Travel, I-20, and F-1 Visa
If you are planning international travel in the coming weeks, be aware that US federal travel restrictions are evolving and could impact some international citizens' ability to re-enter the country. ISS continues to closely monitor developments and is committed to keeping our international students informed and will provide updates as new information becomes available.
Entering or Re-Entering the US
Please keep in mind that when entering or returning to the United States, the federal government may detain you at the border to conduct a search or to ask questions. The American Civil Liberties Union has published this helpful document(Opens in a new window) regarding your rights at US ports of entry. As that document explains, the most important considerations to keep in mind are to stay calm when interacting with federal officials, never to flee from an immigration checkpoint, and to ensure that any information or documentation you provide is truthful and accurate.
Categories
- Travel Documents Checklist
- I-20 and Travel Signature
- F-1 Visa
- Passport
- Travel During OPT
- Travel to and Within the US (Including Puerto Rico)
- Invitation Letters
Travel Documents Checklist
Read below to find out what documents you need to enter the US in F-1 status. Note: The following information applies to continuing students, returning students, and alumni on OPT. The Undergraduate Admissions page has information for accepted and entering international students.
For Continuing and Returning Students
Documents Required to Enter the US
You must present physical copies of the documents listed below. Digital images of your documents on your phone or other device are not acceptable for travel purposes. Keep all of the following documents in your carry-on bag:
- Your passport, valid for at least six months into the future.
- Printed copy of your most recent I-20 with your original (ink) signature, signed for travel on page 2 within one year of travel date. Read about how to request a new I-20 with an updated travel signature.
- A valid F-1 visa.* If your F-1 visa has expired or will expire while you are traveling, you must apply for a new F-1 visa at a US consulate or embassy in your home country before traveling to the US. Read about how to apply for a new F-1 visa.
- A printed copy of the I-901 (SEVIS) fee(Opens in a new window) payment receipt for your current SEVIS ID number. (Recommended)
- Printed copies of the financial documents you used to request your I-20. (Recommended)
- Proof of your connection to Berklee (Certificate of Enrollment (Opens in a new window)or Transcript)
- We also suggest that all international students confirm and update their emergency contact information by going to my.berklee.edu and clicking on Emergency Information under the My Profile section.
*Canadian and Bermudian citizens: Note that you are not required to apply for an F-1 visa. However, you will need to present your passport, I-20, I-901 SEVIS fee receipt, and supporting financial documentation at the US port of entry in order to be admitted to the US in F-1 status.
For Alumni on Post-Completion OPT
Documents Required to Enter the US
You must present physical copies of the documents listed below. Digital images of your documents on your phone or other device are not acceptable for travel purposes.
| USCIS-PENDING | USCIS-APPROVED | |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | ✔ | ✔ |
| Valid F-1 visa | ✔* | ✔* |
| OPT I-20 (signed for travel on page 2 within six months of travel date) | ✔ | ✔ |
| I-797C Notice of Receipt | ✔ | |
| I-797 Notice of Approval | ✔** | |
| EAD | ✔** | |
| Proof of employment or upcoming job interview | ✔ | |
*Canadian and Bermudian citizens do not need an F-1 visa in their passport to enter the US.
**If you are outside of the US when your OPT is approved, you may print out the scanned image of your EAD card to enter the US. If you don't have a scanned image of your EAD card, bring a printed copy of your I-20 showing the approved OPT status on page 2 and a printed copy of your I-797 Notice of Approval.
Important
- Read about how to request a new I-20 with an updated travel signature.
- Go to the Travel During OPT section for important travel information.
For Alumni on STEM OPT
Documents Required to Enter the US
You must present physical copies of the documents listed below. Digital images of your documents on your phone or other device are not acceptable for travel purposes.
| USCIS-PENDING | USCIS-APPROVED | |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | ✔ | ✔ |
| Valid F-1 visa | ✔* | ✔* |
| STEM OPT I-20 (signed for travel on page 2 within six months of travel date) | ✔ | ✔ |
| I-797C Notice of Receipt | ✔ | |
| I-797 Notice of Approval | ✔** | |
| STEM OPT EAD | ✔** | |
| Form I-983 Training Plan | ✔*** | ✔*** |
*Canadian and Bermudian citizens do not need an F-1 visa in their passport to enter the US.
