You and your dependents are permitted to leave the U.S. and re-enter in your same status providing you have the proper documentation listed above.

• If you are not traveling to your home country you should check the requirements of the country you are visiting. Some countries will require a visa. You may also need an in-transit visa for countries where you are making a connecting flight. Most countries have immigration websites that provide visa information.
• More Information

• F-2 Dependents

  • Entry requirements for any dependents are essentially the same as for the principal F-1 visa holder
  • Each dependent must carry his/her original Form I-20.
  • If traveling separately from the principal F-1 visa holder, F-2 dependents should also carry a photocopy of the F-1 visa holder's visa, Form I-94 and Form I-20.

• Extended Stays Outside the U.S.

  • If you will be outside of the U.S. for more than five months, you will be required to get a new Form I-20 from International Services prior to returning to the U.S.
  • Regulations state that a stay outside the U.S. for five months is considered a break in F-1 status.

• Third Country Travel

  • When traveling to a third country (a country other than the U.S. or your home country), you are responsible for knowing whether you need an entry visa for that country.
  • Canada—Persons from many countries are required to obtain a Canadian entry visa when entering Canada from the United States. Visas may be obtained from the Canadian Consulate General. Consult the Canadian Consulate for visa regulations concerning your country before making travel arrangements.
  • Mexico—Tourist cards or visas may be required for travel to Mexico.

• Pending Applications for Immigration Benefits or Changes in Status

  • If you have a pending application for immigration benefits or for a change in non-immigrant status, you will most likely need Advance Parole to re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad.
  • We recommend that you do not leave the U.S. with a pending application until you have consulted an immigration attorney and understand all of the requirements to keep that application. Leaving the U.S. can be seen as abandoning that application.
  • More Information

• Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)

  • Required Documents

    • Your Form I-20 must be endorsed within the past six months on page 2.
    • When you have applied for OPT but not yet received your EAD, travel with your original receipt notice issued by the Nebraska Service Center confirming your request for OPT.

    • For travel after receiving your EAD:

      • Take your EAD card
      • Letter from employer confirming that you are employed or have been offered employment

  • General guidance:

    • If you have both an EAD for OPT and a job or job offer, you should not experience difficulty reentering the United States.
    • If either of these two conditions is missing, then you are assuming risk when you travel.
  • You may not reenter during the 60-day grace period after completing your program or OPT.
  • If you require a new visa, there is no guarantee that you will be readmitted.