Immigration Support
Essential information for maintaining your F-1 or J-1 status, travel requirements, and re-entry procedures.
Maintaining F-1 Status
As an F-1 student, you must maintain your immigration status throughout your stay in the United States. Here are the key requirements:
Travel & Re-entry
Important Principle
All students and scholars sponsored on a nonimmigrant visa must carry appropriate documentation when traveling and re-entering the United States. You can depart the U.S. even without your I-20 or a valid travel signature. However, when re-entering the U.S., you will need a valid visa and must present your I-20 with a valid travel signature.
Never Pack Documents in Checked Luggage
ALWAYS carry your immigration documents in your carry-on bag or personal item. NEVER place immigration documents in checked luggage.
Obtaining a Travel Signature
To obtain a travel signature, visit Drury International Student Services during business hours with your most recent I-20/DS-2019, or submit a request through the webform at least 7 business days before your travel date.
Key Information
- Travel signatures are valid for one year and allow multiple entries.
- Current government guidance allows electronic I-20s to be printed and used for travel.
- Please allow 5-7 business days for processing online requests.
Travel Documents Required
When returning to the U.S. from international travel, enrolled students must carry:
Passport Valid for at Least 6 Months
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months into the future from your date of re-entry. Use only the passport listed on your I-20 for U.S. entry.
Unexpired F-1/J-1 Visa Stamp
Canadian citizens are exempt. If your passport expired but visa is valid, you can travel with two passports from the same country.
Valid I-20/DS-2019 with Current Travel Signature
Travel signatures are valid for one year and allow multiple entries from the date of signature.
Evidence of Financial Resources
Carry recent financial documents aligned with sources listed on your I-20 (bank statements, scholarship letters, etc.).
Evidence of Student Status
A current transcript or enrollment verification letter from MyDrury or the Registrar's Office.
Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR)
Automatic Visa Revalidation allows F-1 and J-1 students to travel to Canada, Mexico, and adjacent islands (excluding Cuba) for 30 days or less and return to the U.S. with an expired visa stamp.
AVR Requirements
- Travel limited to 30 days or less
- Destination: Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands
- Valid I-20 with current travel signature
- Maintain valid F-1 or J-1 status
- No pending visa application abroad
Cannot Use AVR If
- You apply for a new visa while abroad
- Your visa application is denied while abroad
- You're from a State Sponsor of Terrorism country
- You travel to Cuba
Traveling Within the U.S.
For domestic flights and travel within the 50 U.S. states, you need:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID)
You do not need your I-20, visa stamp, or travel signature for domestic travel. Travel to U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam) is considered domestic travel.
Travel for Canadian Citizens
Canadian citizens are exempt from visa requirements but must still maintain proper documentation:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel with an electronic I-20?
Yes. Current U.S. government guidance allows students to print electronically issued I-20s and use them for travel. Print on standard 8.5" x 11" paper, all pages, and consider printing multiple copies as backup.
When do I need to apply for a new visa?
Students with expired visa stamps who travel outside the U.S. must apply for a new visa before returning (Canadian citizens exempt). A visa stamp cannot be renewed from within the U.S.; you must apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.
What is Form I-515A?
If you arrive without all required documentation, CBP may issue Form I-515A. This requires you to submit missing documentation within 30 days. Contact the Office of International Admission immediately if you receive one.
Questions?
Email international@drury.edu or schedule an appointment.