**If you are outside of the US when your OPT is approved, you may print out the scanned image of your EAD card to enter the US If you don't have a scanned image of your EAD card, bring a printed copy of your I-20 showing the approved OPT status on page 2 and a printed copy of your I-797 Notice of Approval.
***A printed copy of your I-983 Training Plan is sufficient proof of employment; you may also bring a letter from your employer if you wish.
Important
- Read about how to request a new I-20 with an updated travel signature.
- Go to the Travel During OPT section for important travel information.
I-20 and Travel Signature
Note: The information below applies to continuing students and alumni on OPT. The Undergraduate Admissions page has information for accepted and entering international students.
How do I get a new I-20 with an updated travel signature?
Check Your I-20 Travel Signature
Before requesting a new I-20 with an updated travel signature, make sure you have your most recent I-20 and check the travel signature on page 2. The date written next to the travel signature is when the travel signature was issued.
- Continuing students: you need a new I-20 with an updated travel signature if the signature will be more than one year (12 months) old on the date of your return to the US.
- Alumni on OPT: you need a new I-20 with an updated travel signature if the signature will be more than six months old on the date of your return to the US.
How to Request a New I-20 With an Updated Travel Signature
Complete the I-20 Travel Signature Request form below. Once your request is approved, ISS will scan and email your new, signed I-20 to your Berklee email address within 10 business days. You must print out the I-20, sign it, and use the physical copy to enter the US—a digital copy on your phone or other device is not acceptable for travel purposes. We will email you if we need more information before we can approve your request.
Request a new I-20 with an updated travel signature(Opens in a new window) (login required)
How long is the travel signature on my I-20 valid?
For entering, returning, and continuing students: the travel signature is valid for one year (12 months) from the signature date. You need a new I-20 with an updated travel signature if the signature will be more than one year old on the date of your return to the US.
For alumni with USCIS-pending or -approved OPT: the travel signature is valid for six months from the signature date. You need a new I-20 with an updated travel signature if the signature will be more than six months old on the date of your return to the US. (Note: the I-20 and travel signature are only valid if your OPT application is pending with or approved by USCIS.)
Can I use an image of my I-20 on my phone to enter the US?
No. You must print your I-20, sign it by hand in ink, and show the physical paper copy to the immigration official when you enter the US. A digital copy on your phone or other device is not acceptable for travel purposes.
What should I do if I lost or forgot my I-20?
ISS can issue a new I-20 and email it to you. Complete the online form below to request a replacement I-20. You do not need to submit any additional documents for a replacement.
Once your request is approved, ISS will scan and email your new, signed I-20 to your Berklee email address within 10 business days. You must print out the I-20, sign it, and use the physical copy to enter the US (a digital copy on your phone or other device is not acceptable for travel purposes).
We will email you if we need more information before we can approve your request.
Request a replacement I-20(Opens in a new window) (login required)
When does my I-20 expire?
Your I-20 expiration date is the same as the program end date, shown in the "Program of Study" section on page 1 of your I-20. The program end date is the date you are expected to complete all graduation requirements for your academic program. If it takes you less time to complete your program, the date will be updated to match the last day of the semester during which you complete all program requirements. If you need more time to complete your program, you must request an extension at least two weeks before the program end date shown on your I-20. Go to the Extend Your I-20 page to learn how to request an extension.
How do I get an I-20 extension if I need more time to complete my program?
Go to the Extend Your I-20 page and follow the instructions to request an extension.
F-1 Visa
Is it okay if my visa expires while I’m in the US?
Yes. An F-1 visa is a travel permit that allows you to request permission to enter the US as an F-1 student at the U.S. port of entry. The visa does not need to remain valid while you are in the US. The F-1 visa might expire before your status expires, or your status might end before your visa expires. The length of time you are permitted to stay in the US is not related to the F-1 visa expiration date; it is determined by your I-20 program end date and maintaining your F-1 status.
