A travel endorsement is a Designated School Official’s (OISS Advisor) signature on page 2 of your I-20 Form. This endorsement confirms that you are maintaining valid F-1 status and is required for re-entry to the U.S., including travel to Canada or Mexico. The U.S. government requires continuing students to have a valid travel endorsement when re-entering the United States. 

If you have upcoming international travel plans, check your most recently issued I-20 Form for the date of your most recent travel endorsement, found in the "Travel Endorsement" section on page 2 on the I-20. 

You do not need an updated travel endorsement on your I-20 Form to depart the United States, but you will need a valid travel endorsement when re-entering the U.S. Please allow 8-10 business days processing ravel endorsement requests.

Travel Endorsement Validity

Eligibility

To be eligible for a travel endorsement, you must:

• Have a valid I-20 Form issued by Michigan State University (MSU)
• Meet immigration requirements of maintaining a full course of study
• Be in good academic standing
• If enrollment for the following semester is possible, you are encouraged to enroll full-time or apply for authorization to be less than full-time. 
• Have a current U.S. address and a permanent non-U.S. address active in MyOISS
• New student must complete the immigration check-in and registration process. 

How To Request a Travel Endorsement? 

You may request an electronic travel endorsement through MyOISS. OISS will send your I-20 Form electronically endorsed with a travel signature. Please allow 8-10 business days for processing. 

Urgent Travel

If you have an urgent need to travel immediately, you may do so without a travel endorsement. A travel endorsement is only required when re-entering the United States. Please allow 8–10 business days for processing travel endorsement requests.

What if I do not have enough time to receive a new travel endorsement?

Admission to the United States without a valid travel endorsement is at the discretion of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). We strongly recommend that you plan ahead and follow the travel endorsement requirements. You should also request a travel endorsement through MyOISS immediately so we are aware of your urgent situation. 

If you travel without a valid travel endorsement on your I-20, the CBP may issue Form I-515A when you arrive at the U.S. port of entry. This form allows you to enter the U.S. temporarily for 30 days. You will need to work with your OISS advisor upon arrival to respond to the Form I-515 and resolve this temporary admission issue.

During your studies at MSU, you may wish to travel outside of the United States from time to time.  To return to the United States after a short trip, F-1 students must present the following documents to the officers from CBP. 

• A valid passport (valid six months into the future)
• A valid F-1 visa stamp (not required for Canadians)
• A valid I-20 Form with a travel endorsement on page 2 within the last year (for continuing students)
• Students on OPT: An EAD and an employment letter from the current employer
• Students on OPT: Travel endorsement on your I-20 Form that is less than six months at the time of entry

Other documents that are recommended:

• Proof of financial support. (Bring copies of documents mentioned on your I-20 funding letter or bank statements for personal funds.)
• Proof of course enrollment at MSU

Upon arrival, you must remain calm, provide truthful answers and make sure you have all required documents organized and easily accessible to you and to the CBP officers. 

• Document Inspection: Upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry, you must present your passport, Form I-20 and visa to the CBP officer
• Verification and Questioning: The CBP officer will review your documents, verify your identity and immigration status. The CBP officer will ask questions about the purpose of your entry to the United States and your academic plans. 
• Secondary Inspection: If CBP officers have additional concerns or missing documentation, you may be directed to secondary inspection, where your property may be examined. CBP may ask additional questions related to your travel or academic purpose. 
• Admissibility Decision: Based on the review and responses, the CBP officer will determine whether you are admissible to the U.S. and grant entry.
• Issuance of I-94 Record: After admission, the CBP officer will update your electronic I-94 record to reflect your entry date, admit category and duration of status. 

You must have a valid F-1 visa stamp in your passport when entering the United States. For information on how to apply for F-1 visa stamp follow the information detailed in the U.S. Department of State website. 

Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

• Passport: A valid passport (valid six months into the future)
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
• Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. 
• Form I-20

Additional Documentation May Be Required

A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualifications for a student visa, and may request additional documents, such as evidence of:

• Your academic preparation, such as:
• Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended; and
• Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school.
• Your intent to depart the United States upon completion of the course of study; and
• How you will pay all educational, living and travel costs. 

Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply.

F-1 Visa Application Tips

Before you apply for your student visa it is important to prepare yourself. Not only is it important to have your documents organized, it is also important to prepare for the visa interview. Here are two websites that offer valuable tips to help you get ready. 

• U.S. Department of State - Education USA 

U.S. Department of State - Education USA Tips to Apply For Your U.S. Student Visa

• NAFSA: Association of International Educators 

NAFSA 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Student Visa

You may need to apply for a visa to enter other countries. Check with the embassy of the country you wish to visit at least three months before your trip to find out if you need a visa and how to apply. It is your responsibility to know what documents you need to enter other countries and to find out how to get a visa for the countries you are planning to visit. OISS does not advise students on how to get non-U.S. visas.

