Thursday.
You MUST have a travel signature on your current I-20 that is less than one-year-old to re-enter the United States. [see “3) *IMPORTANT: above]
If you are traveling during break between quarters:
- Make sure you will not miss any class. Contact your Academic Advisor for any special situations.
- Follow instructions listed on the “TRAVEL DURING THE BREAK” email you will receive towards the end of the quarter.
- *IMPORTANT: Make sure you have a travel signature on your current I-20 that is less than one-year-old.
- You MUST check page 2 of your I-20 for the date next to your travel signature.
Important Information:
You must return to UCI Division of Continuing Education to continue your studies after you re-enter the U.S. If you will not continue your studies after you re-enter the United States, you may not travel outside of the United States and re-enter with your UCI Division of Continuing Education I-20. Your I-20 and travel signature will no longer be valid after your program has ended.
List of Documents Needed for Re-Entry to the United States:
1. Valid Passport
2. Valid F-1 Visa
3. Valid I-20 signed on page 1 & 2 by an International Student Advisor at UCI Division of
Continuing Education
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also recommends that you have the following:
1. Evidence of financial resources
2. Evidence of student status (i.e. recent tuition receipts, I-901 SEVIS fee receipt,
transcripts)
3. Name and contact information for the UCI Division of Continuing Education
International Student Advisor who signed your I-20
Will you be applying for a new visa?
If your visa expired or you changed visa status while the U.S., you must obtain a new visa prior to re-entry. It is recommended that you apply for a visa in your home country. Contact the U.S. Consulate where you will apply for a visa for information on visa appointments, document requirements, and application processing times. Citizens of Canada do not require a visa to enter the U.S., but must have appropriate visa documents.
When you return to UCI Division of Continuing Education:
Please check your CBP Admission Stamp in your passport to ensure that you were admitted in F-1 status. You should also check your I-94 record by visiting: cbp.gov/i94 and make sure your Class of Admission is F-1. If you entered the US in an incorrect status, please email ImmigrationOfficials@ce.uci.edu to request assistance.
Questions? Email ImmigrationOfficial@ce.uci.edu or visit an International Student Advisor during walk-in advising hours from 1 pm to 3 pm in CE1 (Cashier's Office – back lobby), Monday through Thursday.
Sample of I-20 Page 2 Travel Endorsement Section:
