Travel | Office for International Students and Scholars

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Travel

Travel requirements depend on your immigration status and individual circumstances.

Contact OISS to discuss your specific travel plans, especially any international travel.

Returning to the U.S.

F-1 Students

When returning to the U.S., carry the documents below based on your immigration status:

Required Documents:

Valid passport.
- Valid for at least six months beyond your date of re-entry.
Valid Form I-20 with a valid travel signature/endorsement issued:
- Enrolled students: within the past 12 months.
- OPT/STEM OPT students: within the past 6 months.
Valid F-1 visa stamp.
- Canadian citizens do not need an F-1 visa to enter the U.S.
- If your visa has expired, you must renew it at a U.S. embassy or consulate before returning to the U.S.

Recommended Documents:

Proof of financial support
Proof of enrollment at MSU

Students on Optional Practical Training or STEM OPT should also carry:

Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Employment verification or job offer letter

After You Return to the U.S.:

Download your most recent Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record [link] and confirm it shows:
- Class of Admission: F-1
- Admit Until Date: D/S (Duration of Status)

If your I-94 contains incorrect information, contact OISS.

Travel Signature or Endorsement

A travel signature or endorsement confirms that you are maintaining your immigration status. You need a valid travel signature to return to the U.S. after international travel.

You do not need a travel signature to leave the U.S.

An OISS advisor signs page 2 of your Form I-20.
Travel signatures are valid for:
- Enrolled students: 12 months, or until the Form I-20 end date, whichever comes first.
- OPT/STEM OPT students: 6 months, or until the employment authorization end date, whichever comes first.
Submit the Travel Signature eForm in MyOISS.
- Allow 3–5 business days for processing.
- If you have F-2 dependents, they will receive updated travel signatures when you request yours.

J-1 Students

Required Documents:

Valid passport
- Valid for at least six months beyond your date of re-entry.
Valid Form DS-2019 with a valid travel signature/endorsement issued within the past 12 months.
Valid J-1 visa stamp
- Canadian citizens do not need a J-1 visa to enter the U.S.
- If your visa has expired, you must renew it at a U.S. embassy or consulate before returning to the U.S.

Recommended Documents:

Proof of financial support
Proof of enrollment or academic activity at MSU

Students on Academic Training should also carry:

Academic Training authorization letter
Employment verification letter

After You Return to the U.S.:

Download your most recent Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record [link] and confirm it shows:
- Class of Admission: J-1
- Admit Until Date: D/S (Duration of Status)

If your I-94 contains incorrect information, contact OISS

Travel Signature or Endorsement

A travel signature or endorsement confirms that you are maintaining your immigration status. You need a valid travel signature to return to the U.S. after international travel.

You do not need a travel signature to leave the U.S.

An OISS advisor signs your Form DS-2019.
Travel signatures are valid for 12 months, or until the Form DS-2019 end date, whichever comes first.
Submit the Travel Signature eForm in MyOISS.
Allow 3–5 business days for processing.
If you have J-2 dependents, they will receive updated travel signatures when you request yours.

Travel to Other Countries

Travel requirements vary by country.

It is your responsibility to understand the entry requirements for every country you plan to visit.

You may need a visa or other travel document issued by the country you are visiting.

OISS cannot advise on visa requirements or application procedures for countries outside of the U.S.

Travel within the U.S.

When traveling within the U.S., carry:

Valid passport
Valid Form I-20 (F-1 students) or Form DS-2019 (J-1 students)
Most recent Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

You do not need:

Valid visa
Valid travel signature

Travel within the U.S. includes travel to Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands

Automatic Visa Revalidation

Automatic Visa Revalidation allows certain F-1 and J-1 students with an expired U.S. visa to re-enter the U.S. after a trip of 30 days or less to Canada, Mexico, or certain adjacent islands.

Automatic Visa Revalidation does not require you to apply for a new U.S. visa.

You may be eligible if you:

Are maintaining valid F-1 or J-1 status
Travel only to Canada, Mexico, or eligible adjacent island
Remain outside of the U.S. for 30 days or less
Meet all other Automatic Visa Revalidation requirements

Review the official guidance from the U.S. Department of State.