Reminders ...

*** Remember to have your I-20 signed with-in 6 months of the date you expect to travel back into the U.S.
*** Travel signatures can be obtained at the ISSO. Simply drop off your I-20 at the ISSO and we will have the document signed for travel within one work day.

F-1 Visa Holders Re-entering the U.S.

F-1 Visa holders should be able to present the following documents re-entering the U.S.:

  • Passport and original Form I-94 card (you will be giving your original I-94 card to authorized personnel at your point of departure from the United States (border or airport) in all locations except Canada and Mexico).

  • SEVIS Form I-20 with a travel endorsement signature that is no more than six months old.

  • For your return to the United States, you will also need a valid F-1 Entry Visa Stamp in your passport (see section on visa renewal if needed).

  • Brandeis ID Card

F-1 Students on post-completion OPT should have the following documents when re-entering the U.S.:

  • SEVIS Form I-20 with a travel endorsement signature that is no more than six months old.

  • OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD, also known as OPT Card ).

  • Letter from your employer to prove that you have a job to resume when you return to the US or an offer letter to show that you will begin a job upon your return to the US.

  • Valid passport and new Form I-94 card. You will be giving your current I-94 card to authorized personnel at your point of departure from the United States (border or airport) in all locations except Canada and Mexico. You will receive a new I-94 card at the port of entry. Make sure before you leave Customs upon your return that the visa officer has marked F-1 D/S on your I-94 card. If you enter the U.S. as a tourist or on any other visa status, it will interrupt your F-1 status and invalidate your OPT.

  • Valid F-1 Entry Visa Stamp in your passport (see section on visa renewal if needed).

  • Brandeis ID Card