Travel with I-20 or OPT/STEM OPT
Travel Documents
If you plan to travel outside of the United States and reenter, you need a travel signature on your I-20.
To request an I-20 with updated travel signature please email hala.alkasm@cooper.edu
Due to COVID-19, designated school officials (DSOs) can electronically send signed Forms I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status," to students via email addresses listed in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) instead of physically mailing forms.
Student |
Validity/Length |
Enrolled F-1 Student (I-20) |
A travel signature on page 2 of your I-20 is valid for 12 months or until the program end date on the I-20, whichever comes first. |
F-1 Post-Completion and STEM/OPT Student (I-20) |
A travel signature on page 2 of your I-20 is valid for 6 months or until the expiration date of the EAD, whichever comes first. |
In order to reenter the U.S., the following documents are required:
- Passport, valid at least six months after your date of entry into the U.S.
- Valid visa (some exceptions exist for travel to Canada, Mexico, and adjacent islands. See information about Automatic Visa Revalidation or renewing F-1 visa info here.
-
I-20 signed for travel in the past 12 months
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If you are currently on OPT, your EAD card
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If you are currently on OPT, proof of employment is required if you are able to provide it (this can be a letter from your employer stating that you are currently employed, an offer letter if you have not yet started the employment, and/or pay stubs)
Do not pack the above documents in your luggage.
Carry them with you at all times. The following documents are also helpful in verifying your activities as an F-1 entering the U.S. if an immigration official questions your student visa status, and therefore are also recommended for travel but not required.
- Transcript of coursework (See your Self Service account to print an unofficial transcript)
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Financial certification (bank statement, assistantship letter, etc.)
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I-901 SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt
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Printout of current and future enrollment (your class schedule)
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If you are on OPT or CPT, a letter from an employer acknowledging the travel and your salary amount.