You need to apply for a new F-1 visa only if you will travel to the US after the expiration date printed on your F-1 visa, or if your visa will expire while you are outside of the US.
Note that Canadian and Bermudian citizens do not need an F-1 visa to enter the US, but they do need a valid I-20 from Berklee.
Can I apply for or renew my visa while I'm in the US?
No. Visas are only issued by US consulates and embassies abroad. It is neither possible nor necessary to renew your visa while you are in the US However, if you leave the US after your visa has expired, you must apply for a new F-1 visa in your home country before you can re-enter the US.
You need to apply for a new F-1 visa only if you will travel to the US after the expiration date printed on your F-1 visa, or if your visa will expire while you are outside of the US.
Note that Canadian and Bermudian citizens do not need an F-1 visa to enter the US, but they do need a valid I-20 from Berklee.
How do I apply for or renew my F-1 visa?
Note: Applying for an F-1 visa will take several weeks. Although applicants for F-1 visas are given priority for visa interview appointments, you must consider the time it will take to process your visa and return your passport to you. Check the visa appointment wait times for each US embassy/consulate(Opens in a new window).
How to Apply for an F-1 Visa
- Visit USEmbassy.gov(Opens in a new window) to locate the US consulate or embassy that serves the area where you live.
- Follow the instructions on the website of your local US consulate or embassy to schedule an interview for your F-1 visa. Typically, visa interviews are scheduled through USTravelDocs.com(Opens in a new window).
- Verify the required application documents and application procedures on the website of your local US consulate or embassy where will have your visa interview.
- Complete the online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application Form DS-160(Opens in a new window) and pay the visa application fee. Make sure to print your payment receipt and DS-160 confirmation page.
After your visa interview, you can track the status of your visa application(Opens in a new window).
What documents should I bring to my visa interview?
Be sure to verify the required application documents and application procedures on the website of your local US consulate or embassy where will have your visa interview.
For All Students and Alumni on OPT
The following documents are typically required:
- Your Berklee I-20, printed and signed by you on page 1. We recommend that you also bring any previously issued I-20s.
- Continuing students: make sure the travel signature on page 2 has been issued within the last 12 months.
- Alumni on OPT: on page 2, make sure the travel signature has been issued within the last six months and your OPT authorization status, start date, and end date are accurate.
- A printout of your I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt(Opens in a new window) for your current SEVIS ID number.
- Your passport, valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.
- Proof of ties to your home country. Examples include:
- Official letters, issued by a bank or other governing bodies, proving that you or your family own a business.
- Deeds or papers showing that you or your family own property.
- If you or your family have made numerous visits to the US, passports (even expired ones) that prove that you or your family have returned home after each visit.
- Proof of membership in a professional organization.
- A letter from a prospective employer stating that a position may be offered to you upon your return or that professionals with your academic qualifications are needed.
- A letter from your current employer stating that you will resume work with them after your time in the U.S.
For Continuing Students Only
In addition to items 1–4, the following documents are typically required:
- Your official Berklee or Conservatory transcript. Read about how to request a transcript for Berklee College of Music students or for Boston Conservatory at Berklee students.
- A Verification of Enrollment letter(Opens in a new window) issued by the Registrar's Office.
- Financial documents to prove that you have access to the required financial resources to support your academic and living expenses in the US.
- The minimum amount you must document is shown on page 1 of your I-20.
- Financial documents should be dated within six months of your visa interview date.
- Documents can include bank statements, bank letters, scholarship award letters, etc.
- An Affidavit of Support must accompany all financial documentation that is not from your own personal account.
For Alumni on USCIS-Approved Post-Completion OPT Only
Note: you must wait until your post-completion OPT application has been approved by USCIS before applying for a new F-1 visa. Read more in the Travel During OPT section.
