The International Services Office is here to assist our international students in acclimating to campus life, maintaining valid immigration status, and taking advantage of immigration benefits.
Advisors are available by appointment. Contact an advisor.
Know your Documents
- Passport: Must be valid at all times. We recommend that you begin the passport renewal process at least 6 months prior to its expiration date.
- Visa: You can remain in the United States with an expired visa, as long as you have a valid passport and active I-20/DS-2019 program dates. The visa is just your ticket to request entry into the United States. If you travel internationally with an expired visa, you will need to renew it before you can re-enter the United States.
- I-20/DS-2019: You need to ensure you are within the program start and end dates (listed on page 1 of I-20/DS-2019), unless you are on OPT/STEM OPT (listed on page 2 of I-20), you are on Academic Training (listed on page 1 of DS-2019), or you are in the grace period (60 days for F-1 students; 30 days for J-1 students) following your program end date/OPT end date/STEM OPT end date/Academic Training end date. If you need an extension on your program end date, please submit the Program Extension request through the ISO portal at least 30 days prior to your current program end date.
- I-94: Shows your last entry to the United States and the status you entered in. You should download your new I-94 each time you re-enter the United States, and you should carry your I-94 with your other immigration documents.
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD card): OPT and STEM OPT students will have an EAD card with their work authorization dates. These students should carry their EAD card, particularly when traveling internationally. Our office recommends that you travel with proof of employment, such as a job offer letter or pay stub, as well.
Traveling Internationally?
F-1 and J-1 students (including exchange students)
Be sure to request a travel signature through the ISO portal at least two weeks prior to your departure date. You will need to upload scans of your passport/visa and enter your travel dates. An advisor will review your request and send you an email to arrange a physical or digital travel signature.
J-1 scholars
Please email your ISO advisor to request a copy of the J-1 travel form. You will need to fill the form and email it back to your advisor, along with scans of your passport, visa, and DS-2019. An advisor will review your request and send you an email to arrange a physical or digital travel signature.