Student Travel

The INS recently cautioned that there is a heightened state of alert, and hence a heightened scrutiny of applicants for admission, at all ports and for all types of visa holders. Nevertheless, the INS stated that there have been no substantive changes to the law regarding admission of students studying in F and M status. The INS reiterated its long-standing procedures for admitting students on F and M visas. In order to be admitted to the U.S. in F or M status, a student must have the following documents:

• A valid passport
• A valid student visa (F-1 or M-1), if necessary
• A current Form I-20. The form must be signed by a school official each time it is used to travel outside the U.S.
• Proof of financial support

When preparing to travel outside the U.S. as a student, please keep in mind the following:

• Any substantive changes in a course of study or place of study necessitates a new Form I-20
• You must continue to be a full-time student in order to maintain F-1 or M-1 status

Full text of this memo (PDF/10 kb, 1 page)