In addition to items 1–4, the following documents are typically required:
- Your current, valid EAD (a digital copy on your device or printout of the scanned image is not acceptable). ISS can mail your EAD to you if it is issued while you are outside the US.
- Proof of employment or upcoming job interview. You must show that you have a reason to return to the US to begin or resume your OPT. Examples include the following:
- Contracts or letters from your employer(s) confirming your employment dates (the end date should be in the future).
- If you are self-employed: contracts or letters showing that you have future employment obligations in the US.
- Publicity for upcoming gigs (print copies of venue advertisements or ask the venue to write a letter confirming your booking date).
- Recommended: financial documents demonstrating that you have access to additional financial support. Financial documents can include bank statements or letters and should be dated within six months of your visa interview date. An Affidavit of Support must accompany all financial documentation that is not from your own personal bank account.
For Alumni With USCIS-Pending or -Approved STEM OPT Only
In addition to items 1–4, the following documents are typically required:
- If your STEM OPT is pending with USCIS: you will not yet have a valid STEM OPT EAD; you may instead bring a printed copy of your I-797 Notice of Receipt showing that your STEM OPT application was filed in a timely manner.
- If your STEM OPT has been approved by USCIS: bring your current, valid EAD (a digital copy on your device or printout of the scanned image is not acceptable). ISS can mail your EAD to you if it is issued while you are outside the U.S.
- Proof of employment: a printed copy of your completed and signed Form I-983 is sufficient. You may also bring a contract or signed letter from your employer if you wish.
My F-1 visa is valid, but it has my old school's information on it. Do I need to apply for a new visa?
It depends. You do not need to apply for a new F-1 visa if you used it to enter the US in F-1 status in the past, even if you have been outside the US for more than five months and/or if it shows a different school name or SEVIS ID number. Make sure the visa expiration date is after the date you plan to enter the US.
You do need to get a new F-1 visa if you have a valid F-1 visa with old information on it (previous SEVIS ID number, school name, etc.) but you never used it to enter the US.
Can I travel to Canada or Mexico with an expired F-1 visa and return to the US in F-1 status using automatic revalidation?
Yes. An F-1 visa holder may be permitted to enter the US with an expired F-1 visa. This is called automatic revalidation(Opens in a new window). While this exception will allow citizens of some countries to return to the US in F-1 status with an expired F-1 visa, it does not renew or extend your F-1 visa.
Who Can Use Automatic Revalidation
Students in F-1 status who spend less than 30 days in one of the following countries can use automatic revalidation: Canada, Mexico, Saint Pierre, Miquelon, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, the Windward and Leeward Islands, Trinidad, Martinique, and other British, French, and Dutch territories or possessions in or bordering on the Caribbean Sea (except Cuba).
Who Cannot Use Automatic Revalidation
As of 2015, citizens of Iran, Syria, Sudan, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea are not eligible to re-enter the US using automatic revalidation.
You cannot use automatic revalidation if you choose to apply for a new F-1 visa during your visit to one of the countries where automatic revalidation is permitted. In this case, you may not re-enter the US until the new visa is issued.
How to Use Automatic Revalidation
Print out this information sheet from ISS, which includes the regulatory citation as well as a list of documents you should carry with you. Keep the information sheet and the recommended documents in your carry-on bag. You may show these to an airline or immigration official if requested.
Passport
Should I inform ISS if I get a new passport?
Yes. Please email an image of the biographical page of your passport (the page(s) with your photo and passport expiration date) to iss@berklee.edu.
Do I need a new I-20 or new F-1 visa when I get a new passport?
No. You do not need a new I-20 or new F-1 visa when you get a new passport. When you travel, bring both your new passport and your old passport with your valid F-1 visa in it.
Is it okay if my passport expires while I’m in the US? How do I renew it?
Your passport should be valid for at least six months into the future. You should not allow it to expire while you are in the US.
If necessary, you can renew your passport from within the US. Contact your country’s embassy or consulate in the US to inquire about the process for renewing your passport. An up-to-date list of diplomatic missions in the US is on the CIA World Factbook website(Opens in a new window) (press CMD + F and type your country's name in the search box).