The U.S. Department of States maintains a list of Embassies located in the United States. This list is not affiliated with or maintained by OISS or MSU. 

When traveling in the U.S. take the following documents with you:

• Unexpired Passport
• Valid I-20 
• Electronic I-94 form or paper I-94 card. You can get and print your electronic I-94 form on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website
• Another form of photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, or MSU ID

You do not need a valid visa or travel signature on your I-20 to travel within the U.S. This includes travel to Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

• Valid DS-2019 with a travel signature from OISS signed within the past 12 months
• Valid J-1 or J-2 visa stamp in your passport
  • Check the expiration date. If your visa stamp is expired, you must renew your visa at a U.S. Consulate during your travel outside the U.S. Canadians do not need J visas to enter the U.S. Individuals with expired J visas may be eligible to reenter the U.S. after a short trip of less than 30 days to Canada and Mexico. Click on the Travel to Canada, Mexico, and Adjacent Islands tab for more information.  
• Valid Passport
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended date of entry into the U.S. If your passport is valid for less than 6 months, then you should renew your passport prior to re-entry or you risk being denied entry into the U.S.

• At the port of entry, the U.S. Customers and Border Officer will inspect the DS-2019, passport, and J-1 or J-2 visa.
• If the officer is satisfied with the documentation, you will be granted admission to the U.S. The officer will document the admission with a stamp in your passport that says “J-1 D/S” or "J-2 D/S".
• If the officer has further questions about your documentation or your status, you may be sent to secondary inspection. This may delay your travel plans.
• If your documentation is found to be lacking, you may either be denied entry to the U.S. or be issued an I-515A, which only allows you to stay in the U.S. for 30 days. In order to extend your stay beyond the 30 days, you must see an OISS advisor immediately for assistance.

OISS recommends that you contact your home country's U.S. Consulate for details regarding visa issuance and renewal requirements.

U.S. Consulate Application and Appointment

• Visit the U.S. Consulate web site for a list of required documents, forms, and further instructions on how to renew your visa. Please be aware that each consulate may require different information and have specific application procedures.
• If allowed, schedule a visa appointment in advance with the U.S. Consulate.
• Find a U.S. consulate nearest to where you will be.

Required Documents

• Passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you reenter the U.S.
• Valid DS-2019 with a travel signature from OISS that has been signed within past 12 months. Make sure that your DS-2019 is accurate and up-to-date, especially funding information.
• Updated funding documentation matching the information displayed on your DS-2019.
• For students on post-completion Academic Training, obtain an updated confirmation letter from your employer.

Other Documents Consulates May Request

• MSU Transcripts. If you have been dual enrolled with another institution such as Lansing Community College, you must also have transcripts from the other institution.
• Proof of past, present and future enrollment at MSU. This can include transcripts, StuInfo print outs, or an Enrollment Verification Letter.
• Current financial documents such as a copy of a bank statement, assistantship offer letter, or other documentation.
• All previous DS-2019s.
• Proof of your social and economic ties to your home country.

For more information, please consult with an OISS advisor.

Before you apply for your student visa it is important to prepare yourself. Not only is it important to have your documents organized, it is also important to prepare for the visa interview. Here are two websites that offer valuable tips to help you get ready. 

U.S. Department of State - Education USA

U.S. Department of State - Education USA Tips to Apply For Your U.S. Student Visa

NAFSA: Association of International Educators

NAFSA 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Student Visa

Individuals with expired visas may be eligible to reenter the U.S. after a short trip of less than 30 days to Canada, Mexico, and Adjacent Islands. This is called Automatic Visa Revalidation. Learn more on our Automatic Visa Revalidation webpage.

In order to enter Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands you may need a visa issued by the government of the country you are planning to visit. It is your responsibility to know what documents you need to enter other countries and to find out how to get a visa for the countries you are planning to visit. OISS does not advise students on how to get non-U.S. visas. Here are links to the Government of Canada and Government of Mexico websites: 

Government of Canada Visit Canada

Government of Mexico Visas 

When traveling in the U.S. take the following documents with you:

• Unexpired Passport
• Valid DS-2019
• Electronic I-94 form or paper I-94 card. You can get and print your electronic I-94 form on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website
• Another form of photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, or MSU ID

You do not need a valid visa or travel signature on your DS-2019 to travel within the U.S. This includes travel to Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

• Valid DS-2019 with a travel signature from OISS signed within the past 12 months
• Valid J-1 or J-2 visa stamp in your passport
  • Check the expiration date. If your visa stamp is expired, you must renew your visa at a U.S. Consulate during your travel outside the U.S. Canadians do not need J visas to enter the U.S. Individuals with expired J visas may be eligible to reenter the U.S. after a short trip of less than 30 days to Canada and Mexico. Click on the Travel to Canada, Mexico, and Adjacent Islands tab for more information.  
• Valid Passport
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended date of entry into the U.S. If your passport is valid for less than 6 months, then you should renew your passport prior to re-entry or you risk being denied entry into the U.S.

