Travel Guide
Students who intend to travel internationally must have a valid travel signature to return to the U.S. Please complete the Travel Signature Request Form prior to leaving to obtain a new travel signature. Per the guidance provided by the Department of Homeland Security, we are able to provide the I-20 via email, then student can print it. The validity of the travel signature is based on whether you are studying or if on OPT/OPT STEM Extension, which is why you can review the duration of validity and additional documentation required below. We also offer web resources provided by the U.S. government regarding travel and driving distances to cities in Ohio and the U.S.
Current International Students: Documentation Required
Students on OPT and OPT STEM Extension: Documentation Required
Traveling to U.S. Border Countries
Web Resources to Use before Traveling
Driving Distances to Cities in Ohio and the U.S.
Current International Students: Documentation Required
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Form I-20 or DS-2019 with a valid travel signature—the signature must be dated within 1 year of the date you intend to reenter the U.S.
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Valid Passport (valid for at least 6 months into the future date of re-entry)
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Valid U.S. Visa (exceptions to Canada/Mexico/Islands for 30 days or less)
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Recommended: Proof of enrollment such as your class registration for the current or upcoming semester
If your visa has expired and you plan to leave the U.S., you need to apply for a new visa at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy abroad, so plan your time accordingly. Contact the U.S. Consulate or Embassy if you need information on the required documentation. It is always recommended to apply for a visa in your home country if possible.
Students on OPT and OPT STEM Extension: Documentation Required
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Form I-20 or DS-2019 with a valid travel signature—the signature must be dated within 6 months of the date you intend to reenter the U.S.
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Valid Passport (valid for at least 6 months into the future date of re-entry)
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Valid U.S. Visa (exceptions to Canada/Mexico/Islands for 30 days or less)
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Recommended: Employment offer letter and any pay stubs, if applicable
If your visa has expired and you plan to leave the U.S., you need to apply for a new visa at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy abroad, so plan your time accordingly. Contact the U.S. Consulate or Embassy if you need information on the required documentation. It is always recommended to apply for a visa in your home country if possible.
Traveling to U.S. Border Countries
If you are interested in visiting other countries, check to see if the country or countries require you to obtain a visa (i.e. transit or visitor visa). For F visa holders with an expired visa, you are still able to travel to Canada or Mexico and reenter the U.S. without issue as long as you only travel to Canada or Mexico.
Web Resources to Use before Traveling
Driving Distances to Cities in Ohio and the U.S.
Cities in Ohio (Driving distance from Kent):
Cities in the United States (Driving distance from Kent):