Official information from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program can be found on the SEVP Travel and Re-entry: F Visa page(Opens in a new window).
My passport was lost/stolen. What should I do?
Report Your Passport as Lost or Stolen
Report your lost or stolen passport to both Berklee Public Safety and the Boston Police Department. First, visit Berklee Public Safety or complete the online form to report the incident. Next, contact or visit Public Safety, and ask them to direct you to the nearest Boston Police Department location to file a report. By reporting the incident, your contact information will be on file if your passport is found and returned to a police station. You may also need to provide a report to your local embassy or consulate.
Report Your F-1 Visa as Lost or Stolen
If your valid F-1 visa was in your lost/stolen passport: you must report your F-1 visa as lost or stolen. Email the consular section of the US embassy or consulate(Opens in a new window) outside the U.S. that issued your visa. In your email, include your full name, date of birth, place of birth, address in the US, and an email address. State whether the visa was lost or stolen. If you have a copy of the passport or visa, scan and email this to the embassy or consulate (you can request a copy from iss@berklee.edu). Otherwise, if known, report the category of visa (F-1) and the passport number from the lost or stolen visa. Your lost or stolen visa will be canceled and invalid for future use.
How to Get a Replacement Passport
Contact your country’s embassy or consulate in the US to determine their procedures for replacing a lost or stolen passport. An up-to-date list of diplomatic missions in the US is on the CIA World Factbook website(Opens in a new window) (you can press CMD + F and type your country name in the search box). You can get a replacement passport from within the US.
Replacing Your F-1 Visa
Lost or stolen visas cannot be replaced in the US. If you travel outside the US, you will need to apply for a new F-1 visa in your home country to re-enter the US. In addition to the required documents, you may need to bring the police report and a written statement documenting the loss of your passport and visa.
Visit the US Department of State website(Opens in a new window) for more information about lost or stolen travel documents.
Travel During OPT
Do I still need an I-20 to travel during OPT?
Yes. When ISS recommends OPT in your SEVIS record, your requested OPT start and end dates will appear in the "Employment Authorizations" section on page 2 of your I-20. This effectively extends the validity of your I-20, but only if your OPT application is pending with or approved by USCIS. The program end date on page 1 of your I-20 will match the last day of the semester during which you completed all of your graduation requirements.
If the USCIS-approved OPT start and end dates are different from the requested dates, ISS will issue a new I-20 to you with the updated USCIS-approved dates. Typically this updated I-20 is issued to you along with your EAD.
Review the Travel Documents Checklist to make sure you have everything you need to enter the US.
Can I travel while my OPT is pending with USCIS?
Yes. You may exit and re-enter the US in F-1 status while your application is pending with USCIS. However, there are some important points you should consider before making the decision to travel:
- If you are outside the US and your application is rejected or denied, it may not be possible for you to return to begin or resume your OPT. While ISS has a rigorous protocol in place to support the success of your OPT application, ultimately it is your responsibility to make sure that your OPT application is correct, complete, and received by USCIS within the required time frame.
- If you choose to travel while your application is pending, be sure that you are monitoring your Berklee email and USCIS Case Status online(Opens in a new window). Contact ISS right away if there is a problem with your OPT application.
- Post-Completion OPT: if you depart the US during your 60-day grace period without having submitted your OPT application to USCIS, your F-1 status ends and you are no longer eligible for OPT.
- STEM OPT: you must submit your STEM OPT application to USCIS before your post-completion OPT authorization end date.
Can I renew my F-1 visa during my OPT?
In general, yes. However, when you can apply for a new F-1 visa depends on your OPT type and whether your application is pending with or approved by USCIS.
Note: passport holders of Canada or Bermuda are not required to apply for an F-1 visa; entry to the US will be processed as an F-1 visa holder based on your I-20 and EAD.