• At the port of entry, the U.S. Customers and Border Officer will inspect the DS-2019, passport, and J-1 or J-2 visa.
• If the officer is satisfied with the documentation, you will be granted admission to the U.S. The officer will document the admission with a stamp in your passport that says “J-1 D/S” or "J-2 D/S".
• If the officer has further questions about your documentation or your status, you may be sent to secondary inspection. This may delay your travel plans.
• If your documentation is found to be lacking, you may either be denied entry to the U.S. or be issued an I-515A, which only allows you to stay in the U.S. for 30 days. In order to extend your stay beyond the 30 days, you must see an OISS advisor immediately for assistance.

OISS recommends that you contact your home country's U.S. Consulate for details regarding visa issuance and renewal requirements.

U.S. Consulate Application and Appointment

• Visit the U.S. Consulate web site for a list of required documents, forms, and further instructions on how to renew your visa. Please be aware that each consulate may require different information and have specific application procedures.
• If allowed, schedule a visa appointment in advance with the U.S. Consulate.
• Find a U.S. consulate nearest to where you will be.

Required Documents

• Passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you reenter the U.S.
• Valid DS-2019 with a travel signature from OISS that has been signed within past 12 months. Make sure that your DS-2019 is accurate and up-to-date, especially funding information.
• Updated J-1 scholar invitation letter from your MSU host department.
• Updated funding documentation matching the information displayed on your DS-2019.

Other Documents Consulates May Request

• All previous DS-2019s.
• Proof of your social and economic ties to your home country.

For more information, please consult with an OISS advisor.

Individuals with expired visas may be eligible to reenter the U.S. after a short trip of less than 30 days to Canada, Mexico, and Adjacent Islands. This is called Automatic Visa Revalidation. Learn more on our Automatic Visa Revalidation webpage.

In order to enter Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands you may need a visa issued by the government of the country you are planning to visit. It is your responsibility to know what documents you need to enter other countries and to find out how to get a visa for the countries you are planning to visit. OISS does not advise scholars on how to get non-U.S. visas. Here are links to the Government of Canada and Government of Mexico websites: 

Government of Canada Visit Canada

Government of Mexico Visas

When traveling in the U.S. take the following documents with you:

• Unexpired Passport
• Valid DS-2019
• Electronic I-94 form or paper I-94 card. You can get and print your electronic I-94 form on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website
• Another form of photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, or MSU ID

You do not need a valid visa or travel signature on your DS-2019 to travel within the U.S. This includes travel to Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

J-1 Research Scholars or Professors who plan to depart the U.S. for more than 30 days and will continue to engage in their J-1 program from abroad must have prior permission from OISS in order to maintain J-1 visa status during the absence. OISS must process an out-of-country permission in SEVIS in order to keep the J-1 record active. 

If you plan to be absent from the U.S. for more than 30 days while pursuing your program goals abroad, you must complete the J-1 Scholar Out-Of-Country E-form located in “J-1 Scholar Services” in http://myoiss.msu.edu. The e-form describes the requirements for this process, including an endorsement letter from your host department. You may contact OISS with any questions at: jvisas(at)msu.edu.

Please note that if you plan to be absent from the U.S. for more than 30 days and will NOT pursue your program activities, your J-1 status will end on your date of departure. Please file the Notice of Planned Departure e-form located in “J-1 Scholar Services" in http://myoiss.msu.edu.

H-1B Employees

• Passport that is valid for 6 months beyond the date of reentry
• Valid H-1B visa (Canadians do not need a visa)
• Original H-1B approval notice

H-4 Dependents:

• Passport that is valid for 6 months beyond the date of reentry
• Valid H-4 visa (Canadians do not need a visa)
• Copy of the H-1B Approval Notice
• Copy of birth or marriage document establishing relationship to H-1B

Non-immigrants need to have valid passports when entering the U.S. and at all times while in the U.S. Every time you travel, your passport expiration date will be checked. Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry into the U.S. If your passport is not valid for the entire length of your intended stay in the U.S., the DHS officer has ability to limit your stay to the expiration date on your passport. Check your I-94 form and entry stamp in your passport after every trip abroad for accuracy. 

At the time of entry, the H-1B or H-4 visa in your passport must be valid. If your visa is not valid, you must apply for new visa at a U.S. Consulate abroad (usually in your home country) before returning to the U.S.

Visa stamp expiration dates and number of entries can vary. Always check to make sure your H-1B or H-4 visa is valid on the date that you will enter U.S.

H-1B Visa Required Documents

• Valid Passport
  
  
• Original and valid H-1B approval notice, copy of form I-129, and copy of Labor Condition Application. Email oiss(at)msu.edu to request these documents.