Post-Completion OPT: you must wait to apply for a new F-1 visa until your OPT application is approved by USCIS and you have your current, valid EAD (a digital image on your device or printout of the scanned image is not acceptable). You should also be sure that you have sufficient proof of employment to present during your visa interview to demonstrate that you have a reason to return to the US to begin your OPT. Go to the F-1 Visa section to review the visa application process and list of documents to bring to your interview.
STEM OPT: you may apply for a new F-1 visa while your OPT application is pending with USCIS or after it has been approved. Go to the F-1 Visa section to review the visa application process and list of documents to bring to your interview.
What do I need to know before I travel during my USCIS-approved OPT period?
Travel outside the US is permitted between your USCIS-approved OPT or STEM OPT start and end dates as long as you have not exceeded the maximum unemployment time allowed under OPT or STEM OPT. Review the unemployment regulations for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT (login required).
Re-entering the US in a status other than F-1 (such as tourist or with the ESTA(Opens in a new window)) will invalidate your F-1 status and cancel your OPT authorization.
Should I subtract time spent outside of the US from my allowed unemployment time?
It depends on where your employer/freelance clients are based.
- SEVP is temporarily allowing students on OPT to maintain their OPT by working remotely for a US-based company or freelance clients. Your employer and/or freelance clients must be physically based inside the US for your work to qualify as OPT employment.
- Work performed for non-US–based entities does not count toward your OPT employment time.
- Unfortunately, the regulations regarding unemployment time post-completion OPT or STEM OPT (login required) have not changed. Your OPT authorization will be canceled if you reach your maximum unemployment time.
Travel to and Within the US (Including Puerto Rico)
I want to travel from the US to a location outside of my home country. What do I need to know?
Immigration regulations are different for every country. The regulations that apply to you are determined by the relationship between your country of citizenship and the country you plan to visit. ISS cannot advise students on visa requirements for other countries.
Before you travel, verify whether citizens of your country are required to have a visa or other kind of travel document to enter. Also, review the travel document checklist to make sure that you have all the documents required to re-enter the US in F-1 status.
Find out if you need a visa to visit Canada(Opens in a new window), Spain(Opens in a new window), the United Kingdom(Opens in a new window), or Mexico(Opens in a new window).
What do I need to know before traveling to another city or state within the US?
You do not need special documents to travel within the US. However, we recommend that you carry your valid passport, most recent valid I-20, and your F-1 visa with you. This is particularly true while traveling through states bordering Mexico or Canada, as immigration officers have the authority to request immigration documents from anyone within 100 miles of a US port of entry.
Students on USCIS-approved post-completion OPT or STEM OPT should also carry their EAD; students with USCIS-pending post-completion OPT should bring a copy of their I-797 Notice of Receipt.
Do I need a visa to visit Puerto Rico?
No, you do not need a valid F-1 visa to travel to Puerto Rico unless your travel plans include entry to any other country en route to Puerto Rico. However, we recommend that you carry your valid passport, most recent valid I-20, and your F-1 visa with you in a safe place.
Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, which means that it is neither a separate country nor a US state. The primary difference between a territory and a state is that residents of a territory cannot vote in US presidential elections and do not have their own representatives in the US Congress. For travel purposes, however, traveling to Puerto Rico is just like traveling to New York, California, or any other US state.
My family wants to visit me in the US. Can ISS write an invitation letter for their visa application?
No, ISS cannot issue an invitation letter. The US Department of State has let us know that invitation letters from colleges and universities do not affect the outcome of a visa application. However, you can write an invitation letter yourself and provide additional documents that will help support their visa application:
- Write a short, informal invitation letter. Include your name, address, contact information, the dates and purpose of the visit, and what activities you have planned while your family member is visiting you.
- Provide proof of your enrollment with either your official Berklee transcript or a Verification of Enrollment Letter. Read about how to request a transcript for Berklee College of Music students or for Boston Conservatory at Berklee students.
- Provide your family member with a copy of your I-20 (signed by you) and other documents verifying your status in the US, such as a copy of your F-1 visa and/or your electronic I-94(Opens in a new window).
- Remind your family member to check the specific visitor visa requirements for the US embassy or consulate(Opens in a new window) in their home country.