• Updated employment verification letter from your department stating that you are currently employed, dates of employment, salary, job title and brief description of job duties or several recent paystubs confirming H-1B employment.
  
  
• Previously in J status in the U.S.
  If you were subject to the Two-Year Home Residency Requirement and you received a waiver of the requirement, when you apply for a H-1B visa you will need the original I-797 approval notice for the waiver Form I-612 from the Department of Homeland Security.

H-4 Visa Required Documents

• Valid Passport
• Copy of the I-797 H-1B approval notice
• Copy of birth or marriage document establishing relationship to H-1B

Visa Application Procedures

Every U.S. Consulate has different requirements. Consult the website of the U.S. Consulate you plan to visit to schedule an appointment and to learn the specific document requirements. Find the website of the U.S. Consulate you plan to visit on the U.S. Department of State website. If you can, make your visa interview appointment before leaving the U.S.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) admit you to the U.S. with an electronic I-94 at the Port of Entry or a paper I-94 when entering at a land border or sea border and other limited circumstances. Travelers will also receive a CBP admission stamp in their passports.

• The new admission stamp will have the date of admission to the U.S., the class of admission (H-1B or H-4) and the date when the H-1B or H-4 status will end.
  
  
• After entering the U.S., you will need to print out your I-94 on the I-94 website. Your I-94 printout will show your admission number. You will need your I-94 printout to apply for immigration and public benefits such as a Driver's License or Social Security Number.
  
  
• After you print out your I-94, verify that all information is correct. For example, make sure the end date matches your current I-797 approval notice. If the I-94 information is incorrect, please contact OISS. OISS can advise you on how to request a correction. Also check dependent I-94 records.
  
  
• When you leave the U.S., if you have a paper I-94 card, you will still give it to your airline at check-in or to CBP. If you have an electronic I-94, CBP will record your departure using Manifest information obtained from the commercial carrier.

What causes a SAO?

An SAO may be required for many reasons, including:

• name check
• being a national of certain countries
• conducting research in an academic field on the Technology Alert List (TAL). Boston University published the 2002 Department of State TAL on the International Student and Scholar Office website. While this list may no longer be accurate, it will give you an idea of the types of academic fields that the Department of State may consider sensitive for security purposes. For example, most visa applicants with a degree in physics should expect a security clearance. 

How long does an SAO take?

Most security clearance checks are done in 30 days or less, but some can take longer. Many in the academic community have reported wait times of 2 to 4 months or longer. 

Can OISS or MSU do anything to speed up the SAO?

There is nothing that OISS or MSU can do to speed up the SAO. We can send a support email to the Consulate if an email address is available, report the delay to professional organizations that advocate for improved immigration policies and practices in the U.S., or notify our Congressional representative. However, none of these actions have been particularly successful for individual cases. For the most part, these notifications only serve to help advocate for overall immigration reform in the U.S. 

Can I provide any documents to the Consulate in order to avoid an SAO?

There is no specific list of documents that guarantee that you will not be subject to an SAO. However, it may be helpful to provide the Consulate a letter from your Principal Investigator or Supervisor at MSU. The letter should briefly state, in simple terms, and in 5 bullet points or less:

• applications of the research you will conduct
• the type of research (basic or applied)
• other information to help the Consular Officer determine whether an SAO is needed or not

DO NOT travel outside of the U.S. while your change of a status is pending.

USCIS considers you have abandoned the change of a status portion of the petition, if you travel outside of the U.S. while your change of a status is pending.

If you left the US while an application for change to H-1B status was pending and then reenter the US in another non-immigrant category, you are not considered to be in H-1B status. In that case, the individual would have to leave the US with the approval notice, obtain an H-1B visa stamp and re-enter in H-1B status.

Those currently in H-1B status who have a pending H extension/amendment may travel as long as their current I-797 H-1B approval notice is valid and the visa stamp is valid.

Note: if the I-797 H-1B approval notice has expired, the applicant cannot enter into the U.S in H-1B status. Individuals in this situation should consult OISS before traveling.

Individuals with expired visas may be eligible to reenter the U.S. after a short trip of less than 30 days to Canada and Mexico. This is called Automatic Visa Revalidation. Learn more on our Automatic Visa Revalidation webpage.

In order to enter Canada or Mexico you may need a visa issued by the Government of Canada or Mexico. It is your responsibility to know what documents you need to get a visa and enter Canada or Mexico. OISS does not advise on how to get non-U.S. visas. Here are links to the Government of Canada and Government of Mexico websites: 

Government of Canada Visit Canada

Government of Mexico Visas 

When traveling in the U.S. or to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands take the following documents with you:

• Unexpired Passport
• Electronic I-94 form or paper I-94 card. You can get and print your electronic I-94 form on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website
• Another form of photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, or MSU ID